Virginia Rules

Virginia laws and legal penalties associated with underage alcohol, tobacco/nicotine and marijuana possession and use, health and safety risks of underage drinking, and strategies for staying safe and sober.

What bullying is and the crimes associated with bullying, understanding the harm of bullying, and what teens can do if they or someone they know is bullied.

What civil law is, what torts are, parents’ liability in Virginia, and contracts and who can make them in Virginia.

Types of crimes involving physical harm or force applied to another person and penalties for these crimes.

How crimes are defined in law, categories of crimes, penalties for violating the law, and legal and hidden consequences for committing a crime.

What dating violence is and its forms, warning signs for dating violence, what teens can do, and assistance available.

The laws governing use and possession of drugs, including prescription drugs and household products, and the penalties involved.

What the law says about the relationship between teens and their parents, the authority, responsibilities, and liability of parents, how Virginia law defines Children in Need of Supervision and Children in Need of Services, and child abuse and neglect.

How gangs are defined in Virginia law, other laws addressing gangs, gang-related crimes, recognizing gangs, reasons people join gangs, and strategies for resisting gang involvement.

What human trafficking is, the Virginia laws related to human trafficking, how and where human traffickers operate, how to recognize and report the signs of human trafficking, resources for victims, and how to stay safe from human trafficking.

Roles and responsibilities of persons in a Virginia courtroom.

Why there is a juvenile justice system, how the juvenile system differs from the adult system, the juvenile justice process, types of hearings, when a juvenile can be detained, and consequences of committing a crime.

Why there are laws, where laws come from, how laws are made, and how citizens can have a role in making and changing laws.

How courts are organized in Virginia, what the different courts do, how cases are brought to and heard in local courts, and how judges are appointed in Virginia.

What juveniles must do to keep the privilege of driving, consequences of driving violations, Virginia’s “zero tolerance” laws, parents’ authority related to driving privilege, and tips for driving safely.

An overview of the basic rights of juveniles in court.

The health risks of using opioids and the penalties for violating laws governing its use.

The health risks of abusing prescription drugs and the penalties for violating laws governing their misuse.

Types of crimes involving taking or destroying property and penalties involved.

To introduce students to Virginia laws related to shoplifting and larceny, and the serious penalties for violating these laws.

Responsibilities of students to attend and behave at school, authority of schools to set rules and take disciplinary action, consequences of violating school rules and breaking laws, and how schools and law enforcement agencies work together.

Hazards of the Internet, cyberbullying, sexting, and tips for safe internet use.

The impact of crime on teens, personal safety strategies for reducing their likelihood of becoming victims and opportunities for them to become involved in crime prevention activities in their schools and communities.

The laws and regulations that govern work by those under 18, what types of work are allowed, and how to obtain a permit.

How violence affects teens, violent crimes and their consequences, and what teens can do about violence.

Information and guidelines to help ensure that students have safe and appropriate interactions with law enforcement officers.

Provisions of Virginia’s Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act, types of victim or witness services available in Virginia communities and definitions of domestic and sexual violence.