A Virginia Uniform Summons is either an electronic or paper document given in cases of motor vehicle violations that are reportable to the Department of Motor Vehicles. One can receive a Virginia Uniform Summons for a reckless driving ticket, speeding ticket, driving under influence, possession of marijuana, petit larceny, and a variety of misdemeanor crimes. Basically, any motor vehicle violation reportable to the Department of Motor Vehicles will result in this document being issued to the driver.
A law enforcement officer, who has probable cause to believe a crime has been or is being committed by a person, may issue a written summons to that person directing that person to appear in the appropriate trial court to answer the allegation that the person has committed the crime. The Virginia uniform summons must include a brief description of the alleged crime, the signature of the officer, the time and place of the alleged crime, and the time, place and date the person is to appear in court.
In the federal district courts, the summons is organized by an attorney for the plaintiff and given to the clerk of the court where the case will be heard. When the plaintiff’s complaint, setting out his or her claim, is filed with the court, the clerk signs the summons and gives a copy of the complaint to a U.S. marshal or to someone else appointed to serve the papers. Once the summons and complaint are served on the defendant, he/she must respond to them within 20 days or whatever other time the court permits.
Unfortunately, there are some minor issues that, if ignored, can become major problems down the road. A traffic Virginia uniform summons is just such an issue. It is easy to lose track of the due date of a summons, and with the advent of photo-enforced speed zones and traffic light cameras, it is now possible to have received a summons without even knowing it.
The attorney general shall transmit a uniform form or forms to be used for petty or misdemeanor complaints and summons regarding traffic offenses. The form shall be designed to serve as a uniform traffic ticket. The attorney general shall designate those law enforcement agencies, which would use the uniform traffic ticket.
Any person so summoned shall be released from custody immediately after signing the Virginia uniform summons. A Central Criminal Records Exchange form will be completed by using information from the summons.
The attorney general after consultation with the Committee on District Courts, the Commissioner, and the Superintendent of State Police shall approve a form for the summons. The approved summons is to be issued in either an electronic or paper format and all revisions to the form to be used by all law enforcement officers throughout the commonwealth in cases of motor vehicle law violations reportable to the department under the provisions of § 46.2-382 and 46.2-383, and for other offenses charged on a summons pursuant to § 19.2-74. The commencement and termination date for the use of the form and each revised version of the form shall be made by the attorney general after consultation with the Committee on District Courts, the Superintendent of State Police, and the Commissioner.
If you need the help of a Virginia uniform summons lawyer in Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Loudoun, Caroline, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Chesterfield, Henrico, Arlington, Richmond, Alexandria, Warren, Clarke, Shenandoah, King George, Charles City, Frederick, Fredericksburg, Gloucester, Hanover, Hopewell, James City, King & Queen, King William, New Kent, Newport News, Petersburg, Prince George, Rappahannock, York, call our law firm immediately for help and speak to a lawyer about your options.
The SRIS Law Group can help you best possible outcome based on the facts of your case. If you wish to consult an SRIS Law Group, P.C. Virginia uniform summons attorney, call us at 855-696-3348.
