West Virginia § 19-23-26 - Offenses and penalties.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 19-23-26 — Offenses and penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-23-26. Offenses and penalties.
(a) Any person holding or conducting, or assisting, aiding or abetting in the holding or conducting, of any horse or dog race meeting at which horse or dog racing and the pari-mutuel system of wagering on the same is permitted or conducted, without a license issued by the Racing Commission, which license remains unexpired, unsuspended and unrevoked, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000 for each day of such unauthorized horse or dog race meeting, or by imprisonment in jail not exceeding one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court: Provided, That no conviction shall be had or punishment imposed upon any licensee, whose license has been suspended or revoked, for holding or conducting a horse or dog race meeting while execution of the order of suspension or revocation is stayed or suspended as provided in this article.
(b) Any person violating any provision of section four or section five of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000, or by imprisonment in jail for not less than six months nor more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court. The venue of any such offense shall be in the county, or any one of the counties, wherein the person violating said section four or section five carries out any duties of, or performs any work for, the Racing Commission, which constitute the basis of the charge or complaint.
(c) Any person violating any provision of subsection (b), section two of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, or by imprisonment in jail for not less than one month nor more than two months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court. The venue of any such offense shall be in the county, or any one of the counties, wherein the person violating said subsection (b) carries out any duties of, or performs any work for, the Racing Commission, which constitute the basis of the charge or complaint.
(d) False swearing before the Racing Commission on the part of any witness shall be deemed perjury and shall be punished as such.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 19-23-26
What does West Virginia Code § 19-23-26 cover?
Section 19-23-26 ("Offenses and penalties.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West 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 West Virginia § 19-23-26?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 19-23-26" (West 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 West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 19-23-26 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West 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 West Virginia.