Virginia legal term
Unemancipated minor in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Unemancipated minor” 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 “Unemancipated minor” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Unemancipated minor" means a minor who has not been emancipated by (i) entry into a valid marriage entered into prior to July 1, 2024, or lawfully entered into in another state or country prior to being domiciled in the Commonwealth, even though the marriage may have been terminated by dissolution; (ii) active duty with any of the Armed Forces of the United States; (iii) willingly living separate and apart from his or her parents or guardian, with the consent or acquiescence of the parents or guardian; or (iv) entry of an order of emancipation pursuant to Article 15 (§ 16.1-331 et seq.). (Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-241)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.