Virginia legal term
Status offender in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Status offender” 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 “Status offender” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Status offender" means a child who commits an act prohibited by law which would not be criminal if committed by an adult. (Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-228)
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.