Virginia criminal charge
Unlawful change of name in Virginia
Unlawful change of name is a class 3 misdemeanor under Virginia criminal law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-504.1. As a class 3 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. § 18.2-504.1.
What is the penalty for unlawful change of name in Virginia?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | up to $500 (fine only — no jail (§ 18.2-11(c))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
Applies to current.
Common questions about unlawful change of name in Virginia
Is unlawful change of name a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Unlawful change of name is a class 3 misdemeanor in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-504.1.
What are the penalties for unlawful change of name in Virginia?
As a class 3 misdemeanor, unlawful change of name carries a fine of up to $500 (no mandatory minimum) under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11.
Which Virginia statute covers unlawful change of name?
Unlawful change of name is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-504.1 (Unlawful change of name; punishment).
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.