Bellevue MIP Attorneys

Prosecutors do not take these charges lightly, especially because you did not have the right to consume alcohol whatsoever. You absolutely MUST hire an attorney if you want your rights and your future protected. The police and the prosecutor's office are not your friends. You need someone on your side, that has your best interests in mind, and that has the experience to know when, and how hard to push back at the State. The attorneys of Washington Criminal Attorneys absolutely understand the dilemma that Skagit county residents face, and we know how to represent your interests in court.

The Minor in Possession (MIP) is a complicated area of law due to a confusing statutory scheme, as well the offense having a different definition according to the Department of Licensing.  This is even especially more so if you don't deal with these offenses frequently. Washington Criminal Attorneys, can help guide you through the process, and explain each and every step along the way. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to get the best results possible. If you attempt to fight this charge along the State will absolutely steamroll you. With your freedom, and future at stake, you simply cannot take that risk.

Washington State's MIP statute, RCW 66.44.270, states that it is "unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one years to possess, consume, or otherwise acquire any liquor." Many people do not fully understand truly how encompassing this statute is. For example, the statute does not require that you did anything intentionally, unintentionally, negligently, or otherwise. If you are under 21 years old, and you are in possession of any alcohol whatsoever, you can be found guilty!

The statute also imposes criminal culpability where the person exhibits "the effects of having consumed alcohol" while in a public place or in a motor vehicle in a public place. Think of the most common situations where alcohol is consumed: holidays, birthday parties, graduations, vacations, college, etc. The only real exception to these rules is if a parent gives alcohol to someone under 21, and the consumption of the alcohol is on the parent's property.

It is a widespread misconception that this exception applies to all people on the parent's property. For example, if a parent purchases alcohol for a graduation party, and a non-family member accesses the alcohol, and they are under 21, the minor could still be charged with MIP because it was not THEIR PARENT that provided the alcohol on their own property!

If you are thinking that this statute unfairly affects those under 21, you are absolutely correct. This is even more highlighted by the maximum penalties for this offense, which are more strict that if a minor is convicted of underage DUI! MIP is considered a gross misdemeanor, meaning that if you are convicted of this offense, you could face up to 364 days in jail, and a $5,000 fine, not to mention potential license revocation by the Department of Licensing.

A criminal conviction has other far-reaching consequences that could affect: college admissions, eligibility for federal student loans, job applications, military enlistment, residential rental applications, and even travel to other countries. If you are convicted and given the maximum penalty, your life will be severely interrupted. Spending months in jail is always a life changing experience--and most times not for the better. When you retain our firm, our primary goal is to make sure that you avoid jail time of any kind

The Department of Licensing has a broader definition of MIP. They define MIP as:

(1) When a person is age 13–17 and is convicted of:

(a) Possession of alcohol

(b) ANY offense involving a firearm, whether or not it's related to using a motor vehicle.

(2) When a person is age 13–20 is convicted of a drug offense

(3) When a person is under age 18, and:

(a) Pleads guilty or is found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm while in a vehicle.

(b) Commits any offense while armed with a firearm in which a motor vehicle served an integral function.

The attorneys at Washington Criminal Attorneys, understand how unfair this can feel. We understand the emotions that run through our client's minds when they are arrested. Most of our clients are not career criminals. They are simply people that might have made a poor decision, and as the old adage goes, "bad things happen to good people." It is our job to tell your story, to position you the right way in front of both the prosecutor and the court, to make sure we are available when you need us, and to offer our guidance throughout this confusing and overwhelming process

Most of our clients do not understand what they can and cannot do when they are speaking with police officers, and unfortunately make the mistake of cooperating with whatever the police officer asks them to do. This is not your fault! This is especially more true where people are under that age of 21. We've been taught since a very young age to respect authority. But, most people do not understand that cooperating with the police only gives them more information to work with, and ultimately to arrest you. 

Getting arrested is an overwhelming experience with a chaotic arrest environment. Again, you've been raised to respect police officers, and you thought that by participating, you could help yourself out. Unfortunately, that is not the case, but that doesn't mean that you can't fight back now.

We will look for any violation of your rights or grounds for challenging your arrest. We will look to see whether the police had any reason to be there in the first place. We will go over the types of questions they were asking you, whether they already knew they were going to arrest you even without your cooperation, we will review any available audio/video recordings to compare with the police report and your version of events.

Washington Criminal Attorneys will be there for you, and go to battle for your defense.

We will verify the existence of actual evidence of alcohol consumption or possession, and pour through your arrest report for any inconsistencies, or exonerating information. We will fight to preserve your driver's license. We will not rest until every last piece of information is challenged. You deserve the best, and that is exactly what you receive when you hire Washington Criminal Attorneys.

If any of this sounds like it happened to you, call us immediately. Now that you have been criminally charged, a million thoughts are running through your mind. What happens next? How will I get to work? Will I lose my job? Can I still go to college? Will I be prevented from enlisting? Can I still pursue the career I want? Am I on probation right now? When you call our offices, you will speak to one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys, and we will take the time to go through all of your questions in detail.

The initial consultation is free, and we will take the time to learn about your specific case, and give you our honest assessment of where your case stands. Remember, NEVER speak to the police, detectives, or anyone from the prosecutor's office without an attorney. They have one job, and that is to make sure you are convicted. If you are reading this page you have been charged with a criminal offense. It is now them against you. With something as important as your freedom at stake, don't make the mistake of handling your criminal charge alone.