Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

Underage alcohol consumption

A family member was recently cited for underage alcohol consumption and had a blood alcohol level of 0.02mg/dl. I was told that this is a class 1 misdemeanor. Trial date isn't for several months. I am not sure what a class one misdemeanor is and what the implications are for her having this on her record. If there are serious long-term consequences---getting jobs, etc (I understand consequences shouldn't be trivial for a legal infraction but I suppose it is all a matter of degree) then I suppose we would be more likely to seek legal assistance despite the cost it might entail. What exactly happens here?

Thank you.


Asked on 7/13/04, 11:08 am

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

Re: Underage alcohol consumption

In the case of underage purchase or possession(by consumption)of alcohol in the Commonwealth, the

person so convicted of what you've correctly identified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, is subject to a fine of at least $500 or a requirement of 50 hours of community service and suspension of

the privilege to operate a motor vehicle for one year.(Restricted license may be available under these circumstances.)

Every effort should be made to have this offense disposed of as a suspended imposition of sentence

(SIS) matter available to first time offenders

in order to avoid a record of conviction for this particular offense.

Read more
Answered on 7/13/04, 1:28 pm


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