• Driving with a suspended license carries stiff penalties in Richmond, Virginia.Open handcuffs the law showing its teeth image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com
  
  There are several violations that will result in the suspension of a driver's license in Richmond, Virginia. Once a driver's license has been suspended, the suspension will stay on the individual's driving record for a period of three to 11 years, depending on the severity of the offense. Driving with a suspended license in Richmond, Virginia is a serious offense with stiff penalties.
  
  

First Offense

• Operating a motor vehicle in Richmond, Virginia after a driver's license has been suspended is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Conviction of a Class 1 misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail, a maximum fine of $2,500, or both. The first time a person is convicted of driving with a suspended license in Virginia, her suspension period will be increased for the same amount of time as the original suspension, or 90 days.
  
  

Second Offense

• The second time an individual is found driving with a suspended, he will be charged with an additional Class 1 misdemeanor. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles may also revoke his driver's license for a period of one year. Having a driver's license revoked means he will have to undergo testing and prove residence to have a license reissued.
  
  

Third Offense

• Driving with a suspended license within 10 years of a previous violation is a Class 6 felony. A Class 6 felony carries a mandatory jail sentence of 10 days to five years and a fine of up to $2,500
  
  

Reinstatement

• Following the completion of all sentences--including additional suspension periods--and the payment of all fines, a suspended driver's license may be reinstated. This is usually done by obtaining proof of compliance with all court orders and taking it to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. If the sentence has not been completed but not having a driver's license is causing serious economic hardship, an individual can petition the court for a restricted driver's license. When granting a petition, the court may require the petitioner to attend a state run program for substance abuse or driving safety as a condition of having a restricted license issued.