Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

Underage possession of alcohol

I and 20 and was fishing with 2 friends (one underage, one of age)in a neighborhood community and was arrested by 2 police officers. I was charged with underage possession of alcohol. I have never been arrested before. I have a few questions: What can I expect as punishment? My first court date is May 31 (my 21st birthday). The arresting officers gave me a second court date of June 19. Will I be able to leave the state of Virginia on vacation during these two time periods? Why do I have two court dates?


Asked on 5/29/02, 12:29 pm

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

Re: Underage possession of alcohol

You're charged under S4.1-305, the Alcoholic Beverage Control title of the Virginia Code.

S4.1-305(C.)characterizes a violation of this section as a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of at least $500 or an order by the court requiring the convicted person to perform a minimum of 50 hours of community service. The

statute goes on to prescribe a suspension of the convicted person's privilege to drive in the Commonwealth not to exceed one year.(A restricted license may be granted to the convicted one upon a proper showing of hardship.)

Your first court date is probably an arraignment

date(when you are formally charged in court and asked whether you understand the charge,etc.), and the second date is probably a trial date when

you will either plead guilty to the charge or present your case for trial before the general district court.

Yes, you can leave Virginia during these two time periods as long as you come back promptly to see her for your court dates.

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Answered on 5/29/02, 11:46 pm


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