{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/3.2-4737.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/3.2-4737.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/3.2-4737.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/3.2-4737.html"}],"law_id":357842,"edition_id":2,"section_id":357842,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4737","catch_line":"Offenses and punishment","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 3-560; 1966, c. 702, \u00a7 3.1-718; 1979, c. 389; 2008, c. 860.","full_text":"Any person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor:\n\n1\n\nImposes false charges for handling or for services in connection with farm products;\n\n2\n\nFails to account promptly, correctly, fully and properly and to make settlement as provided in this article;\n\n3\n\nMakes false and misleading statements as to market conditions with the intent to deceive;\n\n4\n\nMakes fictitious sales or collusion to defraud the consignor, or enters into any combination to fix prices;\n\n5\n\nDirectly or indirectly purchases for his or its own account, farm products, received by him or it on consignment without prior authority from the consignor in writing. This subsection shall not apply to the operators of livestock auction markets who are prohibited from purchasing consigned livestock under the federal Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (42 Stat. 159), as amended;\n\n6\n\nIntentionally makes false statements as to grade, condition, markings, quality, or quantity of farm products shipped or packed;\n\n7\n\nReconsigns farm products as have been consigned to him to another person, unless consent of the consignor has been first obtained in writing, or notice given in writing to the consignor by the licensee that all or a part of such shipment was reconsigned;\n\n8\n\nSells farm products consigned to him to another person owned or controlled by him, or in which the licensee may have a financial or other interest, either directly or indirectly, unless notice is given, in writing, to the consignor by the commission merchant that all or a part of such shipment was sold to a person in which the licensee has a financial or other interest;\n\n9\n\nFraudulently or deceptively obtains a license;\n\n10\n\nFails or neglects to give written notice immediately to the Commissioner and the surety on the bond of the commission merchant, of any changes or alterations in the style, name or personnel of the person to whom such license has been issued; or\n\n11\n\nFails to comply with the provisions of this article.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1331648,"text":"Any person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":1331649,"text":"Imposes false charges for handling or for services in connection with farm products;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":1331650,"text":"Fails to account promptly, correctly, fully and properly and to make settlement as provided in this article;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":1331651,"text":"Makes false and misleading statements as to market conditions with the intent to deceive;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":1331652,"text":"Makes fictitious sales or collusion to defraud the consignor, or enters into any combination to fix prices;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":1331653,"text":"Directly or indirectly purchases for his or its own account, farm products, received by him or it on consignment without prior authority from the consignor in writing. This subsection shall not apply to the operators of livestock auction markets who are prohibited from purchasing consigned livestock under the federal Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (42 Stat. 159), as amended;","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":1331654,"text":"Intentionally makes false statements as to grade, condition, markings, quality, or quantity of farm products shipped or packed;","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":1331655,"text":"Reconsigns farm products as have been consigned to him to another person, unless consent of the consignor has been first obtained in writing, or notice given in writing to the consignor by the licensee that all or a part of such shipment was reconsigned;","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"8":{"id":1331656,"text":"Sells farm products consigned to him to another person owned or controlled by him, or in which the licensee may have a financial or other interest, either directly or indirectly, unless notice is given, in writing, to the consignor by the commission merchant that all or a part of such shipment was sold to a person in which the licensee has a financial or other interest;","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"9"},"9":{"id":1331657,"text":"Fraudulently or deceptively obtains a license;","type":"section","prefixes":["9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"9","prefix_anchor":"9","level":1,"prior_prefix":"8","next_prefix":"10"},"10":{"id":1331658,"text":"Fails or neglects to give written notice immediately to the Commissioner and the surety on the bond of the commission merchant, of any changes or alterations in the style, name or personnel of the person to whom such license has been issued; or","type":"section","prefixes":["10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"10","prefix_anchor":"10","level":1,"prior_prefix":"9","next_prefix":"11"},"11":{"id":1331659,"text":"Fails to comply with the provisions of this article.","type":"section","prefixes":["11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"11","prefix_anchor":"11","level":1,"prior_prefix":"10"}},"ancestry":[{"id":51187,"edition_id":2,"name":"Commission Merchants","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":51185,"metadata":{"child_laws":29,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:38:42","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:27:39","permalink":{"id":1423691,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51187,"identifier":"2","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2","url":"\/3.2\/III\/47\/2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51185,"edition_id":2,"name":"Sale of Farm Produce","identifier":"47","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":15,"parent_id":51149,"metadata":{"child_laws":76,"child_structures":5},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:38:41","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:27:39","permalink":{"id":1423651,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51185,"identifier":"47","token":"3.2\/III\/47","url":"\/3.2\/III\/47\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51149,"edition_id":2,"name":"Production and Sale of Agricultural Products","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":4,"parent_id":51103,"metadata":{"child_laws":398,"child_structures":44},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:38:09","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:27:34","permalink":{"id":1422445,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51149,"identifier":"III","token":"3.2\/III","url":"\/3.2\/III\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51103,"edition_id":2,"name":"Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food","identifier":"3.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":5,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":1194,"child_structures":151},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:37:33","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:27:27","permalink":{"id":1420941,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51103,"identifier":"3.2","token":"3.2","url":"\/3.2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":357814,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4709","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/3.2-4709\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4709","metadata":false},{"id":357815,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4710","catch_line":"Certain activities exempt from article","url":"\/3.2-4710\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4710","metadata":false},{"id":357816,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4711","catch_line":"License required; application for license to be in writing; contents","url":"\/3.2-4711\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4711","metadata":false},{"id":357817,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4712","catch_line":"Fee and bond to accompany license","url":"\/3.2-4712\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4712","metadata":false},{"id":357818,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4713","catch_line":"Applications for renewal licenses","url":"\/3.2-4713\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4713","metadata":false},{"id":357819,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4714","catch_line":"Disposition of sums received for licenses","url":"\/3.2-4714\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4714","metadata":false},{"id":357820,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4715","catch_line":"Certified copy of license; fee; posting of license during sale periods","url":"\/3.2-4715\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4715","metadata":false},{"id":357821,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4716","catch_line":"Bond not required for certain auction sales of livestock","url":"\/3.2-4716\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4716","metadata":false},{"id":357822,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4717","catch_line":"Agreements with U.S. Department of Agriculture; powers and duties of Commissioner as to bonds filed with U.S. Department of Agriculture","url":"\/3.2-4717\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4717","metadata":false},{"id":357823,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4718","catch_line":"Execution and terms of bond; action thereon","url":"\/3.2-4718\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4718","metadata":false},{"id":357824,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4719","catch_line":"Duties and powers of Commissioner with respect to bonds","url":"\/3.2-4719\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4719","metadata":false},{"id":357825,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4720","catch_line":"Schedule of commissions and charges to be filed","url":"\/3.2-4720\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4720","metadata":false},{"id":357826,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4721","catch_line":"Investigation of transactions by Commissioner","url":"\/3.2-4721\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4721","metadata":false},{"id":357827,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4722","catch_line":"Complaint to Commissioner by consignor; Commissioner's action","url":"\/3.2-4722\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4722","metadata":false},{"id":357828,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4723","catch_line":"Right of entry; administration of oaths; testimony","url":"\/3.2-4723\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4723","metadata":false},{"id":357829,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4724","catch_line":"Grounds for refusal or revocation of license","url":"\/3.2-4724\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4724","metadata":false},{"id":357830,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4725","catch_line":"Publication of revocation","url":"\/3.2-4725\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4725","metadata":false},{"id":357831,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4726","catch_line":"Failure to comply with orders of Commissioner constitutes contempt","url":"\/3.2-4726\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4726","metadata":false},{"id":357832,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4727","catch_line":"Copies of papers in Commissioner's office as prima facie evidence","url":"\/3.2-4727\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4727","metadata":false},{"id":357833,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4728","catch_line":"Appeal from orders and actions of Commissioner","url":"\/3.2-4728\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4728","metadata":false},{"id":357834,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4729","catch_line":"Records to be kept by commission merchant","url":"\/3.2-4729\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4729","metadata":false},{"id":357835,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4730","catch_line":"Detailed statements shall be kept of claims for overcharges or damages filed by commission merchant for consignor","url":"\/3.2-4730\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4730","metadata":false},{"id":357836,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4731","catch_line":"Record and account, together with remittance for each sale, to be delivered to consignor","url":"\/3.2-4731\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4731","metadata":false},{"id":357837,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4732","catch_line":"Copies of records to be kept by commission merchant","url":"\/3.2-4732\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4732","metadata":false},{"id":357838,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4733","catch_line":"Certificate establishing condition, quality, and grade to be furnished by Commissioner in event of dispute","url":"\/3.2-4733\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4733","metadata":false},{"id":357839,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4734","catch_line":"Duty of attorney for the Commonwealth","url":"\/3.2-4734\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4734","metadata":false},{"id":357840,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4735","catch_line":"Venue","url":"\/3.2-4735\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4735","metadata":false},{"id":357841,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4736","catch_line":"License required","url":"\/3.2-4736\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4736","metadata":false},{"id":357842,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4737","catch_line":"Offenses and punishment","url":"\/3.2-4737\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4737","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":357841,"structure_id":51187,"section_number":"3.2-4736","catch_line":"License required","url":"\/3.2-4736\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4736","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/3.2-4737\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1966, chapter 702; in 1979, chapter 389; in 2008, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?081+ful+CHAP0860\">860<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1423805,"object_type":"law","relational_id":357842,"identifier":"3.2-4737","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4737","url":"\/3.2-4737\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/3.2-4737\/","token":"3.2\/III\/47\/2\/3.2-4737","dublin_core":{"Title":"Offenses and punishment","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 3.2-4737","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>Any person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of a Class 1 <span class=\"dictionary\">misdemeanor<\/span>:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> Imposes false charges for handling or for services in connection with <span class=\"dictionary\">farm products<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-1331649\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-4737\/#1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"2\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> Fails to account promptly, correctly, fully and properly and to make <span class=\"dictionary\">settlement<\/span> as provided in this article; <a id=\"paragraph-1331650\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-4737\/#2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"3\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> Makes false and misleading statements as to market conditions with the <span class=\"dictionary\">intent<\/span> to deceive; <a id=\"paragraph-1331651\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-4737\/#3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"4\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">4.<\/span> Makes fictitious sales or collusion to defraud the consignor, or enters into any combination to fix prices; <a id=\"paragraph-1331652\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-4737\/#4\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"5\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">5.<\/span> Directly or indirectly purchases for his or its own account, <span class=\"dictionary\">farm products<\/span>, received by him or it on consignment without prior authority from the consignor in writing. This subsection shall not apply to the operators of livestock auction markets who are prohibited from purchasing consigned livestock under the federal Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (42 Stat. 159), as amended; <a id=\"paragraph-1331653\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-4737\/#5\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"6\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">6.<\/span> Intentionally makes false statements as to grade, condition, markings, quality, or quantity of <span class=\"dictionary\">farm products<\/span> shipped or packed; <a id=\"paragraph-1331654\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-4737\/#6\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"7\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">7.<\/span> Reconsigns <span class=\"dictionary\">farm products<\/span> as have been consigned to him to another person, unless consent of the consignor has been first obtained in writing, or notice given in writing to the consignor by the <span class=\"dictionary\">licensee<\/span> that all or a part of such shipment was reconsigned; <a id=\"paragraph-1331655\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-4737\/#7\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"8\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">8.<\/span> Sells <span class=\"dictionary\">farm products<\/span> consigned to him to another person owned or controlled by him, or in which the <span class=\"dictionary\">licensee<\/span> may have a financial or other interest, either directly or indirectly, unless notice is given, in writing, to the consignor by the <span class=\"dictionary\">commission merchant<\/span> that all or a part of such shipment was sold to a person in which the <span class=\"dictionary\">licensee<\/span> has a financial or other interest; <a id=\"paragraph-1331656\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-4737\/#8\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"9\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">9.<\/span> Fraudulently or deceptively obtains a license; <a id=\"paragraph-1331657\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-4737\/#9\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"10\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">10.<\/span> Fails or neglects to give written notice immediately to the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commissioner<\/span> and the <span class=\"dictionary\">surety<\/span> on the <span class=\"dictionary\">bond<\/span> of the <span class=\"dictionary\">commission merchant<\/span>, of any changes or alterations in the style, name or personnel of the person to whom such license has been issued; or <a id=\"paragraph-1331658\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-4737\/#10\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"11\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">11.<\/span> Fails to comply with the provisions of this article. <a id=\"paragraph-1331659\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/3.2-4737\/#11\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nOFFENSES AND PUNISHMENT (\u00a7 3.2-4737)\n\nAny person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of a Class 1\nmisdemeanor:\n\n1. Imposes false charges for handling or for services in connection with farm\nproducts;\n\n2. Fails to account promptly, correctly, fully and properly and to make\nsettlement as provided in this article;\n\n3. Makes false and misleading statements as to market conditions with the intent\nto deceive;\n\n4. Makes fictitious sales or collusion to defraud the consignor, or enters into\nany combination to fix prices;\n\n5. Directly or indirectly purchases for his or its own account, farm products,\nreceived by him or it on consignment without prior authority from the consignor\nin writing. This subsection shall not apply to the operators of livestock\nauction markets who are prohibited from purchasing consigned livestock under the\nfederal Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (42 Stat. 159), as amended;\n\n6. Intentionally makes false statements as to grade, condition, markings,\nquality, or quantity of farm products shipped or packed;\n\n7. Reconsigns farm products as have been consigned to him to another person,\nunless consent of the consignor has been first obtained in writing, or notice\ngiven in writing to the consignor by the licensee that all or a part of such\nshipment was reconsigned;\n\n8. Sells farm products consigned to him to another person owned or controlled by\nhim, or in which the licensee may have a financial or other interest, either\ndirectly or indirectly, unless notice is given, in writing, to the consignor by\nthe commission merchant that all or a part of such shipment was sold to a person\nin which the licensee has a financial or other interest;\n\n9. Fraudulently or deceptively obtains a license;\n\n10. Fails or neglects to give written notice immediately to the Commissioner and\nthe surety on the bond of the commission merchant, of any changes or alterations\nin the style, name or personnel of the person to whom such license has been\nissued; or\n\n11. Fails to comply with the provisions of this article.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 3-560; 1966, c. 702, \u00a7 3.1-718; 1979, c. 389; 2008, c.\n860.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}