Top Chesterfield VA Underage Possession of Alcohol Attorney
Virginia law 4.1-305 criminalizes the possession, purchase, or consumption of any alcoholic beverage, such as liquor, wine, and beer, by those under the age of 21. Underage possession of alcohol is a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense. Chesterfield County Police and other law enforcement agencies aggressively enforce this law. Law enforcement has a no-tolerance policy for underage drinking. Contact an underage possession of alcohol attorney who specializes in defending Chesterfield County cases. NOTE: An arrest is NOT a conviction!
Related Chesterfield Defense Pages
- Chesterfield County Overview
- Chesterfield Criminal Lawyer
- Chesterfield DUI Lawyer
- Chesterfield Solicitation Lawyer
- Chesterfield Shoplifting Lawyer
For broader statewide guidance, see our Virginia Underage Possession of Alcohol Defense Lawyer page.
Alcohol Violation Attorney Chesterfield VA
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is a prominent local Chesterfield County VA criminal law defense firm. Our lawyers represent clients accused of Underage Possession of Alcohol before the Chesterfield County Courts. We will help you understand the allegation you are facing, the possible defenses of your case, and the consequences of a conviction. We are recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report. Our attorneys will examine the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest. We will be looking for defenses to your case. We represent clients before the Chesterfield Courts every week. Our firm has been positively reviewed more than any other law firm that defends criminal cases in Chesterfield VA. We can help!
Chesterfield VA Underage Possession of Alcohol Attorney Client Reviews


Virginia Underage Possession of Alcohol Penalties – Chesterfield County
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Maximum 12 months in jail
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Maximum $2,500 fine
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50 hours of community service
- Random Testing
- Loss of driving privileges
- Permanent criminal record
Driving After Illegally Consuming Alcohol
Driving a motor vehicle by persons under the age of 21 after illegally consuming alcohol is a criminal offense according to Va. Code 18.2-266.1. This violation 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. The DUI law criminalizes operation of a motor vehicle in cases of blood alcohol evidence of 0.08 or higher. Note: A person weighing 120 pounds can reach a 0.02 percent blood-alcohol level after having one drink in one hour.
Possession of False Identification
Possession of a fake ID is not an alcohol violation; however, in many instances young offenders in violation of Virginia’s alcohol laws are also in possession of a fake or fraudulent identification. Virginia Code 18.2-204.2 makes it is illegal for any person to possess a fictitious driver’s license or other official identity card. As such, the accused may be facing two criminal charges for underage possession of alcohol and possession of a false identification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chesterfield Underage Possession of Alcohol Charges
What court handles underage possession of alcohol charges in Chesterfield County?
Many Chesterfield underage possession of alcohol charges begin in the Chesterfield General District Court. More serious or appealed cases may proceed in the Chesterfield Circuit Court depending on the charge and posture of the case.
Is underage possession of alcohol in Chesterfield a criminal offense?
Yes. Virginia law treats underage possession, purchase, or consumption of alcohol as a criminal offense. The live Chesterfield page describes it as a Class 1 misdemeanor and notes that local law enforcement takes these cases seriously.
Can an underage alcohol charge in Chesterfield affect driving privileges?
Yes. The current Chesterfield page lists possible consequences that can include loss of driving privileges, along with other penalties such as fines, community service, random testing, and a criminal record.
Can an underage alcohol case also involve a fake ID or baby DUI allegation?
Yes. The current Chesterfield page explains that some cases also involve possession of false identification, and some under-21 drivers may face a separate alcohol-related driving charge depending on the facts and alleged blood alcohol level.
What should I review before my Chesterfield underage alcohol court date?
It helps to review the summons, warrant, or court notice, the exact charge, the location of the incident, and any facts you remember about what happened. If the case also involves driving, a fake ID allegation, or statements made to law enforcement, those details may also matter.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of YOUR case!
11/10/2015 | Updated 4/3/2026
