Three Strikes and Habitual Offender Laws in Virginia
How Virginia law treats three strikes and habitual offender laws, from the state code and official state agencies.
Short answer: Virginia's three-strikes law requires life imprisonment, with no part suspended, for a person convicted of a third or later 'act of violence' after two earlier separate convictions for acts of violence, if the person was at liberty between each conviction. Va. Code § 19.2-297.1(A), (B)
| Three strikes and habitual offender laws | Virginia's three-strikes law requires life imprisonment, with no part suspended, for a person convicted of a third or later 'act of violence' after two earlier separate convictions for acts of violence, if the person was at liberty between each conviction. Acts of violence include first and second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, mob-related felonies, kidnapping or abduction felonies, malicious wounding, robbery and carjacking, most felony sexual assaults, and arson of an occupied structure (plus conspiracy and accessory forms). Similar convictions from other states or federal court count. Source: Va. Code § 19.2-297.1(A), (B) |
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FAQ
Does Virginia have a three strikes law?
Virginia's three-strikes law requires life imprisonment, with no part suspended, for a person convicted of a third or later 'act of violence' after two earlier separate convictions for acts of violence, if the person was at liberty between each conviction. Acts of violence include first and second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, mob-related felonies, kidnapping or abduction felonies, malicious wounding, robbery and carjacking, most felony sexual assaults, and arson of an occupied structure (plus conspiracy and accessory forms). Similar convictions from other states or federal court count.
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.