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Minor in Possession

Minors can face alcohol-related charges regardless of their level of intoxication. These charges are widely known as either Minor in Possession, or MIP, charges or Possession of Alcohol under the Legal Age, or PAULA. Laws vary between different jurisdictions regarding the legal abilities of minors to drink with their parents or other custodial adults. However, intoxicated minors are never permitted to operate a motor vehicle.

Penalties Associated with MIP Charges

Most states do not allow minors to drink alcohol under any circumstances. In fact, the legal drinking age for unconditional possession of alcohol is 21-years-old in all states. Under this age, minors can be arrested for operating a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their system, or for simply being in possession of an alcoholic beverage. A minor in possession conviction can result in the following penalties:

  • Loss of a driver’s license
  • Fines
  • Probation
  • Jail
  • Alcohol education programs
  • Community service

These charges can have a serious impact on an individual’s personal and academic future, as well. Many schools will question a candidate with a minor in possession conviction on their record, making it important for anyone facing these charges to do everything they can to fight a conviction.

Contact Us

If you are facing MIP charges, the penalties can be severe. Additionally, these charges can be compounded if an intoxicated minor is charged with driving under the influence. If you have been charged with an alcohol-related crime, contact an Arizona DUI lawyer at Thompson & Volquardsen, P.C., by calling 602-510-9999 today.