Virginia Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for Virginia. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Virginia attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Virginia Quick Facts
- State Capital: Richmond
- Region: South
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Legal (recreational)
- Felony Theft Threshold: $1,000+
- Murder SOL: None
Virginia DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | Up to 12 months jail, $250–$2,500 fine, 7-month–3 year suspension |
| Second Offense DUI | Mandatory 20 days–12 months, $500–$2,500 fine, 3-year suspension |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 3rd offense in 10 years |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
Virginia has mandatory minimum sentences for DUI with high BAC
Virginia Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal (recreational) |
| Medical Program | Yes |
| Recreational Use | Yes |
| Small Amount Penalty | Legal (up to 1 oz) |
| Large Amount Penalty | Over 1 oz: civil penalty up to $25 |
Virginia legalized recreational marijuana in 2021
Virginia Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $1,000 |
| Felony Threshold | $1,000+ or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 12 months |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 20 years (grand larceny) |
Virginia grand larceny is theft over $1,000
Virginia Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None |
| Felony (General) | None |
| Misdemeanor | 1 year |
| Fraud | None |
| Theft | None |
| DUI / DWI | 1 year |
| Assault | None |
Virginia has NO SOL for felonies — felonies can be prosecuted at any time