Denton Criminal Defense Lawyer

Minor in Possession (MIP)

If you are thinking of going to a party with a few of your older friends, you should be aware that you could be in some serious trouble with the police if you are caught with alcohol while under 21 years of age.

An Minor in Possession charge, or MIP, is a citation issued to a person who is under 21 and is found to be in possession of alcohol. An MIP is categorized as a class C misdemeanor and has severe punishments. You could be sentenced to a fine anywhere between $250 and $2,000. You might also receive jail time up to 180 days along with some type of community service to complete when you are out of jail. In Texas, there are different amounts of community service that you could be sentenced with depending on the leniency of the judge and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. The judge may also sentence you to losing your license for a certain period of time or until you are of a certain age.

Situations which could result in MIP citations include:

• Having access to alcohol in a car
• Carrying alcohol for another person
• Being in a group of people who are drinking together

There is one exception to MIP laws, however: if you are in the visible presence of your parent, guardian, or spouse, you may legally possess alcohol, as long as that person is of legal drinking age (21 or over).

For more information, contact the Denton Criminal Defense Lawyers of Alexander and Associates at 972-420-6560.