Virginia legal term
Computer in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Computer” 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 “Computer” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Computer" means a device that accepts information in digital or similar form and manipulates it for a result based on a sequence of instructions. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.2)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Computer fraud
- Computer invasion of privacy
- Enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations
- Stalking
- Transmission of unsolicited commercial electronic mail (spam)
- False statements to obtain property or credit
- Fraudulent application for credit card
- Harassment by computer
- Personal trespass by computer
- Possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography
- Unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another
- Using a computer to gather identifying information
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.