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What is the law related to MIP’s (Minor in Possession) in Ft Bend County?

What is the law related to MIP’s? Minor in Possession (MIP) refers to a criminal offense involving an individual less than 21 years of age who is in possession of alcohol. A first-time MIP charge is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a $500 fine. A minor can be accused if he or she attempts to purchase, touch, hold, transport, or consume alcohol. As a result, many MIP citations occur at house parties where alcohol and teens are abundant. 

Commentary by Shawn McDonald from SMB Criminal Defense Lawyers shares that noise complaints to the police about house parties often result in heavy MIP citations of minors without proper proof of which minors were at fault. Officers typically arrest as many as they can (or all involved), and those cases typically get dismissed in court due to failure to prove possession. Unfortunately for those minors involved, the expense to hire a lawyer and other fees are paid out to mitigate the charge. 

If your minor was cited for an MIP without proof of possession, we can help you get the charges dropped. Call us at 832-900-7727.

Video Transcript:

Interviewer: “I’d like to get a little information out there about MIPs for the parents that have young kids. I mean, I got an MIP when I was younger. Got a couple of them. Some were *expletive*. Some were valid and I deserved it. What is the law related to MIPs as far as open container, not. If you’re at a house party and there’s alcohol there. Is it…”

Shawn McDonald: “I mean, the house party situation, it infuriates me because a officers will get a noise call. It’s a bunch of kids drinking. They’ll go in the house. Of course all the kids put the beer down by the time they come in because they’re not stupid. And there’s beer all over the house, but then just start arresting kids for minor in possession when they can’t say that they were in possession of alcohol. They’re standing near it. Is that possession? I don’t know. But they would arrest everybody because somebody is a jerk at the house and they’re going to prove a point. Well then we get them later and you’re like “You can’t prove this case. It’s a waste of time. you’re arresting these kids and giving them tickets.” And they all get dismissed, typically on those situations. But still the kid spent money kind of coming to court, have to hire an attorney. And it, you know, it’s… difficult, it’s a problem.”

Interviewer: “It’s big. It will ruin your reputation when you’re young too.”

Disclaimer

*This blog post, “What is the law related to MIP’s (Minor in Possession) in Ft Bend County?”, is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.