Virginia criminal charge
First and second degree murder defined in Virginia
First and second degree murder defined is a class 2 felony under Virginia criminal law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-32. 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. § 18.2-32.
What is the penalty for first and second degree murder defined 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 first and second degree murder defined in Virginia
Is first and second degree murder defined a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
What are the penalties for first and second degree murder defined in Virginia?
As a class 2 felony, first and second degree murder defined 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 first and second degree murder defined?
First and second degree murder defined is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-32 (First and second degree murder defined; punishment).
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.