18.2-121 - Entering property of another for purpose of damaging it, etc. - Virginia Statutes

§ 18.2-121. Entering property of another for purpose of damaging it, etc.

It shall be unlawful for any person to enter the land, dwelling, outhouse orany other building of another for the purpose of damaging such property orany of the contents thereof or in any manner to interfere with the rights ofthe owner, user or the occupant thereof to use such property free frominterference.

Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of aClass 1 misdemeanor. However, if a person intentionally selects the propertyentered because of the race, religious conviction, color or national originof the owner, user or occupant of the property, the person shall be guilty ofa Class 6 felony, and the penalty upon conviction shall include a term ofconfinement of at least six months, 30 days of which shall be a mandatoryminimum term of confinement.

(Code 1950, § 18.1-183; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1994, c. 658; 1997,c. 833; 2004, c. 461.)