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Court System Overview

The judicial system in Virginia Beach is intricate and comprises several levels. The General District Court handles civil lawsuits of up to $25,000 and criminal offenses. The Circuit Court handles larger civil cases, family law proceedings, and more serious criminal charges. Learn the hierarchy so you can determine which court might hear your case.

Common Legal Concerns

Examine common legal concerns in Virginia Beach, including situations involving personal injury, family law, and traffic infractions. Every kind of case has a different legal process, so knowing what typical problems to look out for will make it easier for you to deal with the particular steps involved in your case.

Traffic Violations and DUI Cases in Virginia Beach

Like most communities, Virginia Beach has traffic regulations aimed at maintaining road safety. Breaking these laws may have costly and inconvenient repercussions. DUI (driving while intoxicated) crimes fall into a different, more serious category and carry harsher punishments.

• Violations of Traffic: Virginia Beach complies with state traffic regulations. These include everything from incorrect lane changes and failure to yield to speeding and running red lights.
• Fines & Penalties: The offense determines how serious the punishment will be. For minor violations, a straightforward ticket with a fee may be issued. Committing significant crimes like driving under the influence may lead to points being added to your driving record, increased insurance expenses, or the possibility of your driver’s license being suspended.
• DUI Cases: Virginia’s DUI Law: Drivers under 21 with any blood alcohol content (BAC) are subject to a zero-tolerance policy. For individuals aged 21 and older, the permissible blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08. Even if your BAC is below 0.08, you can still face DUI charges if law enforcement believes you are driving under the influence.
• Resulting from a DUI: Conviction for a DUI may have serious repercussions. First-time offenders often face jail time, heavy fines, obligatory alcohol safety training, and suspension of their license. Even worse, punishments are meted out for repeat offenders, including longer prison terms and required ignition interlock devices (which prohibit starting a vehicle unless the driver passes a breathalyzer test).

Family Law Matters

A wide variety of legal concerns that come up in families are covered under family law. Navigating the complications of separation and its aftermath is one of the most common issues in Virginia Beach. Let’s examine two crucial aspects in more detail:

• Divorce and Custody Cases: Virginia follows a “fault” system for divorce procedures, which means that in allocating marital assets and perhaps granting alimony, the court takes the reason for the divorce (adultery, cruelty, etc.) into account. The child’s welfare is the court’s top priority when deciding who gets custody. A number of factors are taken into account, including the kid’s age, the relationship the youngster has with each parent, and each parent’s capacity to create a secure and caring environment. This frequently results in drawn-out discussions or court hearings to figure out a custody arrangement that benefits both parties.

• Support and Visitation Matters: After a divorce or separation, the primary caregiver usually receives child support to help with the cost of raising the kid. Virginia bases the amount of support on an income-based calculation. In order to guarantee a positive bond between the child and both parents, visitation arrangements are also set. Common disagreements include support payments and visitation rights. These issues can be resolved through mediation, in which a third party who is impartial facilitates discussion, or, in the event that mediation is unsuccessful, through the legal system.

Civil Cases

Unlike criminal cases, which involve the government prosecuting individuals or businesses for breaking the law, civil lawsuits in Virginia Beach cover a wide range of legal disputes between persons or entities. Below is a summary of the typical proceedings in civil cases:

• Breach of Contract: This occurs when a party involved in a legal agreement fails to fulfill their part of the deal. Examples include avoiding paying for services delivered or having a contractor finish a job that does not meet standards.

• Personal Injury: If you suffer injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you can choose to file a civil case to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering—whether from incidents like vehicle accidents or slip-and-falls. Property disputes: These conflicts can involve property damage, ownership rights, or boundary lines. They also apply to actions such as foreclosure.

• Debt Collection: You have the right to file a lawsuit to collect unpaid debts, including property liens or court-ordered wage garnishments, if the debtor refuses to pay.

• Business Disputes: Civil litigation may result from disagreements amongst corporations, breaches of contracts, or other concerns.