Virginia § 18.2-55 - Bodily injuries caused by prisoners, state juvenile probationers and state and local adult probationers or adult parolees
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 18.2-55 — Bodily injuries caused by prisoners, state juvenile probationers and state and local adult probationers or adult parolees, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18.2-55. Bodily injuries caused by prisoners, state juvenile probationers and state and local adult probationers or adult parolees
A. It shall be unlawful for a person confined in a state, local or regional correctional facility as defined in § 53.1-1; in a secure facility or detention home as defined in § 16.1-228 or in any facility designed for the secure detention of juveniles; or while in the custody of an employee thereof to knowingly and willfully inflict bodily injury on:
1. An employee thereof, or
2. Any other person lawfully admitted to such facility, except another prisoner or person held in legal custody, or
3. Any person who is supervising or working with prisoners or persons held in legal custody, or
4. Any such employee or other person while such prisoner or person held in legal custody is committing any act in violation of § 53.1-203.
B. It shall be unlawful for an accused, probationer or parolee under the supervision of, or being investigated by, (i) a probation or parole officer whose powers and duties are defined in § 16.1-237 or § 53.1-145, (ii) a local pretrial services officer associated with an agency established pursuant to Article 5 (§ 19.2-152.2) of Chapter 9 of Title 19.2, or (iii) a local community-based probation officer associated with an agency established pursuant to Article 9 (§ 9.1-173 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, to knowingly and willfully inflict bodily injury on such officer while he is in the performance of his duty, knowing or having reason to know that the officer is engaged in the performance of his duty.
Any person violating any provision of this section is guilty of a Class 5 felony.
1975, cc. 14, 15; 1977, c. 553; 1982, c. 636; 1985, c. 508; 1996, c. 527; 1999, cc. 618, 658; 2001, cc. 818, 848; 2007, c. 133.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 18.2-55
What does Code of Virginia § 18.2-55 cover?
Section 18.2-55 ("Bodily injuries caused by prisoners, state juvenile probationers and state and local adult probationers or adult parolees") 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 § 18.2-55?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 18.2-55" (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 § 18.2-55 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.