Virginia criminal charge
Handling or using snakes so as to endanger human life or health in Virginia
Handling or using snakes so as to endanger human life or health is a class 4 misdemeanor under Virginia criminal law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-313. As a class 4 misdemeanor, 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. § 18.2-313.
What is the penalty for handling or using snakes so as to endanger human life or health in Virginia?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | up to $250 (fine only — no jail (§ 18.2-11(d))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
Applies to current.
Common questions about handling or using snakes so as to endanger human life or health in Virginia
Is handling or using snakes so as to endanger human life or health a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Handling or using snakes so as to endanger human life or health is a class 4 misdemeanor in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-313.
What are the penalties for handling or using snakes so as to endanger human life or health in Virginia?
As a class 4 misdemeanor, handling or using snakes so as to endanger human life or health carries a fine of up to $250 (no mandatory minimum) under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11.
Which Virginia statute covers handling or using snakes so as to endanger human life or health?
Handling or using snakes so as to endanger human life or health is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-313 (Handling or using snakes so as to endanger human life or health).
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.