Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

Wrongly Accused

I was charged with sell of alcohol to a minor at work. Consequently I lost my job and it has really messed with my life. I check this ladies ID... that was witnessed by the two police women that were at the scene. They both realized as did I that I had simple made an error in readin the ID. I saw a 2003 and it was actually a 2008. Even the Virginia Employment Commission Deputy agreed with me and let me qualify for unemployment benefits. She actually told me I should have gone to court and plead innocent. The reason I did not do this was that on the ticket a box was checked that said I could waive the trial and just pay the fine. I'm moving across the country in less than a month and didn't have the time to go to trial so I decided that I would just pay the fine. I was under the impression that after the court date I would recieve the fine in the mail. But today realized that I actually have a bench warrent out on my arrest and feel as if this whole situation is completly stupid and useless. Should I turn myself in or should I wait and try to plead innocent. I really feel as if I need to be vindicated against the wrong doings that were not even intentional and would also not like to have this on my record.Whatcan i do?


Asked on 5/18/05, 1:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Fred Kaufman Fredrick S. Kaufman, Esquire

Re: Wrongly Accused

I takee it the bench warrant is because you didn't show up in court when you were supposed to. You need to turn yourself in under controlled circumstances (with a lawyer) and answer the criminal charge. If you don't you'll be picked up for a routine traffic charge and held pending bond on your bench warrant.

I have a similiar case I'm representing a Korean grocer who failed to card an underage plant who came in with ABC agents behind her. My cient figured the men were with her so he assumed she was of age. Not exactly a defense, so I sympathize.

Good luck.

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Answered on 5/18/05, 3:52 pm


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