Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

I misread my court date and missed it! Is there anything I can do to rectify this? Will it be put on my criminal record? The citation was for underage alcohol possession. I thought the date was on October 15, but the date was actually for October 5. I received a letter saying that I had been found Guilty in Absentia and that I was to pay a $591 fine. The citation involved an unopened bottle of Corona Light that a person left me holding. I had not been drinking that night and I was not asked if I had been. This is my first violation of this kind. I am 18 and I have never encountered trouble with the police before. Can I still plead not guilty? Or is it out of the question for me to do anything because the ticket has been finalized? Is there any general advice you would give me besides getting a lawyer?


Asked on 10/10/09, 12:13 am

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

As I answered before, contact the clerk's office of the court involved, explaining your situation and see whether the court can give you a new court date for the matter (even if they must consult a judge to do so).

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Answered on 10/15/09, 2:48 pm


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