The Death Penalty in Virginia

How Virginia law treats death penalty, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: Virginia law does not provide a death sentence. The most serious crime, aggravated murder (a willful, deliberate and premeditated killing in listed circumstances, such as killing a law enforcement officer, murder for hire, multiple killings, or killing a child under 14 by an adult 21 or… Va. Code §§ 18.2-10(a), 18.2-31

Death penalty	Virginia law does not provide a death sentence. The most serious crime, aggravated murder (a willful, deliberate and premeditated killing in listed circumstances, such as killing a law enforcement officer, murder for hire, multiple killings, or killing a child under 14 by an adult 21 or older), is a Class 1 felony punished by life imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000. An offender who was 18 or older and is sentenced to life for a Class 1 felony is not eligible for parole, good conduct or earned sentence credits, or conditional release; killing a law enforcement officer carries a mandatory minimum of life. Both sections were amended by 2021 Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344, 345 (per the section history). Class 1 punishment: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-10/ Source: Va. Code §§ 18.2-10(a), 18.2-31

Death penalty

Virginia law does not provide a death sentence. The most serious crime, aggravated murder (a willful, deliberate and premeditated killing in listed circumstances, such as killing a law enforcement officer, murder for hire, multiple killings, or killing a child under 14 by an adult 21 or older), is a Class 1 felony punished by life imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000. An offender who was 18 or older and is sentenced to life for a Class 1 felony is not eligible for parole, good conduct or earned sentence credits, or conditional release; killing a law enforcement officer carries a mandatory minimum of life.

Both sections were amended by 2021 Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344, 345 (per the section history). Class 1 punishment: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-10/

Source: Va. Code §§ 18.2-10(a), 18.2-31

More Virginia criminal law

FAQ

Does Virginia have the death penalty?

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.