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Harassment

In Virginia, any person who knowingly communicates a threat to kill or injure a family member in writing is guilty of a class 6 felony, which is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $2500 fine. Threats made via computer or cell phone texting devices count as “in writing” for purposes of this law. Further, any person who uses a computer or computer network to communicate obscene, vulgar, profane, or lewd language is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor as well. In addition, any person who makes an oral threat to kill or injure a family member on school property or any school-sponsored event is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2500 fine.

A common way that separated spouses or ex-spouses are harassed is by telephone. Virginia law also makes it criminal for any individual to use vulgar, profane, or obscene language in a threatening or indecent manner over public airways, which includes verbal harassment by telephone. Such harassment by telephone is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2500. Another Virginia law makes it illegal to cause a telephone to ring with the intent to annoy the recipient. Such acts are punishable by up to a $500 fine.

Finally, violent or threatening acts or harassment against a family or household member is an adequate ground for a protective order under the Virginia Code.