What is a minor consumption ticket?
A charge of Minor in Consumption, also known as an MIC, is a Class “C” misdemeanor. The charge means that minor, who in this case is a person under the age of 21, was given a citation or MIC ticket for consuming an alcoholic beverage. Unlike an MIP, possession is not enough.
How bad is a minor in consumption?
Underage drinking is considered a juvenile crime for individuals who are under the age of 18. Upon adjudication, these individuals can receive a fine valuing between $200 and $500. This could result in the individual being charged with an underage DUI charge rather than a charge for minor in consumption of alcohol.
What is a minor consumption?
When under-aged individuals are caught drinking by a law enforcement officer, they will likely be charged with either a minor in possession charge (MIP) or minor in consumption (MIC) charge. A MIC means the minor actually consumed the alcohol, rather than merely being in possession of it.
What happens if you get a minor in possession?
Penalties for violating MIP can vary significantly from state to state but typically include one or more of the following: Revocation of the person’s driver’s license (if they have one) Imposition of monetary fines. Mandatory enrollment in an alcohol education program.
How to get a minor in possession of alcohol ticket dismissed?
To get your Minor in Possession of Alcohol ticket dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense, you will need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight your MIP charge in court.
Can you get a minor in possession citation if you are under 21?
In the majority of states, it is a separate offense for individuals under the age of 21 to misrepresent their actual age in order to buy or obtain alcoholic beverages. These laws represent separate charges from minor in possession charges and may have significantly different sanctions.
What causes a minor to be in possession of alcohol?
Possession occurs as a result of being employed by a licensed retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer, or establishment that is licensed to serve alcohol (This still does not allow the individual to consume alcohol.)
Can a minor in possession charge be reduced?
Individuals who face minor in possession charges may find that proper legal representation can significantly reduce any fines or penalties they may be faced with. Again, this situation will vary greatly depending on the state, jurisdiction, and situation as well as the individual’s past record of offenses.