Virginia legal term
Neglect in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Neglect” 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 “Neglect” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Neglect" means the knowing and willful failure by a responsible person to provide treatment, care, goods, or services which results in injury to the health or endangers the safety of a vulnerable adult. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-369)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.