10 Crimes That Could Turn Your Tee Time into Jail Time in Virginia
- Susan Fremit
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
Think golf is all plaid pants and polite claps? Think again. The green can turn into a legal minefield. Here are 10 crimes that could turn your tee time into jail time in Virginia:
Assault with a 9-Iron
Lose your temper and swing a club at someone? That’s assault. Add intent to injure, and it’s a felony under § 18.2-51.
Penalty: Up to 20 years behind bars.
Pro Tip: Your swing belongs on the ball, not your buddy.
Golf Cart DUI
Drunk driving isn’t limited to highways. A tipsy joyride on a golf cart can still get you charged under § 18.2-266.
Penalty: Jail time, fines, and license suspension.
Pro Tip: Skip the six-pack if you’re behind the wheel—even a tiny one.
3. Trespassing on Private Greens
Hopping a fence to sneak in 9 holes without paying? That’s criminal trespassing under § 18.2-119.
Penalty: Up to 12 months in jail.
Pro Tip: Pay the greens fees. It’s cheaper than court costs.
4. Theft from a Golf Bag
Grab a club, glove, or ball that isn’t yours? That’s larceny under §§ 18.2-95 or 18.2-96.
Penalty: Up to 20 years if the item’s value is high enough.
Pro Tip: Finders keepers doesn’t fly in court.
5. Club-Throwing Tantrums
Meltdowns and loud outbursts? That’s disorderly conduct under § 18.2-415.
Penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor.
Pro Tip: Vent on the 19th hole—not the 9th.
6. Public Intoxication
Sipping too much from the beer cart and stumbling around? That’s public drunkenness under § 18.2-388.
Penalty: Fines and potential overnight stay in jail.
Pro Tip: Hydrate with water, not whiskey.
Property Damage
Smashing golf carts, greens, or windows with an errant shot—or temper tantrum—can be charged as vandalism.
Penalty: Misdemeanor or felony, depending on cost.
Pro Tip: Your handicap isn’t an excuse for destruction.
8. Illegal Betting on the Course
Friendly wagers are fine. But high-stakes betting can cross into illegal gambling territory.
Penalty: Misdemeanor under § 18.2-325.
Pro Tip: Bet on your talent, not your freedom.
9. Reckless Driving (Yes, Even on the Course)
Speeding around in a cart, endangering others? Reckless driving applies, even off-road.
Penalty: Jail time, fines, and points on your license.
Pro Tip: It’s golf, not NASCAR.
10. Harassing Wildlife
Messing with Canadian geese, deer, or other critters on the course can violate wildlife laws.
Penalty: Fines, jail, and a criminal record.
Pro Tip: Respect nature—especially the kind that hisses.
Know the Rules—Avoid the Rough. A peaceful day of golf shouldn't end in handcuffs. But if it does, call Susan F. Fremit, Criminal Defense Attorney in Spotsylvania, VA. We’ll help keep your record clean—no matter how messy your short game is.
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