Virginia Code § 18.2-186.4 makes it illegal to publish a person's name, photograph, or primary residence address with the intent to coerce, intimidate, or harass. Violations are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, with enhanced penalties for targeting law enforcement or judicial officials, including a mandatory minimum six-month sentence. The law aims to protect individuals from harassment and intimidation through the misuse of their personal information.
It is illegal to publish a person's name, photograph, or primary residence address with the intent to coerce, intimidate, or harass them.
Violating this law is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with increased penalties including a mandatory six-month minimum sentence if the victim is a law enforcement officer or judicial official.
The law specifies violations with knowledge or reason to know, so unintentional publication may not be subject to penalties unless there was negligence or awareness.
A law enforcement officer includes any officer as defined in Virginia Code § 9.1-101, including active or retired officers, federal or state officials involved in law enforcement.