Virginia legal term
Deadly weapon in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Deadly weapon” 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 “Deadly weapon” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Deadly weapon" means any object, other than a body part or stationary object, that in the manner of its actual, attempted, or threatened use is likely to cause serious bodily injury or death. (Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-83.3)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Violation of protective orders
- Violation of provisions of protective orders
- Breaking and entering dwelling house with intent to commit other misdemeanor
- Burglary
- Eligibility for parole
- Entering bank, armed, with intent to commit larceny
- Entering dwelling house, etc., with intent to commit larceny, assault and battery or other felony
- Entering dwelling house, etc., with intent to commit murder, rape, robbery or arson
- Setting spring gun or other deadly weapon
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.