We often get calls from parents of students in Greeley, Windsor and Eaton who have been charged with MIP, or Illegal Possession or Consumption of Ethyl Alcohol by an Underage Person – C.R.S. 18-13-122. This is a common crime for kids to commit – living away from home in an environment where it is legal for fellow classmates to drink is simply asking for trouble. It is illegal in Weld, Morgan and Logan County for anyone under the age of 21 to even possess (let alone consume) alcohol. This is an enormous problem on college campuses across Colorado.
The Punishments for Minor in Possession of Alcohol Can Have an Impact for Life
It used to be that punishments for MIP were between the faculty of a college like the University of Northern Colorado and the student, or a parent and their child. This is no longer the case. Whether or not you agree (we don’t, here at the O’Malley Law Office), the government has taken on this role. The sentence they inflict can have lasting effects on a student’s life. When your kid does something stupid (and who doesn’t do something stupid in college) and gets in trouble, it is important that you have someone on your side that understands the situation and knows the law.
Sentences for MIP in Weld County and Greeley
- A first time conviction for a Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) in Weld, Morgan and Logan County can often result in a fine (not more than $250.00) and Useful Public Service – UPS (up to 24 hours). Other punishments can include an order to complete an alcohol evaluation, or enroll in an alcohol education program or treatment. These are all to be completed at your own expense.
- A third time conviction of MIP in Greeley is more serious. It is a class 2 misdemeanor and has much more serious consequences – including the possibility of spending time in the Weld County Jail.
Believe it or not, if you are convicted of MIP, there may be repercussions on your driving privileges – C.R.S. 42-2-125. An MIP can affect your ability to drive, even if the original conviction had nothing to do with a vehicle! If you are convicted, your license could be revoked for 3 months (with no probationary license). If you have a third conviction of MIP, you could have your license revoked for up to one year.
What You Should Do if Charged with Illegal Possession or Consumption of Ethyl Alcohol by an Underage Person in Weld County
A conviction of Minor in Possession of Alcohol can have a negative impact on you or your kids’ life. Here at the O’Malley Law Office, we look at the big picture – we know that you can move on from any bad decision. A conviction of this kind can affect many aspects of your life – it could limit your employment possibilities, limit your travel, or stop you from joining the military. So, we fight hard for the best possible outcome in your case. If you are a minor and you have been accused of MIP, remember you are not required to take a breathalyzer or blood test (unlike a DUI).
Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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