Table of Contents

While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/

Virginia Laws Regarding Registration

Who must register?

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-901/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-902/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-923/

What information must registrants provide?

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-903/

How frequently must they register? And for how long?

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-902/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-904/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-908/

Does the state categorize registrants by levels/tiers?

Three levels: Tier I, Tier II, or Tier III
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-902/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-904/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-908/

Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels to registrants?

No. Only during supervision and civil commitment proceedings.

Do any registrants remain privately registered? If so, who?

No.

Is there a registration fee?

No

Are there special restrictions for registrants even after supervision? (State: Local jurisdictions: Yes/No)

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter8/section18.2-370.3/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-912/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-913/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-914/

Prohibition against those with SVP designation being on school property or at events on school property sponsored by the school. There is a petition process to get approval.
https://vacode.org/2016/18.2/8/4/18.2-370.5/

Is there a process for removal from the registry? If so, who qualifies and what is the process?

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-908/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-909/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-910/

What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who is visiting your state?

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-905/

What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who will be moving to your state to live or to attend school?

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-905/

State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration

What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/9.1-902/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-923/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-63/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-64.1/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-90/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-346/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-355/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-357.1/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-374.1:1/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-374.3/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-67.4/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-67.4:2/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-67.5/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-386.1/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-91/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-67.5:1/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-47/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-48/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-361/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-366/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-370.6/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-371/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-371.1/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-31/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-32/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter1/section18.2-10/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter1/section18.2-11/

Does the state have lifetime supervision?

As we understand the following code sections, No.
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title19.2/chapter18/section19.2-295.2/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title19.2/chapter18/section19.2-295.2:1/

Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?

Yes.
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title19.2/chapter18/section19.2-311/

What are the state civil commitment laws?

Va Code title 37.2, Chapter 9, Section 37.2-900 through 37.2-921
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title37.2/chapter9/section37.2-900/
https://www.oag.state.va.us/divisions/criminal-justice-public-safety/sexually-violent-predators-civil-commitment

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/chapter3/section20-48/

Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter8/section18.2-371/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter4/section18.2-63/

Info for State Advocates

Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?

Persons who have been convicted of a violent crime, a crime against a minor, or an election law offense must submit an application to request their rights be restored. Persons with any other felony convictions are automatically eligible for restoration of rights if certain criteria are met.
https://www.restore.virginia.gov/
https://solutions.virginia.gov/RestorationOfRights/Search

What does the state say about persons who are required to register?

http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/index.html
http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/faq.html

How does the state’s legislative process work?

http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/capitolClassroom.php?secid=23&activesec=5 http://capclass.virginiageneralassembly.gov/Middle/HowABill/HowABill.html http://capclass.virginiageneralassembly.gov/Middle/SenatorsDelegates/Members.html

How can I locate and track legislation regarding sexual offense issues?

https://www.richmondsunlight.com/
https://www.richmondsunlight.com/search/?q=sex+offender&x=21&y=10
https://www.richmondsunlight.com/search/?q=sex+offender&year=&submit=Go
https://www.richmondsunlight.com/account/login/
http://lis.virginia.gov/lis.htm
http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/membersAndSession.php?secid=1&activesec=0#!hb=1&mainContentTabs=0
http://lis.virginia.gov/161/mbr/MBR.HTM

Best keywords are:

sexual abuse, public safety, sex offender registry, sex offender

Sign up for notifications of bill movement:

FAQs
https://lis.virginia.gov/h015.htm
Sign up
https://vi.virginiainteractive.org/cgi-bin/liab_signup.cgi

Most important legislative committees for our issues are:

Senate Courts of Justice
http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/virginiaLegislature.php?secid=20&activesec=2#!hb=1&mainContentTabs=1&content=1,includes/contentTemplate.php%3Ftid%3D49%26ctype%3Db%26cid%3D82
House Courts of Justice
http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/virginiaLegislature.php?secid=20&activesec=2#!hb=1&mainContentTabs=2&content=2,includes/contentTemplate.php%3Ftid%3D50%26ctype%3Db%26cid%3D79

Contact info for state legislators can be found at:

http://apps.senate.virginia.gov/Senator/index.php
http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/members/members.php

State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration

What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/9.1-902/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title9.1/chapter9/section9.1-923/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-63/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-64.1/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-90/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-346/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-355/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-357.1/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-374.1:1/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-374.3/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-67.4/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-67.4:2/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-67.5/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-386.1/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-91/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-67.5:1/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-47/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-48/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-361/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-366/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-370.6/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-371/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-371.1/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-31/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-32/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter1/section18.2-10/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter1/section18.2-11/

Does the state have lifetime supervision?

As we understand the following code sections, No.
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title19.2/chapter18/section19.2-295.2/
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title19.2/chapter18/section19.2-295.2:1/

Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?

Yes.
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title19.2/chapter18/section19.2-311/

What are the state civil commitment laws?

Va Code title 37.2, Chapter 9, Section 37.2-900 through 37.2-921
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title37.2/chapter9/section37.2-900/
https://www.oag.state.va.us/divisions/criminal-justice-public-safety/sexually-violent-predators-civil-commitment

What is the age of consent?

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/chapter3/section20-48/

Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter8/section18.2-371/ https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter4/section18.2-63/ http://services.dlas.virginia.gov/user_db/frmvscc.aspx?viewid=673

Info for State Advocates

Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?

Persons who have been convicted of a violent crime, a crime against a minor, or an election law offense must submit an application to request their rights be restored. Persons with any other felony convictions are automatically eligible for restoration of rights if certain criteria are met.
https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/secretary-of-the-commonwealth/pdf/restoration-of-rights-policy-memo-82216.pdf
https://solutions.virginia.gov/RestorationOfRights/Search

What does the state say about persons who are required to register?

http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/index.html
http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/faq.html

How does the state’s legislative process work?

http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/capitolClassroom.php?secid=23&activesec=5 http://capclass.virginiageneralassembly.gov/Middle/HowABill/HowABill.html http://capclass.virginiageneralassembly.gov/Middle/SenatorsDelegates/Members.html

How can I locate and track legislation regarding sexual offense issues?

https://www.richmondsunlight.com/
https://www.richmondsunlight.com/search/?q=sex offender&x=21&y=10
https://www.richmondsunlight.com/search/?q=sex offender&year=&submit=Go
https://www.richmondsunlight.com/account/login/
http://lis.virginia.gov/lis.htm
http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/membersAndSession.php?secid=1&activesec=0#!hb=1&mainContentTabs=0
http://lis.virginia.gov/161/mbr/MBR.HTM
https://hodspeak.house.virginia.gov/committees

Best keywords are:

sexual abuse, public safety, sex offender registry, sex offender

Sign up for notifications of bill movement:

FAQs
https://lis.virginia.gov/h015.htm
Sign up
https://vi.virginiainteractive.org/cgi-bin/liab_signup.cgi

Most important legislative committees for our issues are:

Senate Judiciary
http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/virginiaLegislature.php?secid=20&activesec=2#!hb=1&mainContentTabs=1&content=1,includes/contentTemplate.php?tid=49&ctype=b&cid=82
https://hodspeak.house.virginia.gov/committees

House Courts of Justice
http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/virginiaLegislature.php?secid=20&activesec=2#!hb=1&mainContentTabs=2&content=2,includes/contentTemplate.php?tid=50&ctype=b&cid=79
https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?221+com+S3
https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/members/members.php?committee=H08

Contact info for state legislators can be found at:

http://apps.senate.virginia.gov/Senator/index.php
http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/members/members.php

Other Useful State Information

Contact information for state registry office

Virginia State Police, Sex Offender Investigative Unit, 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23235
Virginia State Police Registration Hotline 804.674.2825
amanda.rader@vsp.virginia.gov

NARSOL state affiliate website or blog:

Safer Virginia

https://safervirginia.org/

Other helpful organizations:

https://www.aclu.org/affiliate/virginia

Other helpful information:

Virginia vigorously conducts Internet sex stings through the Southern Virginia Crimes Against Children Task Force (SOVA ICAC), P.O. Box 842, Forest, Virginia 24551, 434.534.9521 Ext. 223

https://sovaicac.org/