My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia
I was issued a court summons for underage consumption of alcohol in Prince William county. I notice that the Virginia code states that the maximum penalty is 50 hours of community service, an alcohol class, and 6 months of a suspended license. However, the officer(s) stated that as a first time offender I would be eligible to take a deal of 20 hours of community service and a $250 charitable donation. Does anyone know the specifics of this?
Also, to receive the previously stated "deal", would I need to plead guilty? If I plead not guilty I assume that a trial will ensue and I could possibly receive maximum punishment. Any help is greatly appreciated.
EDIT: I've also learned that in this specific county, you are able to speak to your prosecuting attorney before the trial. Given that I am attending an Ivy League school next year and have a 4.0GPA(Hopefully proving that I'm not an avid criminal), would he/she be more likely to negotiate with me? I would like to explain to him my situation and how I would prefer that my sentence not interfere with school.
I was issued a court summons for underage consumption of alcohol in Prince William county. I notice that the Virginia code states that the maximum penalty is 50 hours of community service, an alcohol class, and 6 months of a suspended license. However, the officer(s) stated that as a first time offender I would be eligible to take a deal of 20 hours of community service and a $250 charitable donation. Does anyone know the specifics of this?
Also, to receive the previously stated "deal", would I need to plead guilty? If I plead not guilty I assume that a trial will ensue and I could possibly receive maximum punishment. Any help is greatly appreciated.
EDIT: I've also learned that in this specific county, you are able to speak to your prosecuting attorney before the trial. Given that I am attending an Ivy League school next year and have a 4.0GPA(Hopefully proving that I'm not an avid criminal), would he/she be more likely to negotiate with me? I would like to explain to him my situation and how I would prefer that my sentence not interfere with school.
