Top Virginia Underage Possession of Alcohol Lawyer • 1500+ Reviews

Virginia Underage Possession of Alcohol AttorneyUnderage Possession of Alcohol in Virginia is not taken lightly. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense, the same type of misdemeanor as a DUI / DWIVa. Code§ 4.1-305 makes the underage purchase, possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage a class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense. Virginia law enforcement aggressively enforces this criminal alcohol law. This type of violation is prosecuted by the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. Some cases can lead to a jail sentence. Our top rated lawyers can help you understand your allegation, the defenses of your case, and the consequences of a conviction. We will help you navigate the criminal justice process to ensure that you are protected. NOTE: An allegation is NOT a conviction.

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Experienced Virginia Underage Alcohol Possession Defense Lawyers

Best Law Firm 2024 Riley Wells Attorneys at Law - Traffic Ticket, Reckless Driving, Speeding, and Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is an established criminal law defense firm that specializes in defending clients accused of underage possession of alcohol offenses. Our lawyers possess over 60 years of criminal law experience. Our firm is a recognized “Best Law Firm” according to U.S. News & World Report. We routinely defend clients accused of underage possession of alcohol. Our attorneys can help you understand the allegation you are facing and the possible defenses. We examine the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest. In many cases, you can prevail on a number of defense objections or motions, even if you think you are guilty. You can benefit from our experience – Let us review your case!

Most Rated Alcohol Possession Criminal Defense Attorney Review

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Free Consultation with Most Rated Illegal Alcohol Possession Attorneys

Free Consultation with Top Rated Virginia AttorneyUnderage 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 defense lawyers know the best tactics for obtaining the best results. Our lawyers spend hours in the 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 illegal alcohol possession. This knowledge is invaluable in order to best defend your case.

Penalties for Underage Possession of Alcohol Cases

  • Maximum 12 months in jail
  • Permanent criminal record
  • Maximum $2,500 fine
  • Community service
  • Alcohol treatment
  • Random testing
  • Loss of driving privileges
  • Employment/Education issues

A. No person to whom an alcoholic beverage may not lawfully be sold under § 4.1-304 shall consume, purchase or possess, or attempt to consume, purchase or possess, any alcoholic beverage, except

(i) pursuant to subdivisions 1 through 7 of § 4.1-200;

(ii) where possession of the alcoholic beverages by a person less than 21 years of age is due to such person’s making a delivery of alcoholic beverages in pursuance of his employment or an order of his parent; or

(iii) by any state, federal, or local law-enforcement officer or his agent when possession of an alcoholic beverage is necessary in the performance of his duties. Such person may be prosecuted either in the county or city in which the alcohol was possessed or consumed, or in the county or city in which the person exhibits evidence of physical indicia of consumption of alcohol.

It shall be an affirmative defense to a charge of a violation of this subsection if the defendant shows that such consumption or possession was pursuant to subdivision 7 of § 4.1-200.

B. No person under the age of 21 years shall use or attempt to use any

(i) altered, fictitious, facsimile, or simulated license to operate a motor vehicle;

(ii) altered, fictitious, facsimile, or simulated document, including but not limited to a birth certificate or student identification card; or

(iii) motor vehicle driver’s license or other document issued under Chapter 3 (§ 46.2-300 et seq.) of Title 46.2 or the comparable law of another jurisdiction, birth certificate, or student identification card of another person in order to establish a false identification or false age for himself to consume, purchase, or attempt to consume or purchase an alcoholic beverage.

C. Any person found guilty of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and upon conviction

(i) such person shall be ordered to pay a mandatory minimum fine of $500 or ordered to perform a mandatory minimum of 50 hours of community service as a condition of probation supervision and

(ii) the license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of any such person age 18 or older shall be suspended for a period of not less than six months and not more than one year; the license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of any juvenile shall be handled in accordance with the provisions of § 16.1-278.9.

The court, in its discretion and upon a demonstration of hardship, may authorize an adult convicted of a violation of this section the use of a restricted license to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of subsection E of § 18.2-271.1 or when referred to a local community-based probation services agency established pursuant to Article 9 (§ 9.1-173 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1.

During the period of license suspension, the court may require an adult who is issued a restricted license under the provisions of this subsection to be

(a) monitored by an alcohol safety action program or

(b) supervised by a local community-based probation services agency established pursuant to Article 9 (§ 9.1-173 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, if one has been established for the locality. The alcohol safety action program or local community-based probation services agency shall report to the court any violation of the terms of the restricted license, the required alcohol safety action program monitoring or local community-based probation services and any condition related thereto or any failure to remain alcohol-free during the suspension period.

D. Any alcoholic beverage purchased or possessed in violation of this section shall be deemed contraband and forfeited to the Commonwealth in accordance with § 4.1-338.

E. Any retail licensee who in good faith promptly notifies the Board or any state or local law-enforcement agency of a violation or suspected violation of this section shall be accorded immunity from an administrative penalty for a violation of § 4.1-304.

F. When any adult who has not previously been convicted of underaged consumption, purchase or possession of alcoholic beverages in Virginia or any other state or the United States is before the court, the court may, upon entry of a plea of guilty or not guilty, if the facts found by the court would justify a finding of guilt of a violation of subsection A, without entering a judgment of guilt and with the consent of the accused, defer further proceedings and place him on probation subject to appropriate conditions.

Such conditions may include the imposition of the license suspension and restricted license provisions in subsection C. However, in all such deferred proceedings, the court shall require the accused to enter a treatment or education program or both, if available, that in the opinion of the court best suits the needs of the accused. If the accused is placed on local community-based probation, the program or services shall be located in any of the judicial districts served by the local community-based probation services agency or in any judicial district ordered by the court when the placement is with an alcohol safety action program.

The services shall be provided by (i) a program licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, (ii) certified by the Commission on VASAP, or (iii) by a program or services made available through a community-based probation services agency established pursuant to Article 9 (§ 9.1-173 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, if one has been established for the locality.

When an offender is ordered to a local community-based probation services rather than the alcohol safety action program, the local community-based probation services agency shall be responsible for providing for services or referring the offender to education or treatment services as a condition of probation.

Upon violation of a condition, the court may enter an adjudication of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided. Upon fulfillment of the conditions, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against him without an adjudication of guilt. A discharge and dismissal hereunder shall be treated as a conviction for the purpose of applying this section in any subsequent proceedings.

When any juvenile is found to have committed a violation of subsection A, the disposition of the case shall be handled according to the provisions of Article 9 (§ 16.1-278 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 16.1.

Summons Issued by Police for Underage Alcohol Possession

Summons Issued by Police for Underage Alcohol PossessionMost underage possession of alcohol cases begin with the issuance of a Virginia Uniform Summons. This is the legal document issued by Police during the encounter rather than being arrested and taken to the 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 alcohol violation. Signing the summons is not an admission of guilt. The summons advises you that a arraignment has been set before the General District Court.  Let our alcohol possession attorneys review your case. We can develop a defense strategy even if you think you are guilty.

Elite VA Alcohol Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers for Virginia Criminal Law and Traffic DefenseSuper Lawyers is a legal rating service of outstanding attorneys from more than 70 practice areas including underage possession of alcohol attorneys who have attained a high-degree of recognition and professional achievement. This organization recognizes the top practitioners nationwide using a patented process of independent research and peer input. Our law firm has been recognized by this publication since 2009. No more than five percent of the lawyers are named to this list and no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Rising Stars list. This recognition is merit based. Retain a top rated attorney who defends alcohol cases and who has been recognized with this elite award.

Virginia College & University Underage Possession of Alcohol Lawyer

Virginia Colleges and University Underage Possession of Alcohol LawyerIt’s no secret that college students drink alcohol. Full-time college students tend to drink alcohol more than others in their age group. For college students, cracking open a beer or filling up a red solo cup with vodka-spiked punch can be central to the college social culture. Drinking alcohol can be liberating and exciting for the college student who is experiencing more freedom for the first time in their life. Many of these Virginia college students are under the age of 21, which would make the possession of alcohol a criminal offense. Our top rated Virginia underage possession of alcohol lawyers can present your best defense if you have been charged with this offense.

  • University of Virginia
  • George Mason University
  • Virginia Military Institute
  • University of Richmond
  • Old Dominion University
  • Radford University
  • Hampton University
  • Virginia Tech
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Washington & Lee
  • University of Mary Washington
  • Norfolk State University
  • College of William & Mary
  • Longwood University
  • James Madison University
  • Christopher Newport University
  • Hampden-Sydney College
  • Virginia State University

Possession of False Identification with Alcohol Defense Attorney

Virginia False Identification Fake ID Defense LawyersPossessing 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 who are in violation of the Commonwealth’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. Va. 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.

Virginia Underage Alcohol Possession Defenses

Virginia Alcohol Possession DefensesThere are various defenses to 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 law enforcement 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 illegal possession of alcohol case is unique. In some cases, you can prevail on a number of defenses even if you think you are guilty.

“AV Preeminent” Underage Alcohol Attorneys in the Commonwealth

“AV Preeminent” Underage Alcohol Attorneys • Highest RatingFor over 135 years, Martindale-Hubbell has been the authority for evaluating lawyers for legal ability and ethical standards through a Peer Review Rating system established by lawyers and judges. Riley & Wells Attorneys-A-Law is an AV Preeminent® rated law firm that defends underage possession of alcohol cases. The highest Martindale-Hubbell peer rating standard. This rating is given to those who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards. Retain a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated VA underage possession of alcohol lawyer to defend your case. Review the law firm’s legal rating and exercise caution before you secure representation with a firm that maintains an inferior rating for legal ability and ethical standards.

Seasoned Trial Lawyers Successfully Defend Illegal Alcohol Allegations

Virginia Underage Possession of Alcohol Defense AttorneysA misconception that many have is that you did not “possess” the alcohol in question. “Possession” can either be actual or constructive. Another misconception is that the law criminalizes recent consumption of alcohol by a minor. A police officer’s gathering of evidence that includes slurred speech or an odor of alcohol along with an admission can be sufficient evidence to prove a violation. Police officers may ask you to blow into a preliminary breath test. It is important to understand that you are not required by law to answer questions. You are also not required to provide breath samples for testing. Any statements to police can be used against you at trial.

Driving After Illegally Consuming Alcohol Defense Attorney

Virginia Underage DUI DWI Driving After Illegally Consuming Alcohol LawyerDriving a motor vehicle after unlawfully consuming alcohol is a criminal offense closely related to possession of alcohol by a minor. Persons under age 21 driving after illegally consuming alcohol is a criminal misdemeanor offense in the Commonwealth. This criminal offense 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. A blood or breath test is required to prove a violation of this offense. This offense is similar to a DUI / DWI but there are some differences. The DUI / DWI law requires intoxication. This offense criminalizes operation after illegal consumption.

Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) Required if Convicted

Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) Required if ConvictedVASAP is a state-administered program designed to address issues related to alcohol and substance abuse. Underage alcohol cases can trigger loss of driving privileges and VASAP supervision. The court may monitoring by VASAP which may include assessment, education, and treatment services if necessary. Individuals with more serious alcohol or substance abuse problems may be directed to substance abuse treatment programs. Participants will likely be required to submit to random drug and alcohol testing. VASAP also reports to the court any violation of the terms of the restricted license, the required alcohol safety action program monitoring and any condition related thereto or any failure to remain alcohol-free during the suspension period.

Alcohol Possession By Minor DISMISSED

A charge of underage alcohol possession is not a conviction.

Underage Alcohol Possession DISMISSED

Our lawyers defend underage possession of alcohol charges. In this case, we represented a college student who was arrested for underage possession of alcohol and possession of False Identification by an undercover ABC Special Agent. Both offenses are criminal misdemeanors and are punishable by a term of incarceration, loss of driving privileges and a significant fine. The client and parents were very concerned about this incident. The arrest took place at a local nightclub popular with many college students. The client’s main concern was to not have a permanent criminal record.

False Identification Fake ID Case DISMISSED

Possession of fake ID is common with underage alcohol cases

Fake ID DISMISSED

Possession of false identification is common in alcohol cases involving minors who have underage drinking charges. 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. 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.

Contact Us today for an evaluation of YOUR case!

11/10/2015 | Updated 11/7/2024