Virginia is home to some of the finest colleges and universities in the nation. Part of this college experience for many people includes alcohol. Many young people view this as a “rite of passage” and think that getting caught with alcohol is not a big deal. Unfortunately, Virginia does not see it that way and if a young person is caught drinking underage or possessing alcohol when they are under 21, they face serious charges. This is doubly true if the young person was charged with DUI under 21.
Virginia does not allow anyone under the age of 21 to “purchase, consume, possess, or transport any alcohol, liquor, malt or brewed beverages”. If you are found guilty of this crime you will face the charge of Minor in Possession. Because many young people are in college when this happens, it can have a severe impact on internships and on future employment, especially if drinking and driving is involved. Therefore it is important to find an attorney with the experience handling these minor in possession cases who will work to keep these charges off a young person’s record.
As of July 1, 2011, if you are found guilty of a DUI or DWI and you are younger than 21 years of age at the time of the offense, you face a loss of your license for a year as well as a $500 minimum fine or 50 hours of community service. These charges are in addition to any regular DUI penalties a person may face. Therefore a young adult under 21 will face much stiffer fines than a person over 21 convicted of the same crime. It is therefore in your best interest to secure a Fairfax DWI/DUI lawyer immediately help fight these charges if you are charged with a DUI under 21 in Virginia.
According to a press release by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles approximately 1,285 drivers younger than 21 were convicted of drunk driving in Virginia in 2010. Most of those drivers were between the ages of 18 and 20 years old. If you or your under-aged child is facing DUI, DWI or minor in possession of alcohol charges, you need an experienced, aggressive Virginia DWI lawyer who understands the law and who can lay out and explain your options.
Because many young people have no experience in the criminal justice system, they need an attorney who will clearly explain what is going on and what to expect from these proceedings.
