DCJS Virginia Criminal Law

Question 1

Under Virginia law, what is the primary distinction between larceny and robbery?

Accepted Answer

Robbery involves the use of force or intimidation against a person

Answer

Robbery is larceny accomplished by violence or intimidation directly against a person, whereas larceny does not involve such force.

Question 2

In Virginia, which of the following best describes 'breaking and entering' as required for burglary?

Accepted Answer

Any actual or constructive breaking of a close, including opening an unlocked door, may suffice

Answer

Virginia recognizes both actual breaking (physical force) and constructive breaking (fraud, threats) to satisfy the breaking element of burglary.

Question 3

Under Virginia Code § 18.2-91, what distinguishes statutory burglary from common-law burglary?

Accepted Answer

Statutory burglary extends to daytime entry and structures beyond dwellings

Answer

Virginia's statutory burglary statutes expand on common law by covering daytime entries and a wider range of structures beyond the traditional dwelling.

Question 4

A person in Virginia strikes another intending to cause serious bodily injury, but the victim only suffers minor bruising. What is the most appropriate charge?

Accepted Answer

Unlawful wounding

Answer

Unlawful wounding under § 18.2-51 applies when the defendant intended bodily injury but acted without malice, and serious injury resulted; if the wound is minor, the intent element guides the charge toward unlawful rather than malicious wounding.

Question 5

Under Virginia law, which element is required to prove criminal conspiracy?

Accepted Answer

An agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime, with intent to carry it out

Answer

Virginia conspiracy requires an agreement between two or more persons with the shared intent to commit a criminal act; unlike federal law, Virginia does not require an overt act.

(DCJS) VA DCJS Law Enforcement Certification Practice Test

(DCJS) VA DCJS Law Enforcement Certification Practice Test

DCJS Virginia Criminal Law