Virginia criminal charge
Trespass by hunters using dogs in Virginia
Trespass by hunters using dogs is a criminal offense under Virginia law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1. 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. § 18.2-132.1.
What is the penalty for trespass by hunters using dogs in Virginia?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | up to $500 (Trespass by hunters using dogs — first offense — A first violation of intentionally releasing hunting dogs on posted lands of another to hunt without consent of the landowner or agent.; fine only — no jail (§ 18.2-11(c))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
| Jail / prison | up to 12 months (Trespass by hunters using dogs — subsequent offense — A second or subsequent violation of the same offense committed within three years of a prior violation.) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Trespass by hunters using dogs — subsequent offense — A second or subsequent violation of the same offense committed within three years of a prior violation.; either or both with confinement (§ 18.2-11(a))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
Applies to current.
How is trespass by hunters using dogs classified in Virginia?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trespass by hunters using dogs — first offense | Class 3 Misdemeanor | A first violation of intentionally releasing hunting dogs on posted lands of another to hunt without consent of the landowner or agent. | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1undefined |
| Trespass by hunters using dogs — subsequent offense | Class 1 Misdemeanor | A second or subsequent violation of the same offense committed within three years of a prior violation. | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1undefined |
Common questions about trespass by hunters using dogs in Virginia
Is trespass by hunters using dogs a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
It depends on the circumstances: trespass by hunters using dogs ranges from a class 3 misdemeanor to a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1.
Trespass by hunters using dogs — first offense: class 3 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1) · Trespass by hunters using dogs — subsequent offense: class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1)
What are the penalties for trespass by hunters using dogs in Virginia?
Penalties for trespass by hunters using dogs in Virginia depend on how it is classified — from a class 3 misdemeanor up to a class 1 misdemeanor — with the ranges set by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Virginia statute covers trespass by hunters using dogs?
Trespass by hunters using dogs is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-132.1 (Trespass by hunters using dogs; 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.