Virginia statute
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-178.2 — Financial exploitation by an agent; penalty
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Article 3: False Pretenses, Code of Virginia.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-178.2
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.
A. As used in this section:
"Agent" means the same as that term is defined in § 64.2-1600 .
"Financial exploitation" means the illegal, unauthorized, or fraudulent use, or deprivation of use, of the property of a vulnerable adult with the intention of benefiting someone other than the vulnerable adult.
"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.
"Principal" means an individual who grants authority to an agent in a power of attorney.
"Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
"Vulnerable adult" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-369 .
B. An agent under a power of attorney who knowingly or intentionally engages in financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult who is the principal of that agent is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. If the acts or activities violating this section also violate another provision of law, a prosecution under this section shall not prohibit or bar any prosecution or proceeding under such other provision or the imposition of any penalties provided for thereby.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is financial exploitation by an agent a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Financial exploitation by an agent is a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-178.2.
Which Virginia statute covers financial exploitation by an agent?
Financial exploitation by an agent is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-178.2 (Financial exploitation by an agent; penalty).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.