Virginia legal term
Public official in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Public official” 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 “Public official” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Public official" means any law-enforcement officer, retired or former law-enforcement officer, or attorney for the Commonwealth. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-186.4:1)
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.