Virginia Underage Drinking & Underage Posession Laws

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Virginia Underage Possession & Underage Drinking Information Page

Welcome to the Virginia underage DUI & underage possession of alcohol laws information center.  The Virginia DUI & DWI defense attorneys of SRIS, P.C. have offices in Fairfax, Lynchburg, Manassas, Richmond, Virginia Beach. Our Virginia DUI & DWI attorneys of SRIS, P.C. concentrate on DUI & DWI defense.

If you wish to consult a SRIS, P.C. Virginia DUI attorney or DWI lawyer, please simply contact us via phone or by filling out our on-line form.

To obtain a general overview of DUI, and DWI defense, please click here

Special Note: If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI on federal land such as the George Washington (GW) Memorial Parkway, or on Fort Meyer, Quantico or Fort Belvoir or on any other military base, you need a Virginia DUI lawyer who is experienced in handling drunk driving offenses in federal court. The attorney you contemplate retaining to assist you must be experienced in handling criminal and traffic matters and familiar with the federal system.

DUI Laws: Underage Possession & Penalties

VA Code § 18.2-270 - Transporting Children While Driving Under the Influence.

You are subject to a extra penalty in Virginia if you have children under age 18 in the motor vehicle when you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There is an additional fine of up to $1000 and up to 80 hours of community service for second conviction.

VA Code §18.2-323.1 - Open Container

You may be charged with drinking while operating with an open container of alcohol in Virginia if your are stopped by law enforcement and you have an open container of alcohol in the passenger compartment and the contents have been partially removed, and you exhibit signs that you have been drinking. The passenger area means the area designed to seat the driver and passengers and any area within the driver's reach, including an unlocked glove compartment.

DUI Laws: Underage Possession & Penalties (top)

• Equal Penalties
• Zero Tolerance for Under 21
• Ignition Interlock System
• Persons to Whom Alcoholic Beverage May Not Be Sold
• Underage Possession of Alcohol
• Purchase Alcohol for Underage Persons
• Drinking/Possessing Alcohol on School Grounds
• Misrepresentation of Age

VIRGINIA IS TOUGH - on underage drinkers driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Now more than ever, Virginia school officials and college campus police are enforcing the law on underage possession of alcohol. A conviction for underage possession in Virginia can result in any or all of the following possible consequences. Suspension from the academic institution, expulsion or disciplinary actions, etc. Also, a conviction for underage possession in Virginia can result in car insurance rates being raised for the convicted individual. Some car insurance companies are raising the rates of car insurance as high as $5000 per year for those who are convicted of underage possession. Please contact a Virginia lawyer of the Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. to determine what options you have if you are charged with underage possession in Virginia.

Virginia Code §18.2-266.1 - Equal Penalties (top)

Persons under age 21 who drive while under the influence of drugs or with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher in Virginia are subject to the same penalties as persons age 21 or older.

Virginia Code §18.2-266.1 - Zero Tolerance for Under 21 (top)

If your are under age 21 in Virginia, and you drive with a BAC of at least 0.02% but less than 0.08% in Virginia, you will receive a fine of up to $500 and a six-month driver's license suspension.

Virginia Code §18.2-270.1 - Ignition Interlock System (top)

If convicted of a second DUI offense within five years of a first offense in Virginia, you will lose your license for three years. You must use an ignition interlock for six months for more on every motor vehicle you own or co-own whether you apply for a restricted license (after one year) or a full license (after three years, applies to both adult and under 21)

Virginia Code §4.1-304 - Persons to Whom Alcoholic Beverage May Not Be Sold (top)

If you sell alcoholic beverages to a person under age 21 in Virginia, you are subject to a fine up to $2,500 and 12 months in jail.

Virginia Code §4.1-305 - Underage Possession of Alcohol (top)

If you are under age 21 and you are in possession of an alcoholic beverage in Virginia, you face a fine of up to $2,500 and 12 months in jail.

Virginia Code §4.1-306 - Purchase Alcohol for Underage Persons (top)

If you purchase alcoholic beverages for a person you know to be under age 21 in Virginia, you face a fine of up to $2,500 and 12 months in jail.

Virginia Code §4.1-309 - Drinking/Possessing Alcohol on School Grounds (top)

Drinking or possessing alcoholic beverages on public school grounds in Virginia can result in a fine of up to $1000 and six months in jail.

Virginia Code §4.1-305B - Misrepresentation of Age (top)

If you are under age 21 in Virginia and you use or attempt to use an altered, fictitious or simulated document or student ID to establish a false age in an attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages you will:

• be fined at least $500 but not over $2,500
• be required to perform at least 50 hours of community service
• face up to 12 months in jail, and

The Virginia attorneys and Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., is located in Fairfax, Lynchburg, Manassas, Richmond and Virginia Beach but our sphere of activity is statewide.

Our Virginia DUI lawyers & DWI attorneys and staff speak various languages, including English, Tamil, Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Telugu.

For more information or to make an appointment with SRIS, P.C., please call, send an e-mail or complete the on-line form

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