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Community Service in Virginia Criminal and Traffic Cases
In some cases, Virginia courts may order community service as part of a sentence. In other situations, completing community service voluntarily can benefit our clients, serving as an alternative to incarceration or even helping reduce or dismiss charges.
Depending on the Court’s order, community service may be completed through the Court’s community corrections program or through a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Choosing an Organization
If the Court allows you to choose your own placement, make sure the organization is:
- Not a church, government agency, or group you are personally affiliated with
- A well-recognized nonprofit. If the group is lesser known, you may need to provide documentation explaining its purpose, along with the completion letter
When service is finished, the Court requires a notarized letter on official letterhead, signed by an authorized representative, confirming the hours completed. Timesheets alone are not accepted.
Commonly Accepted Organizations
- Habitat for Humanity
- American Red Cross
- Feed More
- Atlantic Outreach Group
- Salvation Army
- Richmond Animal League
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Online Community Service Options:
These organizations are widely recognized and typically meet Virginia Court requirements when service is not supervised directly by the community corrections department. The Volunteer Center Network can also help you search for service opportunities.
If the Court requires your community service to be completed and supervised through the local community corrections department, you must contact that department directly to meet the Court’s order.
Speak With a Virginia Defense Attorney About Community Service
Community service can be an effective way to address criminal or traffic charges, including reckless driving, in Virginia courts. At Stanton Law, we help clients in Central Virginia understand when voluntary service can reduce penalties, serve as an alternative to incarceration, or support a favorable court outcome.
If you are facing a reckless driving or other traffic offense, our team can guide you through your legal options and ensure that your community service placement meets all court requirements. For more information on our legal services, contact us online or call (804) 929-8280.
