DUI MIP Charge

The courts, as well as the DMV, treat minors under the influence of alcohol much differently than their of age counterparts.  For starters, it is illegal for persons under the age of 21 to possess alcohol, and in the event of a dui arrest, the minor under the influence of alcohol can be deemed “in possession” of alcohol even without physical containers of alcohol being present.  Additionally, the threshold levels for minor driving under the influence are often set at zero tolerance levels, which means any BAC over .00 to .02, depending on the state, will result in an arrest.  Defending underage dui cases, in turn, is also a significantly different arena of law, which may require a juvenile defense attorney.  A juvenile defense attorney is an individual that specializes in handling cases that are brought through in the vastly different protocol and procedures of juvenile courts, rather than adult courts.

Consequences of Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Aside from driving under the influence of alcohol, mip laws, or minor in possession laws, in some states mandate that underage individuals arrested for alcohol possession have their license suspended.  In most states, a first offense mip may result in little or no criminal convictions, but the DMV or BMV may still suspend a juvenile’s license for first offense mip.  Second mip offenses under mip laws in a given state almost always carry some form of revocation or suspension of driving priviledges, not to mention criminal penalties, if applicable.  Second mip offenses and first mip offenses are also viewed very differently, as a consecutive arrest oftentimes revokes any probation agreement made from the original arrest under mip laws.

MIP DUI Lawyers and How They Help

An attorney is always the best legal resource for dealing with criminal charges.  This proves especially true in cases involving minors.  Typically, the courts look favorably upon young offenders, given the nature of the alcohol offenses.  Additionally, expunging records of arrest or dismissals of charges pending completion of probation are the most common sentence arrangements made for minor offenders.  In addition, the courts often take a rehabilitative stance when it comes to youthful offenders, which means these individuals may be offered alternative sentencing mediums such substance abuse counseling or other education courses to prevent future alcohol abuse or criminal behavior.