Violation of the possession statute carries a penalty that is pretty severe. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can be punished by up to one year in jail, and a fine of up to $2,500.00. But the statute does provide the sentencing court with limited discretion not to impose the harshest sentence, if the judge finds the situation warrants it. However, the judge's hands are tied as to how far the court can go in being lenient if you are convicted. For example, the court has to impose a mandatory minimum fine of $500.00, or order you to perform a minimum of 50 hours of community service as a condition of your supervised probation.  In addition, for person's over 18, the license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth will be suspended for a period of not less than six months and not more than one year. However, the court, in its discretion and upon a demonstration of hardship, may authorize a person convicted of a violation the use of a restricted permit to operate a motor vehicle in specifed circumstances, such as going to and from school, to and from alcohol abuse courses, or to and from work and sceduled medical appointments

Frequently Asked Questions

 


Q: What can happen to me if I am charged with possession of alcohol or beer and I am not 21?

A: Violation of the possession statute carries a penalty that is pretty severe. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can be punished by up to one year in jail, and a fine of up to $2,500.00. But the statute does provide the sentencing court with limited discretion not to impose the harshest sentence, if the judge finds the situation warrants it. However, the judge's hands are tied as to how far the court can go in being lenient if you are convicted.

For example, the court has to impose a mandatory minimum fine of $500.00, or order you to perform a minimum of 50 hours of community service as a condition of your supervised probation. In addition, for person's over 18, the license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth will be suspended for a period of not less than six months and not more than one year. However, the court, in its discretion and upon a demonstration of hardship, may authorize a person convicted of a violation the use of a restricted permit to operate a motor vehicle in specifed circumstances, such as going to and from school, to and from alcohol abuse courses, or to and from work and sceduled medical appointments


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