Being Arrested
Va. Code 19.2-81 — without a warrant for any crime in the officer's presence, or probable cause of a felony
In the officer's presence, or a felony. Virginia state police, sheriffs and deputies, county and city police and the other officers the section lists may arrest without a warrant anyone who commits any crime in the officer's presence, and anyone the officer has reasonable grounds or probable cause to suspect of a felony committed outside the officer's presence.
The section also allows warrantless arrests at the scene of a motor vehicle or boating accident, and for operating a boat while intoxicated, among the other cases it names.
Sources for this section (1)
- Va. Code 19.2-81 — Arrest without warrant authorized in certain cases
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.