Virginia criminal charge
Female genital mutilation in Virginia
Female genital mutilation is a Class 2 Felony under Virginia criminal law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-51.7. As a Class 2 Felony, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Virginia sets for that offense class. Virginia classifies offenses as Class 1 through Class 6 felonies and Class 1 through Class 4 misdemeanors (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-9), with the standard punishment ranges set by §§ 18.2-10 and 18.2-11 — and a substantial number of offenses are unclassified, with the penalty stated in the defining section itself. Traffic infractions are not criminal offenses (§ 18.2-8).
Defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-51.7.
What is the penalty for female genital mutilation in Virginia?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | at least 20 years (imprisonment for life or for any term not less than 20 years) | mandatory | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 |
| Fine | up to $100,000 (only together with imprisonment (§ 18.2-10(g))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 |
Applies to current.
Common questions about female genital mutilation in Virginia
Is female genital mutilation a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Female genital mutilation is a class 2 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-51.7.
What are the penalties for female genital mutilation in Virginia?
As a class 2 felony, female genital mutilation carries imprisonment for life or for any term not less than 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $100,000 (no mandatory minimum) under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 (current).
Which Virginia statute covers female genital mutilation?
Female genital mutilation is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-51.7 (Female genital mutilation; penalty).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.