subject: Dinking Underage - Not A Minor Offense [print this page] Ordinarily speaking, when you turn eighteen years of age the law in most states says that you're an adult. You may make your own personal choices and be responsible for your own actions. You may enter into a contract to buy a car, a house, or a Fortune 500 business. You may also vote in elections and express your opinion as to how our political future is shaped. You may buy a gun; rent a vehicle. You may fight and die for your country (if you're a male you must register for selective service). You may wed your sweetheart; adopt a child; get a passport and travel around the globe with your family. But you may not consume alcohol. Not only may you not drink alcohol, you may not purchase it or even keep a bottle of beer for somebody else, opened or unopened, in public or in private.
Teenage possession of alcohol is a criminal charge in most states. In Virginia, for instance, underage alcohol possession is a Class 1 Misdemeanor that carries fines of up to $2500, as much as 12 months in jail, mandatory alcohol counseling, and suspension of your license to drive for up to six months. If this offense is your first alcohol related charge, and you have no other criminal record, a criminal defense attorney in Virginia can ordinarily present your case to the judge in a way that allows you to perform community service and participate in alcohol counseling in exchange for a dismissal of your charges.
A criminal attorney will also be able to listen to your story and suggest whether to plead guilty or not guilty. While some people don't enjoy the fact, individuals charged with crimes are glad to have cases dismissed on technical issues. Drinking underage charges, like every other criminal charge, has detailed legal elements, and each element must be proven before a judge may find anyone guilty of the charge. To many people teenage drinking may seem to be minor; however, it is again a misdemeanor criminal charge that is comparable to assault, brandishing a firearm, DUI, and larceny.
When faced with the charge of teenage possession of alcohol, or any other misdemeanor or felony criminal offense, you ought to always consult with a criminal defense lawyer about your situation. Criminal defense lawyers are experts on the law and can advise you as to your legal rights and how you should proceed. Even if your ideal solution is to enter a guilty plea, a lawyer will be certain that you receive fair treatment and the best possible result to your case.
