Virginia Code § 18.2-153 criminalizes maliciously obstructing, damaging, or tampering with canals, railroads, electric railways, power lines, and related infrastructure, with penalties ranging from Class 4 to murder charges if death results. Unlawful acts that are not malicious are also punishable as Class 6 felonies, with involuntary manslaughter if death occurs. The law emphasizes the serious consequences of interfering with critical transportation and utility infrastructure.
Obstructing, damaging, tampering with, or removing parts of railroads, power lines, or related infrastructure maliciously or unlawfully.
Malicious acts are classified as a Class 4 felony, with potential murder charges if death results from the act.
Malicious acts are done intentionally with harmful intent, while unlawful acts are committed without malicious intent but still violate the law, both carrying different felony classifications.
Yes, if a malicious act causes the death of a person on the affected infrastructure, the offender can be charged with murder.