Accusations, Arrests And Convictions: Beware Underage Drinking And Drug Violations
When underage drinking or drug violations are concerned, a moment of indiscretion can result in immediate and long-term serious consequences. With compassion for your plight, if you or your child has been accused of such a crime, I am here to protect the rights of the accused.
I am defense attorney Malcolm “Mac” McLeod Doubles. I am ready to help any young person who has been accused of such a crime to find the best path forward through aggressive defense strategies.
Addressing Common, But Potentially Serious, Problems
For young people in Virginia and elsewhere, peer pressure, boredom and immaturity often result in run-ins with the law. In other cases, accidents of circumstance – such as being with others who are breaking the law – can result in an arrest. Although most people understand that kids make mistakes, the fact is that juveniles (persons 17 years of age and under) sometimes face serious consequences for their actions and may even be prosecuted as adults.
As a community-minded former prosecutor who was, of course, also once a high school and college student, I recognize that otherwise upstanding students sometimes fall into legal troubles unexpectedly. Whether your child who has been charged with drug offenses or underage drinking is in high school or college, it’s important to hire a defense lawyer who will work hard to protect your child’s future.
I am committed to helping my clients find creative solutions that will limit the negative impact of an investigation or arrest on suspicion of a crime such as the following:
- Underage drinking
- Drug crimes (possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia, for example)
- Underage DUI/DWI
- Shoplifting or theft crimes
- Accusations of sex crimes, including date rape and “sexting,” which can result in child pornography charges
- Traffic violations such as speeding or reckless driving
In addition to fines, counseling and community service, young people may face:
- Suspension from school
- Being kicked out of dorms or student housing
- Loss of scholarships
- Being kicked off sports teams or other extracurricular activities and organizations
- Ineligibility for study abroad and internship opportunities
- Loss of or ineligibility for financial aid
As you can see, the consequences can pile up quickly. The sooner you act, the sooner your lawyer can help you respond and protect you or your child’s future opportunities.
Parents Can Help Protect Their Kids By Hiring A Skilled Attorney
At Wiegandt & Doubles, P.C., I have been helping individuals and families throughout Botetourt County and the surrounding Virginia communities for over 30 years. Regarding allegations against juveniles, college-age young adults and other underage individuals, I understand both the legal as well as future-life consequences of criminal charges.
For example, a minor in possession of alcohol charge may not seem like that big of a deal at first, but when it comes time to apply for colleges, head off to job interviews or other life events, it may be embarrassing or difficult for your child to explain away such a stain on their record. I work well with families, which is important. Parents are often involved in drug possession and underage drinking cases on multiple levels: financially, emotionally and practically speaking. I am skilled at helping parents and young people understand how to work together with determination and collaboration.
By working together with you, I can review the circumstances of the case and determine if there are alternatives to simply paying the fine or accepting the punishment. I am a skilled litigator with a wealth of knowledge accumulated through my years of experience as both a former prosecutor and a private practice defense attorney. I understand both sides of legal issues involving minors, and I put these insights to use for my clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Underage Drinking And Juvenile Drug Offenses
Learning that your child faces criminal charges can make you feel completely helpless, forcing you to navigate an unfamiliar legal system while worrying about their future. Below, I address several questions that parents commonly ask me when dealing with underage alcohol or drug accusations in Virginia. Reviewing these facts early can help you make informed decisions before court deadlines or administrative consequences escalate.
What should parents do first after a child is arrested for underage drinking or drug possession?
Parents should stay calm, gather all documentation – including court summonses, release papers and citation sheets – and make sure they understand the exact statutory charges. It is critical to avoid assuming the case is “minor” simply because the person is young, a first-time offender or has no prior criminal record.
While parents should talk with their child to provide emotional support, they must instruct them not to discuss the details of the incident with anyone – including friends, on social media or with law enforcement – before speaking with an attorney. Early organization and prompt legal consultation can make it much easier to protect the child’s rights and mitigate long-term implications before school, licensing, or court-related consequences grow.
Can a student be charged if the drugs or alcohol belonged to someone else?
Yes, under Virginia’s legal doctrine of constructive possession, being near drugs or alcohol can lead to charges, even when physical ownership is unclear. These situations often happen at parties, in vehicles, dorm rooms or other shared spaces where law enforcement assumes joint control.
The prosecution may try to rely on proximity, statements, behavior or other surrounding facts to infer knowledge and control. A defense strategy may focus on demonstrating a lack of dominion over the contraband and establishing whether the student actually possessed, knew about or controlled the substance.
Can juvenile charges be handled differently from adult charges?
Yes. Virginia processes most juvenile matters through the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, which follows distinct procedural rules compared to adult criminal courts. However, that does not mean the consequences are automatically light or simple. While most nonfelony juvenile court records are confidential and eventually destroyed under Virginia law, an adjudication can still trigger immediate consequences.
Without proper defense strategies, an unaddressed charge can affect school enrollment, driver’s license status, college admissions and background checks during the critical years before record destruction occurs. Furthermore, under certain circumstances involving violent or severe offenses, older juveniles may be certified to stand trial as adults and face severe adult-level penalties.
I Am Here To Defend Your Child’s Rights And Future
Schedule a consultation with me by calling 540-254-0172 or toll free at 877-232-0715. You can also send me an email. From my office in Fincastle, I work with families throughout the region.