Part of being a teenager means attending the occasional high school party. You hope that your son will make good decisions when he attends these parties, but you know that peer pressure is always a risk. You expected a slip-up here and there, but you were not ready for him to come with a minor in possession (MIP) charge.
Most states are very strict when it comes to underage kids possessing drugs or alcohol. Part of dealing with MIP charges is understanding what they are and what kinds of consequences your child faces. A Louisville criminal defense attorney can help you take the next steps in defending against your child’s charges. Read further for more information on minor in possession charges.
Purpose of MIP laws
The states formed minor in possession laws to accomplish many things. First, they are in place to help educate minors about the hazards that come along with drinking, including driving under the influence. Another purpose of MIP laws is to stop alcohol or drug dependence early. These laws also help to get kids involved in serving the community.
In most states, the first offense has fairly minor consequences. However, additional offenses can come with very severe punishments.
How to get an MIP
There are many circumstances that may lead the police to charge your child with an MIP. He could have alcohol on his person, tried to purchase alcohol or he could have consumed alcohol.
Possible defenses
There are a few common defenses to an MIP charge. First, your son can claim that there was not any alcohol in the cup he was holding. However, he will have to prove this to the court. Another defense is that he legally consumed the beverage. For example, if your son drank alcohol as part of a religious practice, such as communion, it is usually a legal defense against an MIP.
Review the case
An experience attorney will speak with you about the incident and review the specifics of the case. For example, he or she will examine the facts and determine if your son actually broke the law. Your lawyer will also look at whether or not the arresting officer did anything that broke the law.
A minor in possession charge can affect your child’s future employment and university prospects. If your child has been charged with an MIP, it is important to have the case evaluated by an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
