MINOR IN POSSESSION - MIP

A minor in possession of alcohol (MIP) charge can generally be given to any individual under the age of 21 who is found guilty of any of the following:

• Possessing Alcohol
• Consuming Alcohol
• Buying Alcohol
• Attempting To Buy Alcohol

This type of criminal charge can have a profound effect on the life of a minor. Loss of driving privileges, large fines, mandatory community service, increased insurance rates are among the many consequences of this charge.

Minor In Possession - MIP Penalties

A person must be 21 years of age to purchase, possess or consume cereal malt beverages or alcoholic liquor. A minor in possession charge can carry fines of $200 to $500 or more and suspension of your driving privileges.

Examples of frequently imposed minor in possession penalties are:

• 1st Offense - Your driving privileges will be suspended for 30 days. If you do not have a driver's license, you may not apply for 30 days.
• 2nd Offense - Your driving privileges will be suspended for 90 days.
• 3rd and Subsequent Offenses - Your driving privileges will be suspended for one year.

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Expansion of the Definition of Minor in Possession (MIP)

Under the old laws in many states, the definition of MIP applied only to the purchase, attempt to purchase or actual possession of an intoxicating liquor by a minor.

Under the new laws, the definition of "minor in possession" (MIP) has been expanded to include a minor who has "a detectable blood alcohol content of .02 percent" or more who is "visibly intoxicated."

Current minor in possession laws in most jurisdictions state that a minor may be arrested for, charged with and convicted of MIP even if he or she is not in actual possession of any alcohol at the time of the arrest. The newer MIP law's definition of "possession" has been expanded to include either (1) having a very small amount of alcohol (1/4 the legal limit for adults to drive) in one's system or (2) merely appearing intoxicated.

The provision of the newer MIP laws that expands the definition of "possession" to include having alcohol in one's system makes "possession by consumption" a crime. The new law is often referred to as the new MIP "Possession by Consumption" law.

Minimizing the Long-Term Impact of Underage Drinking Charges

It's a fact of life - many high school and college students consume alcohol or use drugs at some point in their life. It has nothing to do with being a "bad kid" or a "good kid." It has more to do with a kid simply making a bad decision.

Resources For Driving Charges

• State DUI Laws All 50 States
• DUI Fines And Penalties What Will Mine Be?
• Best DUI Lawyer How Do I Find One?
• DUI Test Field Sobriety Test - What Is It? You MUST See This Video
• DUI Video Seeing Is Believing! Another Great Video
• DWI Classes What To Expect?
• Hit and Run Now What?
• Breath Alcohol Calculators Recheck Yours
• Hardship License Can I Qualify?
• SIS - Suspended Imposition Of Sentence
• SR 22 Insurance What Is It and Why Do I Need It?
• Minor In Possession Charge Now What?
• Driver's Ed To Go Save Time, Money, and Stay Safe!
• MIP Expungement Get It Off Your Record
• Providing Liquor To Minors Consequences?
• Online Traffic School Inexpensive and Convenient

Additional Resources To Preserve Your License

• INSTANT Motor Vehicle Report See Where You Stand

• Seal or Expunge Your Criminal Records
• Clear Your Drunk Driving Record Here's How
• How To Give Up Alcohol
• How To Act If You Get Pulled Over
• Alcohol Myths and Misconceptions
• Take Their Keys! They'll Thank You Later
• Protect Your Freedom Stay Out Of Jail
• Speeding Ticket What Are My Options?
• Can I Fight My Speeding Ticket?
• Speeding Ticket Amendment? What Is It?
• Reduce Crash Risk by 50% Brain Fitness for Better Driving.
• How To Beat A Speeding Ticket
• Detect Speed Traps And Red Light Cameras Download 20,000+ Locations To Your GPS Or Smartphone

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