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Virginia statute

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-473.2 — Covering a security camera in a correctional facility; penalty

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Article 7: Escape of, Communications with and Deliveries to Prisoners, Code of Virginia.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-473.2

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.

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-473.2Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session
A. As used in this section, "security camera" means an analog or digital photographic or video camera or other device capable of recording or transmitting a photograph, motion picture, or other digital image that has been installed in a state or local correctional facility or any juvenile correctional center. B. Any person who intentionally covers, removes, damages, renders inoperable, or otherwise obscures a security camera without the permission of the sheriff, jail superintendent, warden, or Director of the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. C. Any person who intentionally covers, removes, damages, renders inoperable, or otherwise obscures a security camera with the intent of inhibiting or preventing a security camera from recording or transmitting a photograph, motion picture, or other digital image of the commission of a felony is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

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Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is covering a security camera in a correctional facility a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?

It depends on the circumstances: covering a security camera in a correctional facility ranges from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-473.2.

Covering a security camera without permission: class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-473.2B) · Covering a security camera to inhibit recording of a felony: class 6 felony (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-473.2C)

Which Virginia statute covers covering a security camera in a correctional facility?

Covering a security camera in a correctional facility is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-473.2 (Covering a security camera in a correctional facility; penalty).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.