Most college campuses in Virginia and DC have a low tolerance for underage possession of alcohol and drug possession on campus. Not only can underage possession of alcohol or drug possession on campus violate the law, but it could also violate your school’s student code of conduct. Moreover, an underage possession of alcohol or drug possession conviction can have serious impacts on your future – both personally and academically. It can affect your financial aid, it could cause a permanent criminal history affecting future employment, and it could create a mark on your academic transcript.
Violations of State Law for Underage Possession of Alcohol
In Virginia, it is against the law for those under the age of 21 to possess alcohol. Virginia law also punishes those under 21 having fake IDs to purchase alcohol. Va Code § 4.1-305. Underage possession of alcohol is a serious crime and is punished as a Class 1 Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Moreover, an underage possession of alcohol conviction in Virginia carries a mandatory punishment by at least a $500 fine or 50 hours of community service and a mandatory 6-month driver’s license suspension.
In DC, it is also against the law for those under the age of 21 to possess alcohol. DC law also punishes those under 21 having fake IDs to purchase alcohol. DC Code § 25-1002. The first violation carries a fine of no more than $300 and suspension of driving privileges in DC for 90 days. The second violation carries a fine of no more than $600 and a suspension of driving privileges in DC for 180 days. The third and subsequent violations carry a fine of no more than $1,000 and suspension of driving privileges in DC for 1 year.
Violations of State Law for Drug Possession
Depending on the type of drug, drug possession in Virginia can be a misdemeanor or felony. In Virginia, possession of Schedule I or II drugs is a felony; whereas, possession of Schedule III-IV drugs is a misdemeanor. In DC, however, drug possession is a misdemeanor no matter the type of drug, but the penalties increase for each conviction. Nevertheless, misdemeanor charges are still very serious and can result in permanent criminal records.
Violations of University’s Code of Student Conduct
Not only are underage possession of alcohol and drug possession offenses on campus crimes punishable by fines or jail time, but they are also violations of universities’ codes of conduct. For either of these offenses, university officials conduct their own investigations and reviews, and will determine academic consequences for students. This could include suspension, expulsion, loss of on-campus housing, academic probation, and a record on a student’s transcript.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You
If you or your child have been charged with underage possession of alcohol or drug possession, speaking with one of our criminal defense attorneys allows you to explore your specific circumstances surrounding your charge and discuss possible defenses. Moreover, our attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors in Virginia and DC to get you or your child enrolled in a diversion program to avoid a conviction. Our office handles underage possession of alcohol and drug possession cases across in Fairfax County for George Mason University students and in DC Superior Court for the George Washington University students, Georgetown University students, American University students, Howard University students, and Catholic University of America students. Our attorneys can represent you or your child both in court and in school code of conduct proceedings. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding you or your child’s charge.
