Minor in Possession of Alcohol Attorney

Attorneys dedicated to the aggressive, effective, and passionate defense of young people charged in Michigan with MIP Offenses.

Minor in Possession, also known as “MIP,” is one of the most common criminal matters facing those under 21.

Although a first offense MIP is a civil infraction, subsequent offenses are misdemeanors. A MIP can be very stressful for parents and minors alike because a criminal charge can be hard to remove from a person’s criminal history. It is essential not to make light of any criminal charge. The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. provide a top-notch Minor in Possession of Alcohol defense.

For the first offense of MIP in Michigan, the defendant faces a civil infraction. A MIP is not an ordinary civil infraction, such as a speeding ticket. A MIP civil infraction on a public record is discoverable by employers, schools, and the general public. Most companies, including Fortune 500 companies, run public records when screening job applicants. Law, business, nursing, medical, or other graduate programs might research your public court record and see this offense. A MIP may impact the decision if a school is deciding between two applicants for admission into a program.

Any MIP charge after the first will be a misdemeanor. A second MIP offense would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $200 fine. A third offense would result in a sentence of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, and it could also result in a revocation of the minor’s driver’s license.

We Fully Protect our Client’s Rights

When we represent a client on a MIP, we ensure their rights are fully protected, and they get the strongest possible Minor in Possession of Alcohol defense! The MIP defense team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. understands that because criminal histories are easily accessible on the internet and a MIP on a criminal record can potentially make the difference in a job or educational opportunity, everything possible must be done to keep the offense off our client’s criminal history.

MIP Minor in Possession Defense in Michigan

Defenses may provide the basis for your case being reduced, dismissed, or your acquittal. Possible defenses include:

• Chemical Test: The police can’t require you to submit to a chemical test unless a valid exception to the search warrant requirement exists.
  
• Consuming Alcohol in a Place Where It’s Legal: If you are 19 or 20 years of age and drank alcohol in Canada, this is a defense.
  
• Job Requires You to Possess/Transport Alcohol: If your job requires you to possess or transport alcohol, this is a defense.
  
• Education Requirement: If a class you attend requires you to consume alcohol, this is a defense.
  
• Religious Ceremony: This is a defense if you consumed alcohol as part of a religious ceremony.
  
• Constitutional Rights Violation: If a court determines that police violated a defendant’s constitutional rights, they might dismiss all charges.

Michigan Minor in Possession of Alcohol Defense Attorney

If you or your child face a MIP charge or a civil infraction, we can help. The defense team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has decades of experience successfully defending clients charged with MIP and all other offenses in Michigan. The firm is highly regarded as one of the most effective criminal defense law firms in Michigan, yet our fees are fair and affordable. If you call us for a free consultation, we will take the time to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you understand how a criminal defense attorney can help.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.

We will find a way to help you and, most importantly,
we are not afraid to win!