Minor In Possession

It is a crime for a person who is under the age of 21 to be in a public place while possessing alcohol or exhibiting the effects of having consumed alcohol in Washington state. This is called Minor in Possession, or MIP, in the Seattle / Tacoma area. The crime is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $5000 fine. Other consequences could include probation, alcohol treatment, community service or house arrest.
In addition, a teen charged with MIP will face a license suspension with the Department of Licensing. The suspension could last anywhere from 1 year to several years. A charge of MIP could also affect a person’s ability to obtain a permit or intermediate license in the future, even if that person is not yet licensed. The licensing consequences apply regardless of if the crime was committed while driving or while in a vehicle.

The licensing process is complicated and it is essential to have the representation of someone who is experienced with the court and DMV process. The lawyers at Horwath Law can assist your child with a MIP charge and obtain a favorable resolution. Call the office today for a free consultation whether you have been charged in Seattle, Sea-Tac, Renton, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, Olympia, Yelm, Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, or most other Puget Sound locations.

For more information on Tacoma Minors In Possession, visit our DUI web site: Horwath Law Tacoma DUI Attorney. For a free consultation call Angela Horwath at 253-649-2636.