Henrico VA Underage Possession of Alcohol Attorney

underagealcoholUnderage Possession of Alcohol in Henrico County is not taken lightly, and in some cases can lead to a jail sentence. Henrico County Police, University of Richmond Police and Virginia ABC Agents aggressively enforce this law. If you have been arrested or cited for underage possession of alcohol in Henrico VA, then you need a Virginia Super Lawyer. The Code of Virginia criminalizes the possession, purchase, or consumption of any alcoholic beverage such as liquor, wine, and beer by those under the age of 21. In fact, underage possession of alcohol is a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense, which, in Virginia, is the same type of criminal misdemeanor as a DUI. A conviction for underage possession of alcohol is punishable as follows:

  • Maximum 12 months in jail
  • Maximum $2,500 fine
  • 50 hours of community service
  • Alcohol Education and/or Treatment
  • Random Testing
  • Loss of driving privileges
  • Permanent criminal record

Underage Possession of Alcohol is a Criminal Offense

possessionofalcoholRiley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law are the Henrico VA Underage Possession of Alcohol Attorneys that can help you understand the allegation you are facing, the possible defenses of your case, and the consequences of a conviction. We examine the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest, whether the police violated the Fourth Amendment, whether the police had a reasonable suspicion to stop you, whether any warrant was supported by probable cause, and whether any other violations may have tainted the seizure of evidence the prosecution will attempt to use against you at trial. In many cases, you can prevail on a number of defense objections or motions, even if you think you are guilty.

Henrico VA Underage Alcohol Lawyer Client Reviews

OUTSTANDING!!! 5.0 stars Posted by Donnell on Aug 5 Mr. Bohannon was able to prevent evidence that made it possible to have all of my charges dropped and me not pay one penny to the courts. He performed outstanding work on my behalf!

Awesome Attorney 5.0 stars Posted by Yewande April 26, 2013 I contacted the law firm only based on the reviews i had seen on the website. I was not disappointed. Mr Wells explained everything from what he could accomplish and what i should expect. Of course everyone wants their case to be dismissed but im more than satisfied with the outcome and would recommend him without a moments notice to anyone second guessing their choice. You wont be sorry.

Henrico County Underage Possession of Alcohol Cases DISMISSED

Henrico underage possession of alcohol attorney successfully defends an innocent client

Case Result

Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law regularly represent clients in Henrico County and University of Richmond Students for various alcohol related offenses such as Underage Possession of Alcohol pursuant to Va. Code 4.1-305. If your allegation is either a first offense, a subsequent offense, or some other alcohol related offense, then you need skilled representation. Do not attempt to defend your criminal case without representation. Our attorneys thoroughly and completely analyze each of our client’s cases. In some instances, there is a basis to challenge the police detention, and in some other cases, there is a fourth amendment argument to suppress any alcohol evidence that was seized by law enforcement. Either way, only a professionally trained Henrico Criminal Defense Attorney can protect your interests.

Related Alcohol Possession Offenses Henrico County VA

Underage Drinking—Information for Parents and Teens Drinking and Driving The amount of alcohol in a person’s body is measured by the weight of the alcohol in a certain volume of blood. This is called the blood alcohol concentration or BAC. Alcohol is quickly absorbed and can be measured within 30 to 70 minutes of alcohol consumption. In 2010, one in five drivers ages 16–19 years involved in fatal crashes had a positive BAC. *Also in 2010, during prom/graduation season (April-June) 706 youths died in motor vehicle crashes, of which 66 percent were alcohol related. (*From www.NHTSA.dot.gov) Information provided in this brochure was found at the below web sites: www.cdc.gov www.nhtsa.dot.gov www.abc.virginia.gov www.virginiarules.com Communicate with teens your ‘no drinking’ rules and the consequences for breaking them. Empower teens to make their own decisions based on what they know is right, not on what their peers might think or do. Tell them to call you immediately if they get into a situation they know isn’t safe – no matter what time it is and no matter where they are. Assure them they will not be in trouble for making that call. Talk to them. It makes a difference. Be a good role model. The example you set as a responsible adult is one of the most important ways you can demonstrate to your children your values and ideas about drinking. Believe it or not, teens actually identify their parents as the number one influence on whether they drink alcohol or not. Monitor social media. Know what social media tools your children are using. Young people often discuss their activities, to include drinking, on these sites. Providing alcohol to minors is illegal and irresponsible. According to research, two-thirds of teenagers who drink report getting alcohol from their parents or other adults. A parent hosting a party with alcohol for teens – even once – sends a message to teens that it’s okay to break the law. If you are caught drinking underage or under the influence of alcohol while underage, you will be charged. Stop and think before you drink! Youths who drink alcohol are more likely to experience:  School problems, such as more absences and poor or failing grades.  Social problems, such as fighting and lack of participation in activities.  Legal problems, such as being arrested.  Unprotected, unplanned, and unwanted sexual activity.  Disruption of normal growth and sexual development.  Alcohol-related car crashes and other unintentional physical injuries.  Changes in brain development that may have life-long effects, to include memory problems.  Higher risk for suicide and homicide.  Abuse of other drugs.  Death from alcohol poisoning.  Young people who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after age 21. Zero Tolerance In an effort to save the lives and preserve the health of our children, Chief Douglas A. Middleton and Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor have agreed to follow a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking. As a result, the Henrico County Police Division will take a zero tolerance approach to its under age drinking enforcement efforts. Persons under the age of 21 using alcohol poses serious public health and safety risks. Youths in the United States more commonly use and abuse alcohol than tobacco and illicit drugs. Alcohol abuse is responsible for more than 4,700 deaths annually among underage youths. Eleven percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States is consumed by persons between the ages of 12 to 20. More than 90 percent of this alcohol is consumed during binge drinking. The 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed that among high school students, during the past 30 days: 39% drank some amount of alcohol 22% binge drank 8% drove after drinking alcohol 24% rode with a driver who had been drinking alcohol. General Information on Alcohol Consumption by Youth

Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia is the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. Chapter 3 of this act classifies various criminal offenses involving alcohol and minors. Henrico County has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy when it comes to underage drinking offenses. In some cases, the best option may be to plea your case with the Court and/or the prosecutor depending on the strength of the Commonwealth’s case and the unique circumstances of the needs of the client. This can only be realistically accomplished with the assistance of an accomplished Henrico Alcohol Possession Defense Lawyer. Do not give up hope and protect your rights.

Contact us today for a free evaluation of YOUR case!

By Mitch Wells 11/10/2015 | Updated 4/30/2018