The law in the United States says that a person must be 21 years of age to purchase, possess, and drink alcohol. In Michigan and across the country, law enforcement is cracking down on underage drinking. If you are a minor charged with underage possession or your child has been arrested for minor in possession of alcohol, it is vital that you consult with a Troy criminal defense lawyer right away. Many of our clients make the mistake of thinking charges are not as serious because they involve a juvenile offense, but this is not the case.
You could be facing the following penalties for a first-time offense:
The legal punishments may not initially seem severe, but they can be destructive to your personal future and your future as a student. If this is a second or subsequent offense, you could face harsher penalties, including steeper fines and time in jail. Additionally, you could face disciplinary action from your school or university and even be expelled, depending on the school's code of conduct.
At the Law Office of John N. Elliott, we don't want a momentary mistake to haunt your minor child for the rest of their life. We protect your child against the consequences of a minor in possession conviction.
Although minors are typically charged in juvenile court, judges take charges involving alcohol or drugs very seriously. A conviction of a juvenile offense can impact your future, from your education and employment opportunities to your reputation. Our Troy juvenile crime attorney has years of experience as a trial attorney, including representing juvenile cases.
Our lead Troy criminal defense attorney John N. Elliot has many years of experience in the field of criminal defense. We are committed to using our extensive knowledge and resources to defend the rights of juveniles accused of crimes like minor in possession.
Call us today at (248) 846-0009 for a free case consultation if you or your child have been accused of minor in possession.