Minor in Possession (MIP)

 F   NEW CASE ALERT   F    Last Fall (2007), a federal judge struck down a key portion of Michigan’s Minor in Possession law which required that all minors take a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT).  What this means, is that law officers cannot require or force you to take a PBT test, and there is no penalty for refusing the test. 

A person charged with being a Minor in Possession (MIP) is someone under the age of 21 who is in possession of some form of alcohol, either a beverage or a positive blood alcohol content (BAC). Often, a police officer will use a portable breathalyzer machine that is used to decide who has been drinking (and thus who will be charged with MIP). 

You may not realize it, but you can politely decline to take the Preliminary Breath Test (PBT).  As of September 2007, law enforcement cannot require that you take a PBT and there is no penalty for refusing a PBT (this assumes you are not the driver of a vehicle).  

Not surprisingly, law officers are now using other methods to gather incriminating evidence.  For example:  "been drinking tonight" or "how many drinks have you had?"  You should be aware that you can decline to answer incriminating questions such as these. If you choose to answer then anything you say can, and most likely will, be used against you in court.  About the only thing the law requires in this situation is that you identify yourself and provide an I.D. 
 
Because underage drinking is common, many people think of a Minor in Possession (MIP) charge as no big deal.  Their friends have one, and many treat it as a badge of honor.
 
Although the MIP citation looks just like a speeding ticket, it is not.  If you pay an MIP citation, you are admitting guilt to a criminal offense.  This criminal conviction will stay on your record for the rest of your life.  Having a criminal conviction can affect your driver's license, your ability to get a job, and even your eligibility for schools and scholarships.  Since an MIP conviction is also put on your driving record, it will affect your insurance rates.
 
Bruce Alan Block is an experienced MIP lawyer. He has worked with young people and college students to defend their rights in court.
 
The State of Michigan has some of the toughest zero-tolerance and underage drinking laws in the country. An MIP can only be given to people under age 21. You have your entire life ahead of you.  Take the time to get legal advice, and don't let an MIP mess up your future.
 
Call Bruce Alan Block today to discuss your case for a free telephone consultation.