Weisberg Law Blog

Hosting a Graduation Party in Virginia? Read This First!

If you're thinking about serving alcohol at your child's graduation party, you might want to think again. 

In Virginia (as well as every other state), it is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or consume alcohol.  But that crime isn't only punishable against the person doing the drinking.  In Virginia, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to serve that alcohol to someone under the age of 21 - and agencies across the state are cracking down on parents who violate this rule!

For each count of serving a minor, you could be end up serving up to one year in jail and owe a fine of up to $2,500.  A high price to pay for being the "cool" parent.

In fact, just last year, George Robinson and Elisa Kelly recieved a 27 month jail sentence for providing alcohol to their sons' friends.  The Charlottesville couple had a post-prom party busted and 16 teenagers were arrested.  When you're planning your own grad party, please exercise a little more discretion than them!

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