Minor in Possession or Consumption

The Minor in Possession and Minor in Consumption of alcohol charges in Washington are defined in RCW 66.44.270, which also encompasses crimes such as Furnishing Alcohol to Minors. Minor in Possession and Minor in Consumption are generally referred to as MIP and MIC respectively. MIP and MIC are both gross misdemeanors, punishable by up to 365 days in Jail and a $5000 fine. Collateral impacts of a conviction include ineligibility for certain types of employment, as well as driver license revocation for minors aged 13-17. For MIP, it is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one years to possess, consume, or otherwise acquire any liquor. For MIC, It is unlawful for a person under the age of twenty-one years to be in a public place, or to be in a motor vehicle in a public place, while exhibiting the effects of having consumed liquor. "Exhibiting the effects of having consumed liquor" means that a person has the odor of liquor on his or her breath and either:

• i. Is in possession of or close proximity to a container that has or recently had liquor in it; or
• ii. by speech, manner, appearance, behavior, lack of coordination, or otherwise, exhibits that he or she is under the influence of liquor

There are defenses to the MIP and MIC charges, including:

• a) liquor given or permitted to be given to a person under the age of twenty-one years by a parent or guardian and consumed in the presence of the parent or guardian (doesn’t include restaurants)
• b) liquor given for medicinal purposes to a person under the age of twenty-one years by a parent, guardian, physician, or dentist, and
• c) liquor given to a person under the age of twenty-one years when such liquor is being used in connection with religious services and the amount consumed is the minimal amount necessary for the religious service

Ashbach Law Offices, LLC has an extensive history representing clients charged with Minor In Possession or Minor in Consumption. Such results include dismissals and other non-conviction results, as well as save licenses and clean criminal histories. If you, or someone you care about, has been charged (or may be) with MIP or MIC in King County, Skagit County, Snohomish County, or Whatcom County, call Ashbach Law Offices, LLC today at (360) 659-4950 for a free, no-pressure case evaluation. With a reputation in the legal community as aggressive, effective and successful criminal defense attorneys, we are here to help you through your difficult times.