st louis dWI lawyers | Possession of Alcohol

minors in possession of alcohol (MIP)

The Missouri Minor In Possession (MIP) law was revised and made effective August 28, 2005. The revised law expands the previous statute by defining “possession” to include “consumption” of alcohol and being “visibly intoxicated”. The prosecution no longer needs to demonstrate that an alcoholic beverage existed or that the minor had physical possession the alcoholic beverage. If the prosecution can demonstrate the minor has consumed alcohol, the minor can be convicted of MIP.

Minors, defined as people between 16 and 20 years old, who plead guilty to or are convicted of MIP face the following punishments:

• 1st Offense – Driver’s License suspended for 30 days.
• 2nd Offense – Driver’s License suspended for 90 days.
• 3rd or Subsequent Offense – Driver’s License revoked for one year.

A conviction of any criminal charge can have serious consequences, both now and in the future. Many courts are becoming stricter and sentencing significant jail time and fines, especially for repeat offenders. Future consequences include the ability to gain employment as many employers conduct a criminal records check as a part of the hiring process. Many employers, including the military, the government, most banks and medium/large businesses, will not hire someone who has a criminal record.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to advise you how the law applies to your specific situation and secure the best possible outcome. The St. Louis criminal defense attorneys of Millikan & Millikan, LLC are former police officers and prosecutor and have represented people charged with a wide range of criminal offenses. Their unique experience allows them to offer their clients a solid defense strategy.

Contact us online or call 314.621.0622 (877.621.0622 Toll Free) for a FREE consultation and learn how the law applies to your specific situation. As former police officers and a former prosecuting attorney, we know potential pitfalls in the investigative process. As criminal defense attorneys, we know how to afford you protection under the law. Our education and experience mak a difference.

The Missouri Criminal Defense Attorneys of Millikan Wright LLC focus serving the needs of the greater St. Louis Metropolitan area. On the Missouri side, our criminal lawyers defend people in St. Louis city, St. Louis county, Jefferson county, Franklin county, St. Charles county, and Lincoln county. On the Illinois side, our attorneys represent people hurt in Madison county, St. Clair county and Monroe county.