Alcohol is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume. When an underage child is found drinking liquor, they are often charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) – C.R.S. 18-13-122. When an adult provided the alcohol, they are often charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Weld, Morgan, or Logan County. In recent news, a limo driver in Longmont called 911 after dropping off his underage limo occupants at home and noticing their drunkenness. One teen was suffering from severe alcohol poisoning. In the ongoing investigation, the police are investigating which adult provided the alcohol. Let’s take a look at both statutes related to alcohol and teens to gain insight into this story:
What is Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP)?
A person who is under 21 years of age will be charged with MIP if they possess or consume “ethyl alcohol anywhere in the state of Colorado.” There are exceptions when a person may not be charged, such as being on private property with the consent of a legal guardian. If a teen is charged with this offense, they could face a fine and or community service, an alcohol evaluation or assessment, an alcohol treatment program, or an alcohol education program, all at their own expense. A second or third offense results in much more serious consequences in Greeley, Evans, and Erie.
What is Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor?
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – C.R.S. 18-6-701 is charged whenever an adult “induces, aids, or encourages a child to violate any federal or state law, municipal or county ordinance, or court order commits contributing to the delinquency of a minor.” It is not always charged in connection with alcohol, but in circumstances when an adult “aids” children to possess and consume alcohol by buying it for them – they will be charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, which is a class 4 felony.
Other Possible Charges in the Limo Case and Why You Need a Lawyer
In addition to being charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, the adults who provided the alcohol to the teens could also be charged with Child Abuse for placing the teens in danger. The government is strict when it comes to children under the age of 21 – if you have been charged with a crime related to a minor, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced criminal lawyer immediately to fight on your behalf.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime related to a minor, 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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