Virginia § 4.1-317 - Maintaining common nuisances; penalties
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 4.1-317 — Maintaining common nuisances; penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4.1-317. Maintaining common nuisances; penalties
A. All houses, boathouses, buildings, club or fraternity or lodge rooms, boats, cars and places of every description where alcoholic beverages are manufactured, stored, sold, dispensed, given away or used contrary to law, by any scheme or device whatever, shall be deemed common nuisances.
No person shall maintain, aid, abet or knowingly associate with others in maintaining a common nuisance.
Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. In addition, after due notice and opportunity to be heard on the part of any owner or lessor not involved in the original offense, by a proceeding analogous to that provided in §§ 4.1-339 through 4.1-348 and upon proof of guilty knowledge, judgment may be given that such house, building, boathouse, car or other place, or any room or part thereof, be closed. The court may, upon the owner or lessor giving bond in the penalty of not less than $500 and with security to be approved by the court, conditioned that the premises shall not be used for unlawful purposes, or in violation of the provisions of this chapter for a period of five years, turn the same over to its owner or lessor; or proceeding may be had in equity as provided in § 4.1-335.
C. In a proceeding under this section, judgment shall not be entered against the owner, lessor, or lienholder of the property unless it is proved he (i) knew of the unlawful use of the property and (ii) had the right, because of such unlawful use, to enter and repossess the property.
Code 1950, p. 877, § 4-81; 1954, c. 484; 1993, c. 866.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 4.1-317
What does Code of Virginia § 4.1-317 cover?
Section 4.1-317 ("Maintaining common nuisances; 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 § 4.1-317?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 4.1-317" (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 § 4.1-317 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.