Virginia law allows individuals to file a civil lawsuit if their wire, electronic, or oral communications are unlawfully intercepted, disclosed, or used. Victims can recover damages, including actual, liquidated, and punitive damages, as well as attorney's fees. The law also provides a defense if the defendant relied in good faith on a court order or legislative authorization.
Virginia law protects wire, electronic, and oral communications from unlawful interception, disclosure, or use.
You can recover actual damages, liquidated damages (minimum of $400 or $800 per day depending on the case), punitive damages, and reasonable attorney's fees.
Yes, good faith reliance on a court order or legislative authorization is a complete defense to civil or criminal actions under this law.
Yes, damages are higher—$800 or $8,000 per day—if the communication was between spouses, or with an attorney, healthcare provider, counselor, or clergy member.