Everyone has a story about being young and doing something really stupid. When thinking back on these times, many people remember getting away with it and learning a valuable lesson. However, some folks were not that lucky and when they think back, they have the memory of getting caught and dealing with the consequences. The 18-year-old subject of this blog unfortunately was one of the unlucky ones. This young man had a seriously bad week when he was arrested not once, but twice within a two-day period. His first arrest was for Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) after police broke up a party and found him drunk and holding an open beer can. The second arrest occurred the next night when the young man was a passenger in his friend’s car and provided police with a fake id when they were pulled over. In total, he is facing three charges: Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Forgery, and False Reporting.
Minor in Possession (MIP) in Weld County
The Colorado law definition of Minor in Possession of Alcohol – C.R.S. 18-13-122 – is:
Anyone charged under this statute may face varying sentences based on the number of times the under-aged person has been charged or convicted of this offense in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County.
For a first time offense, the penalty is:
- Not more than $100 in fines
- Substance Abuse Education Program participation and completion
A second MIP charge results in the following potential penalties:
- Not more than $100 in fines
- Substance Abuse Education Program participation and completion
- Submit to a substance abuse assessment and complete any treatment recommended by the assessment
- Perform 24 hours of community service
A third Minor in Possession conviction is punishable by:
- Up to $250 in fines
- Submit to a substance abuse assessment and complete any treatment recommended by the assessment
- Perform 36 hours of community service
Forgery and False Reporting in Greeley and Erie
The Colorado law definition of Forgery – C.R.S. 18-5-102 – as it pertains to the case above is:
Because the young man presented a fake id to the police officer, he is facing this felony crime. As a class 5 felony in Greeley, Evans, and Fort Lupton, this crime is punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. The problem is most people under the age of 21 don’t realize that this is a felony crime. While I am not condoning it, having a fake id is pretty common on college campuses like University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and Colorado State University (CSU).
Have you been charged with Minor in Possession, False Reporting or Forgery? Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today!
Have you been charged with Minor in Possession, False Reporting or Forgery? Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today!
The man is also facing a False Reporting charge stemming from the false identification. Colorado law defined False Reporting to Authorities– C.R.S. 18-8-111 – as:
Comparatively, this is definitely the lesser of the two charges the man is facing related to the fake id. As a class 3 misdemeanor, False Reporting is punishable by up to 6 months in the Weld County Jail. For this level crime, it is more likely the young man would end up with a probation sentence for his False Reporting.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Minor in Possession, Forgery, or False Reporting, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense lawyers at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – luctheo