What is a Riot and How is it Punished in Virginia? What Does Unlawful Assembly Mean in Virginia?

What is a Riot and How is it Punished in Virginia? What Does Unlawful Assembly Mean in Virginia?

According to the Virginia Code, any unlawful use, by three or more persons acting together, of force or violence which seriously jeopardizes public safety, peace or order is a riot. Every person convicted of participating in any riot in Virginia shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. If such person carried, at the time…

What Types of Powers Do Law Enforcement Officers Have During Times of Rioting in Virginia?

What Types of Powers Do Law Enforcement Officers Have During Times of Rioting in Virginia?

According to the Code of Virginia, if it appears to the Governor that the power of the locality is not sufficient to enable the sheriff or other officer to execute process delivered to him or to suppress riots to preserve the peace, he may order law-enforcement agencies, National Guard, militia or other agencies of the…