Harassment And Stalking
Va. Code 18.2-60.3 — conduct on more than one occasion that puts someone in reasonable fear
In Virginia, stalking is conduct on more than one occasion, in person or by mail, phone or electronic communication, directed at another person with intent to place them in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault or bodily injury to them or a family or household member, or knowing or reasonably knowing that it does. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and a second offense within five years is a Class 6 felony.
Contact after being told to stop is evidence of the intent. Contacting or following the person, or trying to, after actual notice that they do not want to be contacted or followed is prima facie evidence of the intent to cause that fear. On a conviction, the court also orders no contact with the victim and their family or household members.
| Other conduct | The offense |
|---|---|
| Other conductObscene or indecent language, or threatening an illegal or immoral act, by phone, text or CB radio, to coerce, intimidate or harass | The offenseClass 1 misdemeanor |
| Other conductA written threat, including a text, email or social media post, to kill or injure someone that places them or their family in reasonable apprehension | The offenseClass 6 felony |
Sources for this section (3)
- Va. Code 18.2-60.3 — Stalking; penalty
- Va. Code 18.2-427 — Use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods
- Va. Code 18.2-60 — Threats of death or bodily injury to a person or member of his family
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.