Has your son or daughter been charged with possession or consumption of alcohol? Have you been charged with underage drinking and are nervous about telling your parents? Whether you live in Adams, Arapahoe, or Denver County, if you are facing charges of Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) you need an attorney / lawyer to protect you from Colorado’s harsh legal system.
Potential Penalties for Minor in Possession of Alcohol
In Boulder, Parker, and Fort Collins, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 years to possess or consume any alcoholic beverage. If contacted by police in those cities, officers are happy to give you a ticket for Minor in Possession. While not all crimes are this way, Minor in Possession, Driving under the Influence (DUI / DWAI), and most other traffic offenses generate significant revenue for the city or county where the ticket was issued. People charged and convicted of these offenses will end up paying hundreds and thousands of dollars to the local government. Jail time is also possible under certain circumstances, but fines are the primary, hefty way you are punished.
A Lawyer’s Help Can Save You from an Unnecessary Conviction
A young adult charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol in Douglas, Jefferson, and Larimer County needs an attorney’s help to understand defenses, fight unjust prosecution, and mediate any sentence. Imagine a situation in Weld County where a minor inside his home is watching a football game with his Dad. The son, who is under 18, gets permission to have a beer. The cops arrive a few minutes later and find son with the beer. Both are charged: Dad with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and the son with Minor in Possession. They hire a criminal defense lawyer who fights the charges has both cases dismissed based on an affirmative defense. If they would not have hired an experienced criminal attorney, they could have been convicted of something that wasn’t a crime.
Many people ask if they need a lawyer / attorney to help them fight a Minor in Possession charge in Colorado. I will undoubtedly always say they need legal representation. You can’t trust the government to do what is right when your liberty is at stake. Many officers quickly file charges, not knowing the entire law. Or, facing less than a welcome reception, they charge you to punish you for not greeting them warmly. If you or a loved one has been charged with Minor in Possession, or any other alcohol related crime, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and call us today at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.