Is driving without a license a felony in Richmond Virginia?

What is the law for driving without a valid driving license in Richmond Virginia?

If you are ever convicted of driving without a valid driving license in Richmond Virginia you will be charged with strict penalties as it is considered a major offense. According to the Virginia code section 46.2-300 driving without license prohibited:

“No person, except those expressly exempted in §§ 46.2-303 through 46.2-308, shall drive any motor vehicle on any highway in the Commonwealth until such person has applied for a driver’s license, as provided in this article, satisfactorily passed the examination required by § 46.2-325, and obtained a driver’s license, nor unless the license is valid. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Upon conviction under this section, the court may suspend the person’s privilege to drive for a period not to exceed 90 days.”

Although the terms specified in the law are simple, however, the penalties can get complicated in a certain situation due to the expectation in the law of Virginia. These expectations are mentioned in the Virginia code 46.2 – 303 till the section 46.2 – 308. As per section 46.2-305:

“Every person in the armed services of the United States, when furnished with a driver’s license, and when operating an official motor vehicle in such service, shall be exempt from licensure under this chapter.”

And section 46.2-307 states:

“A. A nonresident over the age of sixteen years and three months who has been duly licensed as a driver under a law requiring the licensing of drivers in his home state or country and who has in his immediate possession a driver’s license issued to him in his home state or country shall be permitted, without a Virginia license, to drive a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth.”

Penalties for Driving without a License in Virginia

The penalties for driving without a valid license in Richmond Virginia first offense is:

Class 2 misdemeanor

  1. Jail time for a maximum period of 6 months
  2. Fine amounting up to $1000
  3. Suspension of driving license for a maximum period of 90 days

The penalties for driving without a valid license in Richmond Virginia second time is:

Class 1 misdemeanor

  1. Jail time for a maximum period of 12 month
  2. Fine amounting up to $2500
  3. Suspension of driving license for a maximum period of 90 days

Although in most of the cases the standard punishment for driving without a valid driving license in Richmond Virginia differs with every jurisdiction. However, the law enforcement authorities are pretty strict in dealing with the careless attitude of the drivers on the roads of Virginia.

The convicted people rarely face jail time for the first offense, however, they can surely face jail time and other consequences for the third time.

What to do if you are convicted of being charged with driving without a license in Richmond Virginia?

If you are convicted of driving without a driving license in Richmond Virginia you should immediately contact a professional attorney who can guide you all the mitigating factors. A professional lawyer who not only guide but they will even represent your case in the court.