Any person whose wire, electronic, or oral communication is intercepted, disclosed, or used in violation of this chapter shall (i) have a civil cause of action against any person who intercepts, discloses, or uses, or procures any other person to intercept, disclose, or use, such communications and (ii) be entitled to recover from any such person:
1. Actual damages but not less than liquidated damages computed at the rate of $400 a day for each day of violation or $4,000, whichever is higher, provided that liquidated damages shall be computed at the rate of $800 a day for each day of violation or $8,000, whichever is higher, if the wire, electronic, or oral communication intercepted, disclosed, or used is between (i) persons married to each other; (ii) an attorney and client; (iii) a licensed practitioner of the healing arts and patient; (iv) a licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, licensed psychologist, or licensed marriage and family therapist and client; or (v) a clergy member and person seeking spiritual counsel or advice;
2. Punitive damages; and
3. A reasonable attorney fee and other litigation costs reasonably incurred.
A good faith reliance on a court order or legislative authorization shall constitute a complete defense to any civil or criminal action brought under this chapter or under any other law.
Code 1950, § 19.1-89.9; 1973, c. 442; 1975, c. 495; 1988, c. 889; 2010, c. 343; 2015, c. 672; 2020, c. 900.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 19.2 - Criminal Procedure
Chapter 6 - Interception of Wire, Electronic or Oral Communications
§ 19.2-63.1. Supervision and control of devices; unauthorized possession
§ 19.2-64. Forfeiture of unlawful devices
§ 19.2-67. Disclosure of information obtained by authorized means
§ 19.2-69. Civil action for unlawful interception, disclosure, or use
§ 19.2-70. Reports to be filed by courts and Attorney General
§ 19.2-70.1. General prohibition on pen register and trap and trace device use; exceptions