DEFENDING MICHIGAN COLLEGE STUDENTS

If your child has been charged with underage drinking or possession of alcohol as a minor (MIP) at a college or trade school in Michigan, you may be tempted to let your child face the consequences. However, a conviction on criminal charges is one consequence you should always want your child to avoid.

FREE CONSULTATION - WE ACCEPT ALL CREDIT CARDS - CALL 24/7

At the law offices of A. Scott Grabel & Associates, we offer a free initial consultation to explain the consequences your child may face and the most effective possible defenses. We represent college and trade school students throughout Michigan who are charged with underage drinking or MIP.

OWI CHARGES AFFECTING MINORS

Any charge involving underage drinking or possession of alcohol is a misdemeanor criminal offense. A conviction can seriously affect your child's future. He or she could be charged with Minor in Possession (MIP) under a variety of circumstances, including simply being in a car or attending a party where alcohol was present.

WILL MY CHILD GO TO JAIL?

In Michigan, the penalty for a first MIP (minor in possession) or underage drinking violation is usually a fine, plus the possibility that your child will be required to participate in a substance abuse program. The person will also lose his or her license to drive for some period of time. For a second violation, your child may face jail time and other penalties. For this reason if for no other, it is important to keep the first conviction off your child's record.

DON'T RUIN YOUR LIFE - OR THAT OF YOUR CHILD!

The most serious consequence of any criminal conviction is the criminal record itself. Underage drinking and MIP are misdemeanors, and your child will have a lifetime criminal history if he or she is convicted. Your child will have to disclose that criminal record every time he or she applies for a job, seeks financial aid or tries to obtain a professional license. Equally important, many employers simply do not want to hire people who may have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

WHAT SOME JUDGES AND PROSECUTORS MAY NOT TELL YOU

Unfortunately, there are many judges who will accept a guilty plea from a young person charged with Minor in Possession without informing him or her that there are alternatives. Michigan has first-time offender and diversion programs that can keep students out of jail and a misdemeanor conviction off their records. This is why you should never plead guilty without first speaking with an attorney so you can learn about your rights and your options.

PROTECTING YOUR FUTURE

As lawyers, our primary objective when representing your son or daughter will be to minimize the effect of the arrest on your child's future. There are several ways an experienced lawyer can resolve MIP charges and keep your child from ending up with a criminal history. These can include making sure the traffic stop was legal, finding out whether your student was swept up in a dormitory or party raid or determining whether a search warrant was properly executed. We investigate every option to develop a strong case.

CONTACT OUR MICHIGAN LAW FIRM

Don't let your child be tagged with a conviction for underage drinking or possession of alcohol. Contact our law firm as soon as possible to protect your child. With attorneys statewide, our lawyers represent students in MIP matters throughout Michigan.