Virginia legal term
Power of attorney in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Power of attorney” 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 “Power of attorney” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Power of attorney" means a writing or other record that grants authority to an agent to act in the place of the principal, whether or not the term "power of attorney" is used. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-178.2)
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.