When teens or young adults are found to be in the possession of alcohol or marijuana, a minor in possession charge could follow.
Any person under 21 years of age in Colorado who is found to have ethyl alcohol or marijuana on their person may be charged with a MIP.
Whether you are a young adult who has been charged with MIP or a parent who has a minor that has been charged with allegations of this nature, contact the skilled lawyers at our firm. Minor in possession allegations can have lasting ramifications. A conviction may damage a youth’s record, reputation, scholarships, and future. Our team will do everything possible to help reduce or eliminate these charges. Protect your future and call today!
What is MIP in Colorado?
In the state of Colorado, C.R.S 18-13-122 states that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or consume ethyl alcohol. Ethyl alcohol is any type of alcohol intended to induce an altered state of mind. This includes beer, wine, vodka, gin, schnapps, amaretto, brandy, whiskey, rum, cognac, and so on. Marijuana consumption and possession are treated similarly.
A minor does not have to be drunk or high to be convicted with MIP. Simply possessing any amount of alcohol or marijuana can land you with a minor in possession ticket. It will all depend on the officers present at the scene. Minor in possession tickets are also strict liability offenses.
What happens if you get a minor in possession conviction?
If you receive charges of MIP, you may be convicted if you do not have a solid legal defense strategy. Minor in possession convictions may be the first convictions that young people receive. The more of these convictions, the more serious the implications.
In some circumstances, the court will allow young people to have their charges dropped if they have a valid excuse for being present somewhere that alcohol is being consumed. Additionally, certain diversion programs exist to help young people protect their legal records. A minor in possession defense attorney will be able to look at your case and tell you what your options are.
Are MIP tickets and charges serious in Colorado?
Colorado is highly concerned with the safety of minors. That is why 21 and older laws are taken so seriously statewide. Because of this, minors could face serious consequences if convicted of MIP.
Moreover, there are many colleges in Colorado. In Colorado, colleges and other universities make it easy for minors to find themselves in compromising situations.
What are some common situations where a minor could get charged with MIP?
MIP occurs when a police officer finds someone under the age of 21 in possession of alcohol or marijuana. However, this can also happen if a minor is found to have consumed marijuana or alcohol. Anyone under the age of 21 is defined as a minor based on Colorado Revised Statute 18-13-122.
Minor in possession offenses may occur at parties, concerts, colleges, and in private homes. In some scenarios, the police are called because of a noise complaint or disturbance of the peace. At this time, minors in possession of alcohol or marijuana can be charged.
Sometimes, minors are charged simply because they are present at the scene of a disturbance. Other charges often accompany MIP. These include DUI, DWAI, drug charges, public intoxication, public urination, resisting arrest, assault, and noise violations.
What are the consequences of MIP in Colorado
Each MIP charge could be treated differently. The consequences of a MIP charge will depend on whether it is your first, second, or third charge, how the court feels about your actions, and the circumstances surrounding the charge. Other important factors from when the charge occurred may also be considered by the courts.
A few of the penalties that a minor may receive after their first MIP in Colorado include:
- A fine of up to $100
- Mandatory substance abuse education program
A second MIP charge can result in escalated consequences. Consequences and penalties will be based on your history with MIP in Colorado, individual character, and previous legal problems.
Additional potential charges of a second MIP may include:
- A fine of up to $100
- Up to 24 hours of community service
- In some circumstances, a substance abuse assessment and completion any treatment recommended by the assessment; and
- Mandatory substance abuse education program
If a minor receives a third MIP, they may face increased consequences.
For a third MIP, additional consequences could include:
- A fine of up to $250
- Up to 24 hours of community service
- Substance abuse assessment and completion any treatment recommended by the assessment
What happens if a college student or high schooler gets an MIP in Colorado?
If a minor is still in high school or college when they get charged with MIP, additional administrative consequences are possible. It will all depend on how the school feels about a student’s behavior. Repercussions can be severe. This is especially true if the MIP occurs on campus or in the dorms.
In many cases, MIP convictions are reported to local schools and universities. When this happens, students may face expulsion, depending on the tolerance policy of the institution.
What should you do if you are charged with MIP?
There are many reasons that MIP charges occur. Whatever the circumstances of your situation are, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is one of the best ways to ensure the best outcome for your case and MIP charges.
For those charged with MIP, many legal defense strategies are available. Certain diversion programs also exist for those who have never before been in trouble with the law before. Even minors receiving a second or third MIP charge have plenty of legal defense options. In some scenarios, MIP charges can even be eliminated. It will all depend on the circumstances surrounding each MIP allegation.
What is the difference between MIP marijuana and alcohol charges in Colorado?
In Colorado, the possession of marijuana is treated the same as the possession of alcohol. The same goes for the consumption of alcohol and marijuana. However, possession of marijuana paraphernalia may also result in a MIP.
Marijuana paraphernalia may include:
- Bongs
- Pipes
- Papers
- Grinders
Call the Skilled Attorneys at Koziel & Lehr Law LLC for MIPs in Colorado
At Koziel & Lehr Law LLC, our criminal defense and family attorneys are experienced with a range of issues. Whether this is your first offense or you have already been in trouble, having an attorney in your corner can make or break your chances of beating charges.
Have you been charged with MIP in Colorado? Do you have a child who has been charged with MIP in Denver, Larimer County, Douglas County, Adams County, or anywhere else in the area? Do not let this mistake impact your future or the future of your child negatively! Let the skilled attorneys at our firm help you build a solid defense strategy.
Retaining legal representation for allegations of MIP will help to take some of this legal burden off of your shoulders and ensure the best possible outcome for your unique case. We can help minors get MIP charges dropped or reduced! Our team is here to aggressively defend you today!
Call us at (720) 314-8750 for a consultation and MIP case review in Colorado.