Virginia legal term
Adult in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Adult” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.
What does “Adult” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Adult" means a person 18 years of age or older. (Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-228)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults
- Aiding prostitution or illicit sexual intercourse, etc
- Criminal history record information check required for the transfer of certain firearms
- Using vehicles to promote prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse
- Allowing access to firearms by children
- Commercial sex trafficking
- Compensation of court-appointed counsel
- Financial exploitation by an agent
- Offenses prohibiting entry onto school or other property
- Possession or transportation of firearms, firearms ammunition, stun weapons, explosives or concealed weapons by convicted felons
- Possession, transportation, or purchase of certain firearms by certain persons
- Sentencing proceeding by the jury after conviction
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.