Prince William County, VA Public Conduct: Public Urination (2026)
Key Facts
- Offense class
- Class 1 misdemeanor
- Maximum fine
- $2,500 (Sec. 1-12)
- Maximum jail
- 12 months
- Intent required
- Intent or reckless disregard of public alarm
- Governing section
- PWC Code § 16-13(a)(4)
Summary
Urinating or defecating anywhere in public in unincorporated Prince William County, on the ground, in a street, in standing water, or anywhere exposed to public view, is disorderly conduct under Sec. 16-13(a)(4) when done with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or while recklessly creating that risk. It's a Class 1 misdemeanor.
(a)A person is guilty of disorderly conduct and a Class 1 misdemeanor if, with the intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, such person: ... (4)Urinates or defecates in any public place or in any place open to the public or exposed to public view or upon the surface of the ground or upon any premises, lot or in any building basement or in any public street, or into any standing water, stream or excavation or public place other than a proper toilet or portable toilet; or
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 46 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Sec. ' The intent element matters: an accident or a genuine medical emergency, without the intent or reckless disregard the statute requires, does not by itself satisfy the offense, though officers make that determination in the field. Sec. 16-13(b) also lets the person in charge of the building, place, conveyance or meeting where the conduct occurs eject the violator, with help from bystanders if needed. Public intoxication accompanying the conduct is charged separately: Sec. 16-14 makes being intoxicated in public, from alcohol, narcotics or any other intoxicant, a standalone Class 4 misdemeanor, and both charges can apply to the same incident.
Disorderly conduct under this section carries the county's general Class 1 penalty structure set out in Sec. 1-12: the highest misdemeanor class available short of a felony.
Violations & Fines
A Class 1 misdemeanor conviction under Sec. 16-13 carries a fine of up to $2,500.00, up to 12 months in jail, or both, under the county's general penalty schedule in Sec. 1-12(a)(1). Each separate act is charged individually rather than as one continuing offense. A companion public-intoxication charge under Sec. 16-14 is a lesser Class 4 misdemeanor, fined up to $250.00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public urination always a criminal charge in Prince William County?
What's the maximum penalty for public urination or defecation here?
Can I also be charged with public intoxication for the same incident?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince William County
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