Virginia § 18.2-196 - Criminal possession of credit card forgery devices
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 18.2-196 — Criminal possession of credit card forgery devices, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18.2-196. Criminal possession of credit card forgery devices
(1) A person is guilty of criminal possession of credit card forgery devices when:
(a) He is a person other than the cardholder and possesses two or more incomplete credit cards, with intent to complete them without the consent of the issuer; or
(b) He possesses, with knowledge of its character, machinery, plates or any other contrivance designed to reproduce instruments purporting to be credit cards of an issuer who has not consented to the preparation of such credit cards.
(2) A credit card is incomplete if part of the matter, other than the signature of the cardholder, which an issuer requires to appear on the credit card before it can be used by a cardholder, has not yet been stamped, embossed, imprinted or written upon.
Conviction of criminal possession of credit card forgery devices is punishable as a Class 6 felony.
Code 1950, § 18.1-125.7; 1968, c. 480; 1975, cc. 14, 15.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 18.2-196
What does Code of Virginia § 18.2-196 cover?
Section 18.2-196 ("Criminal possession of credit card forgery devices") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 18.2-196?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 18.2-196" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 18.2-196 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.