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What Is Seattle MIP?
Our Seattle MIP lawyers won’t let an MIP charge disrupt your future.
Minor in Possession of Alcohol, or MIP, is a criminal charge and should be taken seriously by the minors involved and their families – even though many Washington State residents are surprised to learn that Seattle MIP is a crime punishable by jail time plus substantial fines.
Due to the complex methods by which the police infer that the minor was in possession of alcohol, it is important to contact an experienced Seattle MIP attorney before speaking to law enforcement.
At Washington Criminal Attorneys, we believe that every youth deserves a second chance. We’re here to hear your side of the story without judgment and defend your family against MIP charges.
MIP applies when an individual under the age of 21 is caught in the possession of alcohol or drugs. There are a number of common misconceptions surrounding this charge, and accused minors and their families should take the following advice from Seattle MIP lawyers into account:
• MIP is not “just a civil infraction.” It is a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $5,000. If you are under 18, your driver’s license may also be suspended.
• You do not need to literally be in possession of alcohol at the time of arrest in order to be charged with MIP. The state can also charge MIP if evidence of prior consumption of alcohol plus other corroborating evidence can be used to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the minor was in the possession of alcohol.
Due to the complex methods that law enforcement officers use to prove that a minor was in possession of alcohol – including breathalyzer tests, observation of your behavior, a smell of alcohol on your person, and statements from witnesses – many individuals are convicted of Seattle MIP based on non-substantial evidence that s completely explainable or unable to be proven in court.
For your own protection, it is important to hire Seattle MIP lawyers and consult with legal representation before talking to the police or admitting to having consumed alcohol or drugs.
Why Hire a Seattle MIP Attorney?
Our team of Seattle MIP lawyers has a complete and comprehensive understanding of the Washington State legal system, allowing us to build an appropriate defense for each client and protect their best interests in a court of law. We understand that you’re feeling scared, frustrated, and perhaps angry over being charged with MIP.
You might be worried about your future and what this criminal charge means for your job prospects and your college applications. We believe that every one of our clients deserves to be defended, and we are here to listen to you without judgment. Allow our Seattle MIP attorneys to help you tell your side of the story and return you to your normal life as quickly as possible.
