Minor in Possession Lawyer in Denver – MIP – Not a Good Title for Underage Possession of Alcohol or Marijuana
The term Minor in Possession is not really a good name for the law which prohibits possession of alcohol, marijuana, and marijuana paraphernalia in Denver, because it does not just apply to minors. The actual title to this law is, “Illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol or marijuana by an underage person – illegal possession of marijuana paraphernalia by an underage person.” In most cases, the term minor is used for people under 18 years old, but this law is targeted toward anyone less than 21. More Information on Minor in Possession of Alcohol or Marijuana.
No Alcohol or Marijuana Under 21 in Arapahoe County – It Does Not Have to Make Sense
To stay out of trouble in Aurora, Parker, or anywhere in Arapahoe County Colorado, you cannot have alcohol in your possession if you are less than 21 years old. This is also true of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia. I am aware of all the arguments for why this is unfair because I lived through the 60’s and 70’s, and am sympathetic to the feelings of young adults. I agree we are dealing with legal double standards. Yes, you are held to adult standards in every way, but you are not allowed to make adult decisions in the area of your life regarding alcohol and marijuana. Yet, today there is a growing body of scientific evidence which backs up some of the seemingly hypocritical reasoning of Colorado’s Minor in Possession of Alcohol or Marijuana.
Douglas County Pot and Alcohol MIP: Young Adults Do Crazy Things
Brain science has made some amazing discoveries over the last several years, many of which confirm what we have known for centuries. One of those areas has to do with evidence surrounding the development of the brain’s frontal cortex, called the executive decision making part of our brains. Several sources, including one found in the science section of howstuffworks.com, agree that the frontal cortex is not fully developed until we are in our mid twenties. Consequently, when we are young we tend to make decisions from a part of our brain which regulates our emotions, not logic. This may have something to do with why Douglas County adults between 18 and 25 year of age make great soldiers and are willing to risk it all, but also why they do wild things which sometimes get them in trouble with the law. Although we are fully developed in every other way during this time of our lives, we are driven by thrills more than by common sense. If you dare a 20 year old person to do something wild, you will probably get a different response than you would from a 40 year old.
Jefferson County and Adams County Marijuana and Alcohol Possession by 18-21 Year Olds
There are proven harmful physiological effects caused by using alcohol and marijuana in Jefferson and Adams County. This is especially true when your brain is still developing in the area needed to make good decisions. So if you are an adult between 18 and 21, we urge you to decide to wait until you are 21 before choosing to use alcohol or marijuana. We understand that you may not take this advice or you may be in a situation where a Jefferson County Sheriff deputy wants to question you about drinking alcohol or marijuana, or charge you with Minor in Possession of Alcohol or Marijuana.
Even if you have done nothing wrong, our advice is to always politely refuse to talk with the police. We would like to hear your side of the story before you tell it to someone who will use it against you. Exercise your right to remain silent, and call us at 303-731-0719. Together we can protect your future.
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