{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/18.2-51.4.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/18.2-51.4.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/18.2-51.4.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/18.2-51.4.html"}],"law_id":351089,"edition_id":2,"section_id":351089,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-51.4","catch_line":"Maiming, etc., of another resulting from driving while intoxicated","history":"1997, c. 691; 1999, cc. 945, 987; 2000, cc. 956, 982; 2019, c. 465.","full_text":"A\n\nAny person who, as a result of driving while intoxicated in violation of § 18.2-266 or any local ordinance substantially similar thereto in a manner so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life, unintentionally causes the serious bodily injury of another person is guilty of a Class 6 felony.\n\nB\n\nAny person who, as a result of driving while intoxicated in violation of § 18.2-266 or any local ordinance substantially similar thereto in a manner so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life, unintentionally causes the serious bodily injury of another person resulting in permanent and significant physical impairment is guilty of a Class 4 felony.\n\nC\n\nThe driver’s license of any person convicted under this section shall be revoked pursuant to subsection B of § 46.2-391.\n\nD\n\nThe provisions of Article 2 (§ 18.2-266 et seq.) of Chapter 7 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, upon arrest for a violation of this section.\n\nE\n\nAs used in this section, “serious bodily injury” means bodily injury that involves substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1307564,"text":"Any person who, as a result of driving while intoxicated in violation of § 18.2-266 or any local ordinance substantially similar thereto in a manner so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life, unintentionally causes the serious bodily injury of another person is guilty of a Class 6 felony.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":1307565,"text":"Any person who, as a result of driving while intoxicated in violation of § 18.2-266 or any local ordinance substantially similar thereto in a manner so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life, unintentionally causes the serious bodily injury of another person resulting in permanent and significant physical impairment is guilty of a Class 4 felony.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":1307566,"text":"The driver’s license of any person convicted under this section shall be revoked pursuant to subsection B of § 46.2-391.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":1307567,"text":"The provisions of Article 2 (§ 18.2-266 et seq.) of Chapter 7 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, upon arrest for a violation of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":1307568,"text":"As used in this section, “serious bodily injury” means bodily injury that involves substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":50217,"edition_id":2,"name":"Assaults and Bodily Woundings","identifier":"4","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":6,"parent_id":50171,"metadata":{"child_laws":29,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:24:43","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:30:17","permalink":{"id":1391965,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50217,"identifier":"4","token":"18.2\/4\/4","url":"\/18.2\/4\/4\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":50171,"edition_id":2,"name":"Crimes Against the Person","identifier":"4","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":4,"parent_id":50131,"metadata":{"child_laws":128,"child_structures":11},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:23:51","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:30:16","permalink":{"id":1391765,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50171,"identifier":"4","token":"18.2\/4","url":"\/18.2\/4\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":50131,"edition_id":2,"name":"Crimes and Offenses Generally","identifier":"18.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":52,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":960,"child_structures":94},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:22:59","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:30:15","permalink":{"id":1391141,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50131,"identifier":"18.2","token":"18.2","url":"\/18.2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":351093,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-51","catch_line":"Shooting, stabbing, etc., with intent to maim, kill, etc","url":"\/18.2-51\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51","metadata":false},{"id":351086,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-51.1","catch_line":"Malicious bodily injury to law-enforcement officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel; penalty; lesser-included offense","url":"\/18.2-51.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.1","metadata":false},{"id":351087,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-51.2","catch_line":"Aggravated malicious wounding; penalty","url":"\/18.2-51.2\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.2","metadata":false},{"id":351088,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-51.3","catch_line":"Prohibition against reckless endangerment of others by throwing objects from places higher than one story; penalty","url":"\/18.2-51.3\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.3","metadata":false},{"id":351089,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-51.4","catch_line":"Maiming, etc., of another resulting from driving while intoxicated","url":"\/18.2-51.4\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.4","metadata":false},{"id":351090,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-51.5","catch_line":"Maiming, etc., of another resulting from operating a watercraft while intoxicated; penalty","url":"\/18.2-51.5\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.5","metadata":false},{"id":351091,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-51.6","catch_line":"Strangulation or suffocation of another; penalty","url":"\/18.2-51.6\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.6","metadata":false},{"id":351092,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-51.7","catch_line":"Female genital mutilation; penalty","url":"\/18.2-51.7\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.7","metadata":false},{"id":351105,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-52","catch_line":"Malicious bodily injury by means of any caustic substance or agent or use of any explosive or fire","url":"\/18.2-52\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-52","metadata":false},{"id":351103,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-52.1","catch_line":"Possession of infectious biological substances or radiological agents; penalties","url":"\/18.2-52.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-52.1","metadata":false},{"id":351104,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-52.2","catch_line":"Animal attack resulting from owner's disregard for human life; penalty","url":"\/18.2-52.2\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-52.2","metadata":{"court_decisions":{"0":{"name":"Floyd v. Commonwealth","case_number":"2427981","citation":"522 S.E.2d 382","date":"1999-12-21","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1066030\/floyd-v-commonwealth\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 522 S.E.2d 382 (1999) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"COA<\/abbr>"}}}},{"id":351107,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-53","catch_line":"Shooting, etc., in committing or attempting a felony","url":"\/18.2-53\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-53","metadata":false},{"id":351106,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-53.1","catch_line":"Use or display of firearm in committing felony","url":"\/18.2-53.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-53.1","metadata":false},{"id":351110,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-54","catch_line":"Conviction of lesser offenses under certain indictments","url":"\/18.2-54\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-54","metadata":false},{"id":351108,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-54.1","catch_line":"Attempts to poison","url":"\/18.2-54.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-54.1","metadata":false},{"id":351109,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-54.2","catch_line":"Adulteration of food, drink, drugs, cosmetics, etc.; penalty","url":"\/18.2-54.2\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-54.2","metadata":false},{"id":351112,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-55","catch_line":"Bodily injuries caused by prisoners, state juvenile probationers and state and local adult probationers or adult parolees","url":"\/18.2-55\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-55","metadata":false},{"id":351111,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-55.1","catch_line":"Hazing of youth gang members unlawful; criminal liability","url":"\/18.2-55.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-55.1","metadata":false},{"id":351115,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-56","catch_line":"Hazing unlawful; civil and criminal liability; duty of school, etc., officials; penalty","url":"\/18.2-56\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-56","metadata":false},{"id":351113,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-56.1","catch_line":"Reckless handling of firearms; reckless handling while hunting","url":"\/18.2-56.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-56.1","metadata":false},{"id":351114,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-56.2","catch_line":"Allowing access to firearms by children; penalty","url":"\/18.2-56.2\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-56.2","metadata":false},{"id":351123,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-57","catch_line":"Assault and battery; penalty","url":"\/18.2-57\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57","metadata":false},{"id":351116,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-57.01","catch_line":"Pointing laser at law-enforcement officer unlawful; penalty","url":"\/18.2-57.01\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.01","metadata":false},{"id":351117,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-57.02","catch_line":"Disarming a law-enforcement or correctional officer; penalty","url":"\/18.2-57.02\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.02","metadata":false},{"id":351118,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-57.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-57.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.1","metadata":false},{"id":351119,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-57.2","catch_line":"Assault and battery against a family or household member; penalty","url":"\/18.2-57.2\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.2","metadata":false},{"id":351120,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-57.3","catch_line":"Persons charged with first offense of assault and battery against a family or household member may be placed on local community-based probation; conditions; education and treatment programs; costs and fees; violations; discharge","url":"\/18.2-57.3\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.3","metadata":false},{"id":351121,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-57.4","catch_line":"Reporting findings of assault and battery to military family advocacy representatives","url":"\/18.2-57.4\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.4","metadata":false},{"id":351122,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-57.5","catch_line":"Certain matters not to constitute defenses","url":"\/18.2-57.5\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.5","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":351088,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-51.3","catch_line":"Prohibition against reckless endangerment of others by throwing objects from places higher than one story; penalty","url":"\/18.2-51.3\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.3","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":351090,"structure_id":50217,"section_number":"18.2-51.5","catch_line":"Maiming, etc., of another resulting from operating a watercraft while intoxicated; penalty","url":"\/18.2-51.5\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.5","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/18.2-51.4\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1997. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 691<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. 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 1999, chapters 945<\/a> and 987<\/a>; in 2000, chapters 956<\/a> and 982<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 465<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":347542,"section_number":"15.2-1716","catch_line":"Reimbursement of expenses incurred in responding to DUI and related incidents","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1716\/"},{"id":349597,"section_number":"16.1-260","catch_line":"Intake; petition; investigation","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-260\/"},{"id":349851,"section_number":"16.1-69.48:1.01","catch_line":"Additional fee assessed for conviction of certain offenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-69.48_1.01\/"},{"id":350053,"section_number":"17.1-275.11","catch_line":"Additional fee assessed for conviction of certain offenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/17.1-275.11\/"},{"id":350225,"section_number":"17.1-805","catch_line":"Adoption of initial discretionary sentencing guideline midpoints","order_by":null,"url":"\/17.1-805\/"},{"id":350616,"section_number":"18.2-268.3","catch_line":"Refusal of tests; penalties; procedures","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-268.3\/"},{"id":350629,"section_number":"18.2-270","catch_line":"Penalty for driving while intoxicated; subsequent offense; prior conviction","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-270\/"},{"id":350626,"section_number":"18.2-270.01","catch_line":"Multiple offenders; payment to Trauma Center Fund","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-270.01\/"},{"id":350627,"section_number":"18.2-270.1","catch_line":"Ignition interlock systems; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-270.1\/"},{"id":350636,"section_number":"18.2-272","catch_line":"Driving after forfeiture of license","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-272\/"},{"id":350688,"section_number":"18.2-308.012","catch_line":"Prohibited conduct","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.012\/"},{"id":351004,"section_number":"18.2-461.1","catch_line":"False emergency communication to emergency personnel; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-461.1\/"},{"id":351125,"section_number":"18.2-58","catch_line":"Robbery; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-58\/"},{"id":351223,"section_number":"19.2-11.01","catch_line":"Crime victim and witness rights","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-11.01\/"},{"id":351391,"section_number":"19.2-187.02","catch_line":"Admissibility of written reports or records of blood alcohol tests conducted in the regular course of providing emergency medical treatment","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-187.02\/"},{"id":351756,"section_number":"19.2-368.2","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-368.2\/"},{"id":351821,"section_number":"19.2-389","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Dissemination of criminal history record information","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-389\/"},{"id":351833,"section_number":"19.2-392.02","catch_line":"National criminal background checks by businesses and organizations regarding employees or volunteers providing care to children or the elderly or disabled","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-392.02\/"},{"id":363124,"section_number":"4.1-212.2","catch_line":"Third-party deliveries; limitations; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-212.2\/"},{"id":365447,"section_number":"46.2-223.1","catch_line":"Collection and reporting of data related to driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-223.1\/"},{"id":365476,"section_number":"46.2-301","catch_line":"Driving while license, permit, or privilege to drive suspended or revoked","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-301\/"},{"id":365475,"section_number":"46.2-301.1","catch_line":"Administrative impoundment of motor vehicle for certain driving while license suspended or revoked offenses; judicial impoundment upon conviction; penalty for permitting violation with one's vehicle","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-301.1\/"},{"id":365491,"section_number":"46.2-316","catch_line":"Persons convicted or found not innocent of certain offenses; requirement of proof of financial responsibility in the future for certain offenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-316\/"},{"id":365554,"section_number":"46.2-341.18","catch_line":"Disqualification for certain offenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-341.18\/"},{"id":365587,"section_number":"46.2-341.28","catch_line":"Penalty for driving commercial motor vehicle while intoxicated; subsequent offense; prior conviction","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-341.28\/"},{"id":365640,"section_number":"46.2-384","catch_line":"Law-enforcement officers arresting drivers for certain offenses to request abstracts or transcripts of drivers' conviction records","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-384\/"},{"id":365645,"section_number":"46.2-389","catch_line":"Required revocation for one year upon conviction or finding of guilty of certain offenses; exceptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-389\/"},{"id":365654,"section_number":"46.2-391","catch_line":"Revocation of license for multiple convictions of driving while intoxicated; exception; petition for restoration of privilege","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-391\/"},{"id":365650,"section_number":"46.2-391.2","catch_line":"Administrative suspension of license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-391.2\/"},{"id":365652,"section_number":"46.2-391.4","catch_line":"When suspension to be rescinded","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-391.4\/"},{"id":365679,"section_number":"46.2-411","catch_line":"Reinstatement of suspended or revoked license or other privilege to operate or register a motor vehicle; proof of financial responsibility; reinstatement fee","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-411\/"},{"id":366223,"section_number":"46.2-816.1","catch_line":"Careless driving and infliction of injury or death on vulnerable road users; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-816.1\/"},{"id":366383,"section_number":"46.2-924","catch_line":"Drivers to stop for pedestrians; installation of certain signs; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-924\/"},{"id":377309,"section_number":"8.01-417","catch_line":"Copies of written statements or transcriptions of verbal statements by injured person to be delivered to him; copies of subpoenaed documents to be provided to other party; disclosure of insurance policy limits","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-417\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":350609,"section_number":"18.2-266","catch_line":"Driving motor vehicle, engine, etc., while intoxicated, etc","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-266\/"},{"id":365654,"section_number":"46.2-391","catch_line":"Revocation of license for multiple convictions of driving while intoxicated; exception; petition for restoration of privilege","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-391\/"}],"permalink":{"id":1391983,"object_type":"law","relational_id":351089,"identifier":"18.2-51.4","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.4","url":"\/18.2-51.4\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-51.4\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.4","dublin_core":{"Title":"Maiming, etc., of another resulting from driving while intoxicated","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-51.4","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Any person who, as a result of driving while intoxicated in violation of § 18.2-266<\/a> or any local ordinance<\/span> substantially similar thereto in a manner so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life, unintentionally causes the serious bodily injury<\/span> of another person is guilty of a Class 6 felony<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any person who, as a result of driving while intoxicated in violation of § 18.2-266<\/a> or any local ordinance<\/span> substantially similar thereto in a manner so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life, unintentionally causes the serious bodily injury<\/span> of another person resulting in permanent and significant physical impairment is guilty of a Class 4 felony<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The driver’s license of any person convicted under this section shall be revoked pursuant to subsection B of § 46.2-391<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The provisions of Article 2 (§ 18.2-266<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 7 shall apply, mutatis mutandis<\/span>, upon arrest<\/span> for a violation of this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> As used in this section, “serious bodily injury<\/span>” means bodily injury that involves substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nMAIMING, ETC., OF ANOTHER RESULTING FROM DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED (\u00a7\n18.2-51.4)\n\nA. Any person who, as a result of driving while intoxicated in violation of\n§ 18.2-266 or any local ordinance substantially similar thereto in a manner\nso gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life,\nunintentionally causes the serious bodily injury of another person is guilty of\na Class 6 felony.\n\nB. Any person who, as a result of driving while intoxicated in violation of\n§ 18.2-266 or any local ordinance substantially similar thereto in a manner\nso gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life,\nunintentionally causes the serious bodily injury of another person resulting in\npermanent and significant physical impairment is guilty of a Class 4 felony.\n\nC. The driver’s license of any person convicted under this section shall\nbe revoked pursuant to subsection B of § 46.2-391.\n\nD. The provisions of Article 2 (§ 18.2-266 et seq.) of Chapter 7 shall\napply, mutatis mutandis, upon arrest for a violation of this section.\n\nE. As used in this section, “serious bodily injury” means bodily\ninjury that involves substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain,\nprotracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the\nfunction of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty.\n\nHISTORY: 1997, c. 691; 1999, cc. 945, 987; 2000, cc. 956, 982; 2019, c. 465.","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"}}