Underage Drinking – Minor in Possession of Alcohol Laws in Denver, Colorado
With a new College semester having started up again, I wanted to ensure that young adults 18-21 years old, and juveniles who are under 18, are aware of the law concerning alcohol use. Illegal Possession or Consumption of Ethyl Alcohol by an Underage Person, aka Minor in Possession of Alcohol, aka MIP, C.R.S. 18-13-122, is a common charge when kids and young adults are drinking beer or wine or hard liquor. If a parent is present and gives permission for the child to drink, these laws will not apply. However, if underage drinking takes place at a house party near DU campus, both those drinking underage and those who provided the alcohol could be facing criminal charges on their record.
Penalty for First Charge of Minor in Possession in Boulder County
The first time a person is charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol in Boulder County, they can get up to 24 hours of useful public service, a $250 fine, and may be required to submit to a substance abuse evaluation or an alcohol evaluation. If the young person does not have any additional offenses within 1 year, they can have their record sealed of the MIP charge. If you are found drinking or using drugs on CU Boulder campus, the penalties could include expulsion.
Arapahoe County Repeat Offender for MIP
The second time an MIP occurs, the young person can get a fine up to $500, twenty-four hours of UPS, and must submit to the alcohol evaluation. A third offense for Illegal Possession or Consumption of Ethyl Alcohol by an Underage Person, will result in a class 2 misdemeanor conviction in Arapahoe County, the possibility of up to a year in jail, a fine and alcohol evaluation and treatment.
Douglas County Lawyer for Minor in Possession of Alcohol
Many young kids think that this charge is a joke. It certainly is not. City Attorneys and District Attorneys will view it as the entry into the criminal justice system. Considering at least 50% of criminal misdemeanors and felonies are alcohol related, the government seeks to stop alcohol use right away. In addition, a young person can lose their driver’s license for an MIP in Douglas County, Colorado.
If you are contacted regarding a Illegal Possession or Consumption of Ethyl Alcohol by an Underage Person, aka Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) charge, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call our experienced MIP lawyers at 303-731-0719 right away. Together, we can protect your future.