Minor in Possession (MIP) in Bellevue

In Washington state, anyone under 21 can be charged with minor in possession (MIP) if law enforcement catches them possessing, consuming, or even trying to buy alcohol or drugs. The law does not care if it was a small amount or if they were just "holding it for a friend." An MIP conviction comes with severe consequences that risk permanently damaging your child's future.

However, Washington state's MIP laws intend to help juveniles learn from their mistakes and avoid becoming repeat offenders. With our MIP defense attorneys by your side, your child has a better chance at securing leniency, avoiding harsh penalties, and showing the court their potential for growth. We know how to challenge the evidence, build a compelling case, and get the court on your side.

With our Bellevue criminal defense legal team, you can protect your child's future while still making sure they are accountable for their mistakes. Here are some of the ways that an attorney can help your family when your child faces an MIP:

1. Build A Strong Defense: MIP cases often rely on circumstantial evidence, such as being in proximity to alcohol or showing physical signs of consumption. A skilled attorney will review the evidence against your child and identify weaknesses, such as:

• Lack of direct proof of possession or consumption
• Improper searches or seizures that violate constitutional rights
• Misidentification or errors by law enforcement officers during the arrest or investigation

2. Explore Alternatives To Sentencing: If this is your child's first MIP, King County offers diversion programs and deferred prosecution. If they participate in these programs, they may have reduced charges, community service, or educational classes instead of a conviction.

3. Minimising Penalties: When avoiding a conviction isn't possible, our criminal defense attorneys can still work to reduce penalties. We can:

• Negotiate lower fines tailored to your financial situation
• Advocate for fewer community service hours
• Minimize or avoid driver's license suspensions

4. Protect Your Child's Future: An MIP conviction in Bellevue can affect more than just your child's record–it can negatively impact college applications, scholarship opportunities, and future employment prospects.

Our Bellevue-based attorneys who understand the King County legal system can shoulder the burden of the legal process. We offer guidance every step of the way and handle the tough conversations with prosecutors and judges so you can focus on supporting your child and their future.

Getting caught with alcohol or drugs as a minor in Washington state is a serious business. Conviction for an MIP is a gross misdemeanor, with penalties including:

• Jail time: Up to 364 days
• Fines: Up to $5,000
• Classes: Mandatory alcohol or drug education
• Community service: Typically, 20-40 hours but can be up to 80 hours
• Driver's License Suspension: The Washington State Department of Licensing may suspend your license for 90 days to one year.

Legal penalties aren't the only consequences for an MIP conviction. It can have a seriously negative impact on your child's future.

An MIP conviction has other consequences beyond legal penalties. These non-legal penalties can be just as significant as the court-imposed punishments:

• Loss Of Scholarships Or Financial Aid: An MIP conviction can jeopardize eligibility for certain scholarships or financial aid programs. Many programs require recipients to maintain a clean record.
• Risks To College Admissions: If you're applying to colleges, an MIP conviction might raise red flags during the admissions process, especially for institutions that request criminal history disclosures.
• Struggle With Employment: Many employers conduct background checks, and an MIP conviction could appear and make it harder to get a job.
• Barriers To Professional Licensing: Fields like healthcare, law, or education often require background checks for licensing. An MIP conviction could create problems in earning these licenses.
• Challenges Getting To School Or Work: Losing driving privileges can disrupt your daily life, making it harder to stay on top of responsibilities.
• Roadblocks To Finding Housing: Some landlords run background checks, and a criminal record, even for something like an MIP, can negatively affect housing opportunities.

A Bellevue criminal attorney specializing in MIPs can help reduce the penalties your child faces.

An experienced Bellevue criminal defense attorney specializing in MIP charges will investigate the circumstances of the case and present a defense that demonstrates your child's innocence. Common defenses include:

1. No Actual Possession: If your child didn't have alcohol or drugs on them or there's no direct evidence they consumed or purchased it, we can contest the charge.
2. Mistaken Identity: In group settings, authorities may charge the wrong person. Your attorney can gather evidence or witness testimony to prove your child wasn't involved.
3. No Evidence Of Consumption: If the prosecution bases the charge on subjective observations, like "smelling like alcohol," we can argue there's no concrete proof of consumption.
4. Unlawful Search Or Seizure: If law enforcement didn't follow proper procedures, such as obtaining a warrant or having probable cause, evidence may be inadmissible.
5. Medical Or Religious Exceptions: In rare cases, possessing alcohol for medical purposes or during specific religious practices might be a valid defense.

No matter the circumstances of your child's conviction, our Bellevue MIP attorneys can help.

As local Bellevue criminal defense attorneys, we understand how MIP charges happen. Whether they attend Bellevue High, Newport High, or Sammamish High, high school students in the city face significant peer pressure to consume drugs and alcohol. Even college students at Bellevue College aren't immune to the challenges of social influence. Good kids can find themselves caught drinking at popular hangouts like Meydenbauer Bay Park, Downtown Park, or at house parties in Clyde Hill.

However, one youthful mistake should not damage a child's future. So, we firmly believe every MIP charge deserves a thorough challenge. With over 20 years of experience in Washington, our attorneys know how to get a possible positive outcome at King County Courts. If your child is facing an MIP charge, call our experienced Bellevue attorneys for a free consultation. We'll explore the many legal avenues to protect your child's future.

A minor in possession charge is often the first time a minor has ever been contacted by a police officer and gotten into trouble. It can be a stressful situation for both the minor and his or her parents. We are here to answer your questions and help you move on with your life without having a criminal conviction following you as you graduate and search for a job.

An MIP charge is a gross misdemeanor, which means the maximum penalty is 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.  Additional penalties may include probation, court and administrative fees, community service, and court ordered classes. In certain circumstances, an MIP conviction will also result in a license suspension.

Unfortunately, many minors do not understand that there is not safety in numbers. Groups of minors will often attract attention to them.  It is very common for the police to break up a house party and cite multiple minors for MIP.  Similarly, drinking in a group at a park at night will also attract the attention of the police.

The police do not necessarily have to actually catch you with a drink in your hand. Simply having the smell of alcohol emanating from your mouth and being near alcohol could be sufficient. It is also common for minors to admit to drinking when confronted by the police, which will be used against them.

If you or your child is facing a minor in possession charge, do not hesitate to give us a call at our Bellevue, Washington, office. Our firm's skilled criminal defense lawyers will be more than happy to discuss your situation and answer your questions.