Underage Drinking Lawyer Greene County — What Are the Penalties for a Minor?
Underage drinking in Greene County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 4.1-305, carrying up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a mandatory driver’s license suspension. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending minor in possession charges in Greene County. An experienced underage drinking lawyer Greene County can challenge the evidence and seek alternatives to conviction.
Virginia Law on Underage Drinking and Minor in Possession
Virginia law strictly prohibits the purchase, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages by any person under 21 years of age. The primary statute, Va. Code § 4.1-305, makes it unlawful for any person under 21 to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverage. This is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A related statute, § 4.1-306, prohibits any person from selling or giving alcohol to a minor, which is also a Class 1 misdemeanor. The law provides no exceptions for parental consent or religious ceremonies in Virginia.
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 4.1-305 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filing information can be found on the Greene County General District Court website.
Defending an Underage Alcohol Charge in Greene County
An underage alcohol charge lawyer Greene County from our firm understands the specific procedures at the Greene County General District Court. Prosecutors there typically seek the mandatory license suspension. A strong defense often involves challenging the legality of the stop or search that led to the discovery of alcohol. For example, if an officer lacked reasonable suspicion to detain you, any evidence found may be suppressed.
- Contact an attorney immediately after receiving a summons or being charged.
- Your lawyer will obtain the police report and any video evidence from the arrest.
- A motion to suppress evidence may be filed if your rights were violated.
- Your attorney will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or diversion.
- If no favorable plea is offered, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge.
- Upon a successful outcome, your attorney can file for an expungement if eligible.
Penalties for Underage Drinking in Greene County
In Greene County, a minor in possession charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor in Possession (Va. Code § 4.1-305) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 6-12 month suspension | Criminal record, possible alcohol education program |
| Using Fake ID to Obtain Alcohol | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory suspension | Separate charges for forgery or identity fraud |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Greene County Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that an underage drinking charge can impact college admissions, scholarships, and future employment. Our approach is to protect your record and your driving privileges.
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 for Underage and Alcohol-Related Charges
Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against underage alcohol charges across Virginia. In one case in Bedford County, a charge was taken under advisement and dismissed upon the client’s completion of 50 hours of community service. In another matter, our team secured a reduction of a driving on a suspended license charge. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Underage Drinking Lawyer Near Greene County, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Greene County, including Stanardsville and Ruckersville. We are accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. If you need a minor in possession defense lawyer Greene County, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Underage Drinking Charges
What is the penalty for a first-time underage drinking charge in Greene County?
A first-time minor in possession charge in Greene County is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a mandatory driver’s license suspension of six months to one year. The court may also order alcohol education.
Can an underage drinking charge be expunged in Virginia?
It depends. If the charge is dismissed after completing a first-offender program, or if you are found not guilty, you can petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. A conviction for underage drinking generally cannot be expunged from your record.
Will I lose my license for an underage alcohol charge even if I wasn’t driving?
Yes. Va. Code § 4.1-305 requires the court to suspend the driver’s license of any person convicted of underage possession of alcohol for a minimum of six months, regardless of whether a vehicle was involved.
What should I do if my child is charged with minor in possession in Greene County?
Contact an underage drinking lawyer Greene County immediately. Do not allow your child to speak to police or prosecutors without an attorney. An experienced lawyer can protect their rights, challenge the evidence, and seek alternatives to a permanent criminal conviction.
What’s the difference between a minor in possession charge and a DUI for someone under 21?
A minor in possession charge under Va. Code § 4.1-305 is for simply having alcohol. A DUI for a driver under 21 is governed by Va. Code § 18.2-266.1, which has a lower blood alcohol limit (0.02%) and carries separate, more severe penalties including mandatory license revocation.