Underage Possession Defense Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia
Underage possession of alcohol is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Dinwiddie County under Va. Code § 4.1-305, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a driver’s license suspension. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for minors facing these charges in Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Virginia Law on Underage Possession of Alcohol
Virginia law strictly prohibits the possession of alcoholic beverages by any person under 21 years of age. The primary statute governing this offense is Va. Code § 4.1-305. This law makes it illegal for a minor to purchase, attempt to purchase, or possess any alcoholic beverage. The statute is enforced in Dinwiddie County General District Court, located at the Dinwiddie Courthouse.
Last verified: April 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 4.1-305 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Dinwiddie County General District Court Website
Defending a Minor in Possession Charge in Dinwiddie County
In Dinwiddie County, prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office handle underage possession cases. A key local procedural fact is that first-time offenders may be eligible for a first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which can lead to dismissal upon successful completion. The court considers factors like the minor’s age, intent, and prior record. A minor in possession defense lawyer Dinwiddie County can challenge the legality of the stop or search, question the evidence, or negotiate for alternative dispositions to avoid a permanent criminal record.
- Initial Court Appearance: The minor will have an arraignment at Dinwiddie County General District Court to hear the formal charge and enter a plea.
- Review Evidence: Your attorney will obtain all police reports, witness statements, and any chemical test results from the prosecution.
- Develop Defense Strategy: This may involve filing motions to suppress evidence, negotiating for a first-offender program, or preparing for trial.
- Resolution: The case may be resolved through dismissal, an amended charge, a plea agreement, or a trial before a judge.
- Post-Disposition: If eligible, your attorney will file the necessary paperwork for expungement after a dismissal or acquittal.
Penalties for Underage Possession in Dinwiddie County
In Dinwiddie County, underage possession of alcohol is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a mandatory driver’s license suspension of at least six months and up to one year.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underage Possession of Alcohol (Va. Code § 4.1-305) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory suspension for 6 months to 1 year | Permanent criminal record, possible alcohol education programs, community service |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Dinwiddie County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of handling sensitive cases involving minors, understanding the importance of protecting their future. Our approach is to provide a strong, case-specific defense aimed at minimizing the impact of a juvenile alcohol charge.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of favorable outcomes in traffic and misdemeanor cases. In a related case, our team secured a dismissal for a client charged with “Fail to Maintain Control” in Dinwiddie County General District Court. For an underage possession case in Bedford County, we negotiated a disposition where the charge was taken under advisement and dismissed upon the client’s completion of 50 hours of community service.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Contact Our Underage Possession Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in Dinwiddie County and is accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460. We are a trusted underage possession defense lawyer near Dinwiddie and McKenney.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Underage Possession in Dinwiddie County
What are the penalties for a minor in possession of alcohol in Dinwiddie County?
Yes, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties include up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a mandatory driver’s license suspension of six months to one year. The case is heard at Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Can an underage possession charge be expunged in Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for charges that result in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi (Va. Code § 19.2-392.2). If the charge is dismissed after completing a first-offender program, expungement may be possible. A conviction for underage possession generally cannot be expunged.
Do I need a juvenile alcohol charge lawyer in Dinwiddie County for a first offense?
Yes. Even a first offense is a criminal misdemeanor that can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent record. A lawyer can seek diversion programs, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your driving privileges and future opportunities.
Will my child go to jail for an underage possession charge?
It is possible but not guaranteed for a first offense. The maximum penalty is 12 months. The court often considers alternatives like fines, community service, and alcohol education programs, especially for first-time offenders with no prior record. An attorney can advocate for these alternatives.
What is the difference between a minor in possession charge and a DUI for someone under 21?
Underage possession (Va. Code § 4.1-305) is for simply having alcohol. A DUI (Va. Code § 18.2-266) is for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (or 0.02% for drivers under 21). The penalties for DUI are more severe and include mandatory jail time for certain offenses.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, explore our services for DUI defense in Dinwiddie County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.