The Virginia General Assembly passed a bill now awaiting Gov. Mark R. Warner's signature that could loosen laws related to the underage purchase or possession of alcohol.
Sponsored by Del. James F. Almand, D-Arlington, the bill offers courts the option of deferring a guilty verdict in cases of underage alcohol purchase or possession. If the deferral option is exercised, a judge would require the defendant to enter an alcohol treatment or education program.
If he or she cooperates with that order, the infraction, normally considered a class 1 misdemeanor, would be wiped from the individual's criminal record.
A similar law currently on the books already affords judges such freedom in cases involving illegal drugs, including marijuana and even cocaine.
This legal discrepancy could lead to disproportionate punishments for alcohol and drug offenders, said William McCollum, the executive director of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Program who worked with Almand on the bill.
"If two kids are sitting in a park, and one is smoking marijuana and the other is drinking a beer, the one drinking the beer would have his license suspended, be fined up to $1,000 or could have to perform community service," McCollum said. "But the one smoking marijuana could have his drug charge wiped off his record."
Proponents of the legislation, which passed unanimously through the Senate after undergoing minor revision in the House, argue the bill is long overdue.
Citing recent binge drinking statistics, Linda Volovick, Virginia State chairwoman of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, voiced her support for the bill and its treatment approach to handling underage, alcohol-related incidents.
"We're talking about trying to prevent people from becoming alcoholics," Volovick said. "I see it as a broadening of the scope of what to do when an individual is caught."
Supporters seemed confident that the measure did not represent a slackening of existing alcohol laws.
"If it were, I wouldn't support it," McCollum said.
Instead, they view the legislation as a reflection on a positive shift in attitudes toward drinking problems among those individuals under 21.
"There are alternatives to treat a person who has been caught red-handed with alcohol," Volovick said.
Read More
Student Council votes to relocate Hereford orchard and basketball hoop
By Lauren Seeliger | 5 hours agoStudent Council passed a resolution Tuesday to relocate the orchard and basketball hoop of Hereford Residential College due to construction in the surrounding area.
Dean Rucker honored with Z Society’s highest honor, Pale Z Award
By Brendon Bordwine | 22 hours agoThe Society has a storied history of honoring University leaders with the Pale Z.
Students receive free STI testing through U.Va. Health and Wellness
By Jackie Bond | YesterdayThrough funding from Student Council, students are now able to receive free STI testing with SHW which includes tests for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis C.
