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What Is a Minor In Possession (MIP) Charge?

May 3, 2019 John Engman & Associates

What Is a Minor In Possession (MIP) Charge?

Minor in Possession Attorneys in Grand Rapids, MISometimes our children get into bad situations, especially when they’re in high school and college. If your child has been charged with Minor in Posession (MIP), it can jeopardize their future. Our Grand Rapids, MI minor defense attorneys can help your child achieve the best legal outcome so they’re not defined by one mistake for life.

Continue reading to learn more about your teen’s MIP charge and how a defense lawyer can help. For more information, set up a consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys who specialize in MIP cases.

Minor in Possession (MIP) Charges

The legal drinking age in Michigan is 21. A minor in possession (MIP) means that your child had alcohol in their possession, attempted to buy alcohol, or drank alcohol while under the legal drinking age. If your child is facing charges for underage drinking, call a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

If Your Child is a First-Time Offender

If your child is a first-time offender, they may be eligible for a MIP diversion program. This means that the judge would choose not to enter a conviction provided that your child successfully completes a probationary period. During this period, your child would have to attend counseling, go to AA meetings, and avoid further legal trouble. (Program requirements vary by district court.)

Consequences of a MIP Charge

Teenagers tend to live in the moment, making it hard for them to understand how an MIP conviction will affect them in the future when they want to apply for colleges, jobs, and apartments. Our criminal defense attorneys can help your teen understand the consequences of their actions and what they’ll need to do moving forward.

MIP consequences include:

  • Losing eligibility for federal student aid
  • Being rejected by colleges
  • Having fewer choices for college majors and careers
  • Having difficulty finding or keeping a job
  • Having difficulty getting housing
  • Spending time behind bars
  • Having driver’s license sanctions

Don’t underestimate the consequences of a MIP conviction. Call an attorney today to learn how your child can move forward after being charged with underage drinking. For example, our defense lawyer may be able to argue that there was no alcohol in the open container found in your child’s possession. The criminal defense we use depends on the circumstances surrounding your child’s case. You might want to read up on what to do if your college student is facing charges.

Crimes on Campus

Your college student could be especially vulnerable to a MIP charge if they’re living away from home for the first time. Since college students are away from their support systems, they need a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

If your college student is also charged with a DUI, you’ll want to hire an attorney as soon as possible to prevent them from losing their driver’s license. Many college students depend on their driver’s license to drive to school, internships, and jobs. Other DUI consequences could include losing scholarship funding or even being expelled from their dream college.

It’s every parent’s nightmare to hear that their child has been charged with a crime. At John Engman & Associates, P.C., our Michigan MIP attorneys are here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. To request a consultation with one of our Grand Rapids, MI MIP lawyers, give our office a call at (616) 454-5222.