I went to a sports bar last night and saw some old friends who offered me a couple beers. Figuring no one would notice I took them up. Unfortunately the manager saw and called the police. I was issued a citation for underage consumption in West Virginia. I'm not sure if age matters, either above 18 or not, but I'm 20. A friend who was a witness told me not to fret because it's my first offense. I'm honestly very nervous. What I guess I'm looking for is some advice on how to handle my ignorant action and possibly what to expect. I left out some details, but if need be I'll answer questions so some one can understand better. I hope somebody can help... Thanks.

I would get an attorney and see if you can get some settlement that would drop the charges.

I believe a citation for drinking under age is called a summary offence and is rated below anything else. So I guess you don't have much to worry about; possibly have to go in front of a magistrate and pay a fine. Drinking age in Virginia is 21.

I went to a sports bar last night and saw some old friends who offered me a couple beers. Figuring no one would notice I took them up. Unfortunately the manager saw and called the police. I was issued a citation for underage consumption in West Virginia. I'm not sure if age matters, either above 18 or not, but I'm 20. A friend who was a witness told me not to fret because it's my first offense. I'm honestly very nervous. What I guess I'm looking for is some advice on how to handle my ignorant action and possibly what to expect. I left out some details, but if need be I'll answer questions so some one can understand better. I hope somebody can help...Thanks.


My research shows that the Courts are harder on the establishment and employees than the person who is arrested. They can be fined and their licenses suspended - in theory you should even have been there underage - unless you had fake proof.

Has the bar been charged? That might impact on you.

I also was wondering why you were not carded by the bartender. He should be given a hefty fine for not carding you and actually serving you.

My research shows that the Courts are harder on the establishment and employees than the person who is arrested. They can be fined and their licenses suspended - in theory you should even have been there underage - unless you had fake proof.

Has the bar been charged? That might impact on you.


Well it's actually Buffalo Wild Wings. All ages. I didn't have a fake id. As far as I know the bar hasn't been charged.

I also was wondering why you were not carded by the bartender. He should be given a hefty fine for not carding you and actually serving you.

It wasn't a bartender, it was a waitress. And she just didn't card me. Then all of a sudden the manager walks up and asks me like 2 hours later. So I told them I didn't have an ID and they assumed correctly. Really stupid thing on my part.

I believe a citation for drinking under age is called a summary offence and is rated below anything else. So I guess you dont have much to worry about; quite possibly have to go in front of a magistrate and pay a fine. Drinking age in Virginia is 21.


I didn't get arrested.. just that citation. I do have a court date on May 5th. The friend who told me not to fret told me to call the number on the ticket. But I honestly don't know what to ask or say to them; just show up for the court date.

Just call the number on the citation. When you give the number on the citation they will know what it is about and ask the appropriate questions. You, as you say, just have show up in front of the magristrate. It really isn't a big deal, just get it over and done with.

I'm assuming that you didn't order the beers but instead, your friends gave you the beers.

Chances are, the worst that can happen (as this is your first offense) is an alcohol awareness education program as well as some volunteering and a fine.

I went to a sports bar last night and saw some old friends who offered me a couple beers. Figuring no one would notice I took them up. Unfortunately the manager saw and called the police. I was issued a citation for underage consumption in West Virginia. I'm not sure if age matters, either above 18 or not, but I'm 20. A friend who was a witness told me not to fret because it's my first offense. I'm honestly very nervous. What I guess I'm looking for is some advice on how to handle my ignorant action and possibly what to expect. I left out some details, but if need be I'll answer questions so some one can understand better. I hope somebody can help...Thanks.
You won't get in trouble it's your first citation the judge will just let you go if your going to court or anything. Don't worry about it.