When a Minor isn’t Minor

A Washington State Minor in Possession (“MIP”) conviction can be (and usually is) very impactful on a youth’s ability to pursue his dreams and aspirations – especially during these trying and difficult economic times. Job competition is tight. Competition to get a quality education is tough. A MIP conviction can impact a minor’s admission into college, qualifying for financial aid, or even finding a job or finding a place to live.

A minor need not be in actual possession of alcohol to be cited for MIP. A minor can be charged with (and even convicted of) MIP whether or not he is in actual possession of alcohol. If a law enforcement officer so much as detects the presence of alcohol on or near a minor, or reasonably believes that a minor is exhibiting the signs of being under the influence, the result may be a MIP charge, a gross misdemeanor in Washington State. Translated – a MIP conviction can result in a minor facing up to a year in jail, and being obligated to pay a fine of $5,000; the conviction will appear on the minors “criminal history”, which is accessible to employers and to educational institutions.  Additionally, a minor that is under the age of 18 who is arrested for MIP, DUI, or possession of marijuana in the State of Washington, is subject to an automatic driver’s license suspension – regardless of whether the minor was driving when he received his citation.

Because of the significant implications a MIP arrest and/or conviction can have, it is imperative that a minor facing a MIP in Washington State retain a qualified Seattle criminal defense attorney or a qualified Bellevue criminal lawyer so as to best minimize potential legal consequences and protect his rights and interests. The Seattle criminal attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified Seattle criminal lawyers that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those charged with MIP in Western Washington. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the MIP allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible. SQ Attorneys uses its vast experience in the criminal justice system to create outcomes that ensure that a minor charged with MIP keeps competitive in the job market and keeps his educational opportunities open.

If you or a loved one is charged with MIP in King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, Kitsap County, Thurston County or one of the following cities or towns: Algona, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bonney Lake, Bothell, Burien, Des Moines, Duvall, Edmonds, Enumclaw, Everett, Federal Way, fife, Hunts Point, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Lake Stevens, Lakewood, Lynnwood, Maple Valley, Marysville, Medina, Mercer Island, Milton, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, New Castle, Normandy Park, North Bend, Olympia, Puyallup, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Sea Tac, Seattle, Shoreline, Snohomish, Sumner, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, and/or Woodinville, or any other city or town in Western Washington, call The Criminal Defense Team of SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900; (425) 998-8384 for an initial free consultation – it will be the best decision you make all day.

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