Virginia criminal charge
Having in possession forged coin or bank notes in Virginia
Having in possession forged coin or bank notes is a criminal offense under Virginia law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-173. Its classification is not fixed: Virginia assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-173.
What is the penalty for having in possession forged coin or bank notes in Virginia?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 5 years (Possession of ten or more forged notes or coins — Applies when the person possesses ten or more forged bank notes or forged/base coins with intent to utter or employ them as true, or to enable another to do so.; or, at the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both (§ 18.2-10(f))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Possession of ten or more forged notes or coins — Applies when the person possesses ten or more forged bank notes or forged/base coins with intent to utter or employ them as true, or to enable another to do so.; with the jail-confinement alternative under § 18.2-10(f)) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 |
| Fine | up to $500 (Possession of fewer than ten forged notes or coins — Applies when the person possesses fewer than ten forged bank notes or forged/base coins with intent to utter or employ them as true, or to enable another to do so.; fine only — no jail (§ 18.2-11(c))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
Applies to current.
How is having in possession forged coin or bank notes classified in Virginia?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of ten or more forged notes or coins | Class 6 Felony | Applies when the person possesses ten or more forged bank notes or forged/base coins with intent to utter or employ them as true, or to enable another to do so. | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-173undefined |
| Possession of fewer than ten forged notes or coins | Class 3 Misdemeanor | Applies when the person possesses fewer than ten forged bank notes or forged/base coins with intent to utter or employ them as true, or to enable another to do so. | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-173undefined |
Common questions about having in possession forged coin or bank notes in Virginia
Is having in possession forged coin or bank notes a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
It depends on the circumstances: having in possession forged coin or bank notes ranges from a class 3 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-173.
Possession of ten or more forged notes or coins: class 6 felony (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-173) · Possession of fewer than ten forged notes or coins: class 3 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-173)
What are the penalties for having in possession forged coin or bank notes in Virginia?
Which Virginia statute covers having in possession forged coin or bank notes?
Having in possession forged coin or bank notes is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-173 (Having in possession forged coin or bank notes).
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.