CODE OF VIRGINIA

TREASON DEFINED; HOW PROVED AND PUNISHED (§ 18.2-481)

Treason shall consist only in:

   (1.  Levying war against the Commonwealth;

   (2.  Adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort;

   (3.  Establishing, without authority of the legislature, any government within
   its limits separate from the existing government;

   (4.  Holding or executing, in such usurped government, any office, or
   professing allegiance or fidelity to it; or

   (5.  Resisting the execution of the laws under color of its authority.

Such treason, if proved by the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act,
or by confession in court, shall be punishable as a Class 2 felony.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 18.1-418; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.