Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

I have a 21 year old son who is a 3rd year college student at GMU in VA state. On this past weekend, he went to Shenandoah Nat's park for camping. Needless to say, they were chatting and having beer over there. There were some 18 year old freshemn students also in this group who were also drinking beer. Park ranger/cops gave my son (and other adults) a ticket for...."contributing gift of alcogol to a minor". My son was told to appear in court in Charlottsville, VA on Dec. 13. BTW, this is first offense. I have 4 questions...

1....can my son avoid jail time and just pay the penalty?

2....can he request to postpone the date for court hearing because on Dec. 13 he has a final exam?

3.....we live in NO VA area. Do we have to hire a lawyer from Charlottsville area or can a local area lawyer from NO VA area represent my son in Charlottsville?

4....does my son have to appear in the court or can his lawyer represent him?

Any help will be appreciated.

Thank you,

Mindy


Asked on 10/21/12, 12:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

1. Yes, your son (presumably a first time offender) should not be expected

to have a jail sentence imposed but rather a fine, court costs, and, perhaps,

other conditions of his probation required such as some community service.

2. Yes, normally, a court will grant a defendant at least one continuance

in his case for any reasonably rational reason.

3. An attorney in either area could handle the matter bit the NoVa counsel would

likely charge more due to having to travel to Charlottesville.

4. Yes, your son will most likely be expected to appear in court with his counsel.

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Answered on 10/22/12, 6:44 am


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