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Virginia statute

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.5:1 — Using a computer to gather identifying information; penalties

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Article 7.1: Computer Crimes, Code of Virginia.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.5:1

Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the text of the Code of Virginia from the official Virginia Law Portal API published by the Virginia General Assembly's Division of Legislative Automated Systems; it is not the official Code of Virginia.

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.5:1Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session
A. It is unlawful for any person, other than a law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 9.1-101 , and acting in the performance of his official duties, to use a computer to obtain, access, or record, through the use of material artifice, trickery or deception, any identifying information, as defined in clauses (iii) through (xiii) of subsection C of § 18.2-186.3 . Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 6 felony. B. Any person who violates this section and sells or distributes such information to another is guilty of a Class 5 felony. C. Any person who violates this section and uses such information in the commission of another crime is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

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Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is using a computer to gather identifying information a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?

It depends on the circumstances: using a computer to gather identifying information ranges from a class 6 felony to a class 5 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.5:1.

Using a computer to gather identifying information — base offense: class 6 felony (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.5:1A) · Using a computer to gather identifying information — sale or distribution: class 5 felony (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.5:1B) · Using a computer to gather identifying information — used in commission of another crime: class 5 felony (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.5:1C)

Which Virginia statute covers using a computer to gather identifying information?

Using a computer to gather identifying information is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-152.5:1 (Using a computer to gather identifying information; penalties).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.