West Virginia § 61-3-59 - 61-3-59. Misrepresentation of past or present military status or military awards to obtain anything of value; penalties.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 61-3-59 — 61-3-59. Misrepresentation of past or present military status or military awards to obtain anything of value; penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 61-3-59. 61-3-59. Misrepresentation of past or present military status or military awards to obtain anything of value; penalties.
(a) Any person who misrepresents himself or herself to:
(1) Be a member or veteran of the armed forces of the United States; or
(2) Be a recipient of any military commendation, decoration, or medal awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States or the several states who does so with the intent to obtain money, property, or a thing of value is guilty of the offense of misrepresentation of military status.
(b)(1) Any person violating the provisions of §61-3-59(a) of this code where the value of the money, property, or thing of value is $1,000 or more shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than 10 years, or both fined and imprisoned.
(2) Any person violating the provisions of §61-3-59(a) of this code where the value of the money, property, or thing of value is $999 or less, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $2,500, or confined in jail for not more than one year, or both fined and confined.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 61-3-59
What does West Virginia Code § 61-3-59 cover?
Section 61-3-59 ("61-3-59. Misrepresentation of past or present military status or military awards to obtain anything of value; 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 § 61-3-59?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 61-3-59" (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 § 61-3-59 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.