Virginia § 18.2-461.1 - False emergency communication to emergency personnel; penalties
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 18.2-461.1 — False emergency communication to emergency personnel; penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18.2-461.1. False emergency communication to emergency personnel; penalties
A. As used in this section:
"Emergency communication" means a communication of any type to report a fire or to summon a firefighter, as defined in § 65.2-107, law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 9.1-101, or emergency medical services personnel, as defined in § 32.1-111.1, in a situation where human life, health, or property is reported to be in jeopardy and the prompt summoning of aid is essential.
"Emergency personnel" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-426.
"Emergency response" means a response by a firefighter, law-enforcement officer, or emergency medical services personnel to a situation where human life, health, or property is in jeopardy and the prompt provision of aid is essential to protect human life, health, or property.
B. Any person who knowingly reports, or causes another to report in reliance on intentionally false information provided by such person, a false emergency communication to any emergency personnel that results in an emergency response is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
C. Any person who knowingly reports, or causes another to report in reliance on intentionally false information provided by such person, a false emergency communication to any emergency personnel that results in an emergency response and any person suffers serious bodily injury, as defined in § 18.2-51.4, as a direct and proximate result of the false emergency communication to emergency personnel is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
D. Any person who reports, or causes another to report in reliance on intentionally false information provided by such person, a false emergency communication to any emergency personnel that results in an emergency response and any person is killed as a direct and proximate result of the false emergency communication to personnel is guilty of a Class 5 felony.
E. Any person violating this section may be prosecuted in the county or city where the emergency communication was made, in the county or city where the emergency communication was received, or in the county or city where the emergency response occurred.
F. A violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. The provisions of this section shall not preclude prosecution under any other statute.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 18.2-461.1
What does Code of Virginia § 18.2-461.1 cover?
Section 18.2-461.1 ("False emergency communication to emergency personnel; 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 § 18.2-461.1?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 18.2-461.1" (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 § 18.2-461.1 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.