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Editor: Bob Battle
Profession: DUI Defense Lawyer

Category: Virginia Reckless Driving/Speeding

The city of Richmond clerk's office in the traffic division for the Richmond General District Court is making no bones about its dislike of Virginia's new "civil remedial fees" for certain traffic convictions. Irving Wright, clerk of the traffic division of Richmond General District Court was quoted in the Virginia Lawyers Weekly as saying,

"They say it's a remedial fee, but I don't know that we'll remedy anything.".

In fact, the payment window at the Richmond traffic court clerk's office has a sign prominently displayed which says, "The fees are set by the General Assembly and any comments, complaints, suggestions or argument should be made to members of that body and not to the court or clerk's office."

Apparently even the Richmond-area judges are skeptical about the law and its constitutionality. Richmond lawyer Craig Cooley, who has already filed a legal challenge to the civil remedial fees, also related to the Virginia Lawyers Weekly:

I haven't talked to a judge yet who doesn't think it's a violation of equal protection. I don't know that I've talked to one who is coming up for reelection.

Cooley, an outstanding lawyer who also has a great sense of humor, was referring to the pressure the judges will be under in ruling on the constitutionality of a law that was passed by the same politicians that will decide whether they are re-appointed to the bench.