Jay Jones Escaped Jail for Reckless Driving That Jailed Others

In yet another glaring example of two-tiered justice, embattled Virginia Democrat Jay Jones now running for Attorney General dodged jail time after being caught speeding 116 mph in a 70 zone, a charge that has landed ordinary Virginians behind bars. And that’s not even the worst of it.

The same year he was pulled over for reckless driving, Jones sent text messages advocating for the assassination of then-Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R). Yet despite the violent rhetoric and the serious criminal traffic offense, Jones remains in the race and Democrats continue to shield him from consequences.

In 2022, Jones was convicted of reckless driving a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia but walked away with a $1,500 fine and 1,000 hours of community service. According to court records reviewed by 7News, others caught driving at similar speeds just 1 mph slower in some cases faced jail time, suspended licenses, and long-term driving restrictions.

Compare Jones’ slap on the wrist to these real-world examples:

• A driver clocked at 115 mph paid a $2,000 fine, served 10 days in jail, and lost his license for six months. Afterward, he was only allowed to drive to and from work.

• Another individual faced a 20-day jail sentence for similar reckless driving speeds.

• Several others had licenses suspended and criminal records punishments that could derail jobs, careers, and family stability.

But not Jay Jones. He walked. Why? Because in today’s Virginia, it pays to have the right political friends.

To make matters worse, Jones is still trying to dodge accountability for his 2022 assassination text, in which he allegedly suggested that Speaker Gilbert be targeted for violence. Despite bipartisan condemnation, including from law enforcement and Republican officials, Democrat leaders have refused to pull their endorsements.

Now, the Virginia Law Enforcement Sheriff’s Association has added its voice to the growing calls for Jones to step aside:

“This call for violence against a family of the Commonwealth of Virginia and law enforcement is disgusting and unacceptable… Sir, you need to hold yourself accountable and immediately withdraw from the Attorney General race.”

But the silence from Jones’ own party speaks volumes. Democrats have instead chosen to hedge calling his comments “reprehensible” while doing nothing meaningful to disavow or remove him from contention. It's yet another example of political expediency taking priority over justice, accountability, and public safety.

And let’s not forget the larger message this sends to the people of Virginia: If you’re a regular citizen, you get jail. If you’re a Democrat insider, you get a fine and a campaign ad.

This isn’t just a legal scandal it’s a moral one.

Virginia voters deserve better. They deserve leaders who aren’t dangerous behind the wheel or radical behind a screen. And they certainly deserve an Attorney General who doesn’t joke about political assassination.

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