Virginia Code § 18.2-127 criminalizes willful or malicious acts that damage or interfere with churches, cemeteries, and related property. Key provisions include penalties for destroying property, placing dead animals on church grounds, and damaging structures or monuments, with violations classified as misdemeanors or a felony. The law also mandates restitution to the affected church or cemetery owner.
The law considers acts like destroying, mutilating, or removing church or cemetery property, placing dead animals on church grounds, and obstructing access as criminal acts.
Damaging such property can result in a Class 1 misdemeanor or a Class 6 felony, depending on the severity of the act, with restitution required in some cases.
Yes, obstructing proper ingress or egress to a church or cemetery is a criminal offense under this law.
Restitution is paid to the church or cemetery owner whose property was damaged, as ordered by the court.