Virginia Code § 18.2-371 criminalizes actions by adults that cause or encourage children to become delinquent, abused, or neglected. It also prohibits sexual acts with minors 15 or older who are not spouses, children, or grandchildren, with specific defenses for parents who safely deliver infants at hospitals or emergency services. Penalties include Class 1 misdemeanors for violations.
It criminalizes adults who willfully cause or encourage acts that render children delinquent, abused, or neglected, and prohibits sexual acts with minors 15 or older who are not spouses, children, or grandchildren.
Yes, if the parent safely delivers the infant within the first 30 days of life at a hospital or emergency medical facility, it can be an affirmative defense against prosecution.
Violations are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors, which can include penalties such as fines and jail time.
No, this section does not repeal or modify other statutes like §§ 18.2-18, 18.2-19, 18.2-61, 18.2-63, and 18.2-347, which cover related offenses.