Virginia § 18.2-46.3:3 - Enhanced punishment for gang activity taking place in a gang-free zone; penalties
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 18.2-46.3:3 — Enhanced punishment for gang activity taking place in a gang-free zone; penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18.2-46.3:3. Enhanced punishment for gang activity taking place in a gang-free zone; penalties
Any person who violates § 18.2-46.2 (i) upon the property, including buildings and grounds, of any public or private elementary, secondary, or postsecondary school or institution of higher education; (ii) upon public property or any property open to public use within 1,000 feet of such school property; (iii) on any school bus as defined in § 46.2-100; or (iv) upon the property, including buildings and grounds, of any publicly owned or operated community center or any publicly owned or operated recreation center is guilty of a felony punishable as specified in § 18.2-46.2, and shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years to be served consecutively with any other sentence. A person who violates subsection A of § 18.2-46.3 upon any property listed in this section is guilty of a Class 5 felony, except that any person 18 years of age or older who violates subsection A of § 18.2-46.3 upon any property listed in this section, when such offense is committed against a juvenile, is guilty of a Class 4 felony. Any person who violates subsection B of § 18.2-46.3 upon any property listed in this section is guilty of a Class 4 felony. It is a violation of this section if the person violated § 18.2-46.2 or 18.2-46.3 on the property described in clauses (i) through (iii) regardless of where the person intended to commit such violation.
2005, cc. 764, 813; 2010, c. 364; 2013, cc. 761, 774; 2023, cc. 396, 397.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 18.2-46.3:3
What does Code of Virginia § 18.2-46.3:3 cover?
Section 18.2-46.3:3 ("Enhanced punishment for gang activity taking place in a gang-free zone; penalties") 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 § 18.2-46.3:3?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 18.2-46.3:3" (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 § 18.2-46.3:3 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.