Michigan’s New MIP Law

Michigan’s New MIP Law to take effect in 2018:

Governor Snyder signed Michigan’s New MIP Law in 2016, it will reduce penalties for minors who purchase, consume, or are in possession of alcohol.  Starting January 1, 2018, first time offenders of the Minor in Possession (MIP) law will be guilty of a civil infraction instead of a misdemeanor. There will no longer be any threat of a first offense landing on a young adult’s record. When the law takes effect they will instead pay a fine. Even though the first offense is reduced, it should still be taken seriously due to the long lasting effects and the possibility of future violations.

First time offenders could be fined $100.00, ordered to participate in substance use disorder services, undergo substance abuse screening, and perform community service.  If the minor is charged with a second MIP, the offense increases to a misdemeanor.  This means that if a minor receives a second MIP charge, it is a criminal offense.  If charged with a misdemeanor, the minor could face up to 30 days in jail and be charged $200.00.  Again, the minor could be ordered to participate in substance use disorder services, undergo substance abuse screening, and perform community service.  If the minor has violated the MIP law more than 2 times, he/she can face up to 60 days in jail and be charged $500.00.  The minor can be ordered to participate in substance use disorder services, undergo substance abuse screening, and perform community service.  After a second or third violation, the minor’s licenses can be suspended.

Concerned about Michigan’s New MIP Law? Thousands of minors are charged with MIP violations every year.  For more information about the Michigan Minor in Possession (MIP) law and how to protect yourself, call us at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message.

College Football Season: Tailgating Misdemeanor Tickets

The college football season has started and with that students are being ticketed while tailgating.  Whether you’re studying at Wayne State University, Michigan State University, the University of Michigan or another Michigan college, these tickets are very common but they should be taken seriously.  Even a single conviction on your record can have an impact on your future employment and educational opportunities.

Individuals may be charged with Tailgating Misdemeanor Tickets due to tailgating activities including Minor in Possession of Alcohol, open intox, assault, and Urinating in Public.  One of the most common is Minor in Possession of Alcohol.   The exact crime you are charged with depends on the location you are when you are ticketed but all have serious consequences including fines and possible jail time.

Civil infraction tickets may also be handed out for handling open containers of alcohol.  Open bottles and cans of alcohol are sometimes permitted on certain campuses during football games, however if you step off of campus or have an open container other than on game day, you may be written a ticket.  It is important to know the rules in your area because, even though civil infraction tickets are typically not associated with jail time, tickets for handling an open container of alcohol can be costly.

If you have been written a ticket while tailgating,

Charged with a Tailgating Misdemeanor Tickets: Don’t take a risk on your rights—call one of our criminal defense attorneys at (248) 398-7100  for a free consultation or contact us with a private message, we can help you put this in your past quickly, so you can move on with your life.

For information about specific charges see the links below: