Understanding the Law
Trespassing Laws
§ 18.2-119. Trespass after having been forbidden to do so; penalties.
If any person without authority of law goes upon or remains upon the lands, buildings or premises of another, or any portion or area thereof, after having been forbidden to do so, either orally or in writing, by the owner, lessee, custodian, or the agent of any such person, or other person lawfully in charge thereof, or after having been forbidden to do so by a sign or signs posted by or at the direction of such persons or the agent of any such person or by the holder of any easement or other right-of-way authorized by the instrument creating such interest to post such signs on such lands, structures, premises or portion or area thereof at a place or places where it or they may be reasonably seen, or if any person, whether he is the owner, tenant or otherwise entitled to the use of such land, building or premises, goes upon, or remains upon such land, building or premises after having been prohibited from doing so by a court of competent jurisdiction by an order issued pursuant to §§ 16.1-253, 16.1-253.1, 16.1-253.4, 16.1-278.2 through 16.1-278.6, 16.1-278.8, 16.1-278.14, 16.1-278.15, 16.1-279.1, 19.2-152.8, 19.2-152.9 or § 19.2-152.10 or an ex parte order issued pursuant to § 20-103, and after having been served with such order, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section shall not be construed to affect in any way the provisions of §§ 18.2-132 through 18.2-136.
Trespassing After Having Been Forbidden
Entering or staying on another's land without permission or after being told to leave
Entering property posted with no trespassing or similar signs without permission
Entering property in violation of a protective order
Trespass Notices
Any citizen can complete a Trespass Notice against another, without cause.
A Trespass Notice can be obtained from the Sheriff’s Office or by clicking here and served on another or a Trespass Notice can be completed by the citizen and mailed First Class to a citizen.
All Trespass Notice need to be copied and submitted to the Sheriff’s Office for verification
Solicitation
Definition of Solicitor:
A person who goes from door to door visiting multifamily or single-family dwellings for the following purposes:
To sell any goods, wares, merchandise or services or accept subscriptions or orders thereof
To accept or request donations for any charitable purpose
How to Obtain Solicitors Permit:
To obtain an application to register for a solicitors permit, please visit the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office or click here
Applicants must submit 2 forms of identification (one must have a photograph) and a certified copy of their criminal history along with a completed Solicitors Permit Form to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office will then conduct any necessary background checks and recommend approval/disapproval of permit.
A $15 non-returnable processing fee and if a approved, a $10 permit fee will be collected.
Once approved and the permit is obtained, the permit needs to be in plain view at all times while engaged in soliciting and shall make it available for inspection by any person while engaged in soliciting
Soliciting Ordinance:
No person shall:
Enter into or upon a residential premises in the county under false pretenses to solicit or for the purpose of soliciting orders for the sale of gods, wares, merchandise or services
Remain in or on any residential premises after the owner or occupant has requested any such person to leave
Enter upon any residential premises for soliciting when the owner or occupant has displayed a “No Soliciting” sign on such premises.
Engage in the practice of soliciting in the county without a permit
Knowingly give false information or withhold correct information in obtaining a permit
Violation of this Ordinance:
Any violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Each day that the violation continues to exist shall constitute a separate offense