Top Richmond VA Underage Possession of Alcohol Attorney • 1500+ Reviews
Underage Possession of Alcohol in Richmond Virginia is taken very seriously by law enforcement and the Courts. Va. Code§ 4.1-305 makes the purchase, possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage a class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense by those under the age of 21. VCU Police, University of Richmond Police, Richmond Police & Virginia ABC Agents and State Troopers lead the charge on enforcing this law. This type of violation is prosecuted by the Richmond Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. Our lawyers can help you understand the allegation you are facing, the defenses of your case, and the consequences of a conviction. You can benefit from our experience. NOTE: An allegation is NOT a conviction!
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Experienced Underage Possession of Alcohol Richmond Defense Lawyers
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is a local prominent law firm that specializes in defending Richmond underage possession of alcohol cases. Our lawyers have accumulated over 60 years of combined criminal law experience. Our firm is recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report. We examine the facts and circumstances of your case. We understand the negative impact a criminal conviction can have on one’s future. Our lawyers will help you navigate the criminal justice system. Do not give up hope. We can protect you even if you think you are in violation of the law. Our firm has been positively reviewed more than any other law firm that defends criminal cases in Richmond Virginia. We can help!
Skilled Lawyers for Illegal Possession of Alcohol in Richmond VA
Underage Possession of Alcohol Penalties – Richmond Virginia
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Incarceration
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Maximum $2,500 fine
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Community service
- Random Testing
- Loss of driving privileges
- Permanent criminal record
Summons Issued by Richmond Police for Underage Alcohol Possession
Most Richmond underage possession of alcohol cases begin with the issuance of a Virginia Uniform Summons. This is the legal document issued by Richmond Police during the police encounter rather than being arrested and being taken to the Richmond police station. A law enforcement officer can issue a summons for a criminal misdemeanor underage possession of alcohol offense. The summons serves as legal notice for the alleged violation. Signing the summons is not an admission of guilt. The summons advises you that a arraignment has been set before the Richmond General District Court. Let our Richmond underage possession of alcohol attorneys review your case. We can develop a defense strategy even if you think you are guilty.
Free Consultation with Most Rated Richmond VA Alcohol Lawyers
Underage possession of alcohol cases can have a negative longstanding impact if handled improperly. The biggest issue for most defendants is that they lack the necessary experience and legal knowledge to properly defend their case. The average person does not understand the best course of action to defend a particular case. Experienced Richmond defense lawyers know the best tactics for obtaining the best results. Our lawyers spend hours in the Richmond Courts every week and are familiar with the habits of the different judges and the law enforcement officers who make arrests and issue the summons’ for underage possession of alcohol. This local knowledge is invaluable in order to best defend your case.
Driving After Illegally Consuming Alcohol in Richmond Virginia
Driving a motor vehicle in the City of Richmond after illegally consuming alcohol is an offense closely related to underage possession of alcohol. Persons under age 21 driving after illegally consuming alcohol is a criminal misdemeanor offense. This violation is often referred to as a baby DUI when the driver under the age of 21 has a blood alcohol level of 0.02 but less than 0.08. The DUI / DWI law criminalizes operation of a motor vehicle in cases of blood alcohol evidence of 0.08 or higher. The main distinction between this offense and a DUI / DWI is that a chemical test is required. Richmond DUI / DWI cases can be proved even with no chemical test if other evidence proves intoxication.
Richmond Possession of False Identification Defense Attorney
Possessing false identification is another criminal offense closely linked to underage possession of alcohol. Possession of a fake ID is not an alcohol violation; however, in many instances young offenders in the City of Richmond who are in violation of Virginia’s criminal alcohol laws are also in possession of a fake or fraudulent identification. In cases like these, the accused will likely be facing criminal charges for underage possession of alcohol and possession of a false identification. Virginia Code 18.2-204.2 makes it is illegal for any person to possess, manufacture or sell a fictitious driver’s license or other official identity card. This offense is a criminal misdemeanor jailable offense.
Richmond Virginia Alcohol Possession Defenses
There are various defenses to Richmond underage possession of alcohol cases. The success of the defense will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. We will investigate your case and look for every possible defense. For example, did the police have a constitutional basis to stop you or enter your location? Did the Richmond Police violate the Fourth Amendment when conducting a search? A police violation may have tainted the seizure of evidence. Was the possession at issue either actual possession or constructive possession? It is important to remember that each Richmond underage possession of alcohol case is unique. In some cases, you can prevail on a number of defenses even if you think you are guilty.
Richmond VA Fictitious Identification & Drunk in Public Charges DISMISSED
Our Richmond VA underage possession of alcohol lawyers represented a University of Richmond student who was arrested and charged with three offenses. Two counts of possessing a fictitious driver’s license pursuant to Va. Code 18.2-204.2. This is a class two misdemeanor criminal offense. One count of being intoxicated in public in violation of Va. Code 18.2-388. This is a class four criminal misdemeanor. The University of Richmond police department made the arrest. The arrest took place on the University of Richmond campus. The client was terrified about a permanent criminal conviction ruining his future. We convinced the Richmond General District Court to DISMISS all three charges. Click on Case Result image above to see actual court record
Underage Possession of Alcohol Lawyer • CASE DISMISSED
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law represented a University of Richmond student who was arrested for underage possession of alcohol and possession of False Identification by an undercover ABC Special Agent. The arrest took place at a downtown Richmond local nightclub popular with many college students. Both offenses are criminal misdemeanors and are punishable by a term of incarceration, loss of driving privileges and a significant fine. The client was naturally concerned about the penalties, the impact this incident would have on his future and a permanent criminal record if convicted.
Richmond Virginia Fake ID DISMISSED
The client’s main concern was to not have a permanent criminal record. Our attorneys gathered all of the necessary information regarding the arrest and conducted the necessary legal research as it applied to our client’s case so that we would be prepared for trial. We were able to effectively plea bargain part of the case with the prosecution and argue part of the case to the Court. Based on the facts of our client’s case, our arguments and our representation, we were able to favorably resolve both misdemeanor allegations with no jail sentence, no loss of driving privileges, and perhaps most importantly, no permanent criminal record.
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11/10/2015 | Updated 4/26/2024
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