University Place Minor in Possession

If your child is accused of a crime, the court procedures may seem confusing and even frightening. You and your child will probably have a lot of questions, like

• Will my child have to appear in court for a juvenile criminal charge in Pierce County?
• Is juvenile court different from adult court in Washington State?
• What types of punishment can my child face if convicted of a juvenile crime in Pierce County?
• Do I need a lawyer to fight a minor in possession charge in University Place?

The truth is, not all attorneys are equipped to work with juvenile defendants. It takes a combination of compassion and knowledge of Washington state law to see your child through the juvenile court system and work to achieve the best possible outcome. We are here to help you and your family understand every step of the juvenile criminal court process.

Whether your child has committed a crime, been wrongfully accused of a criminal act, or simply made a mistake, the guidance of an experienced University Place juvenile defense lawyer can help you and your family get through this difficult time.

Our team of Pierce county legal professionals understands the care and concern that parents and family members have when faced with this situation. We strongly encourage you to seek legal representation for your child to learn all that you can about the charge(s) and possible defenses available.

The juvenile court system has its own set of procedures, penalties, and standard rules that can differ greatly from the adult criminal court system. The juvenile justice system's primary objective is to rehabilitate the child while the adult criminal justice system's objectives are to deter crime and punish the offender.

To that end, if your child has been charged with a juvenile crime in Pierce County, they may be eligible for Diversion. Instead of having the case tried in a formal courtroom setting before a judge, you and your child will meet with a Community Accountability Board (CAB) comprised of volunteers from your child’s community and/or Diversion staff. The CAB and your child will enter into a written agreement about what consequences will be imposed for your child’s behavior. A lawyer isn’t required for a diversion hearing in Pierce County, although it’s always a good idea to have legal counsel in attendance for guidance.

Any juvenile needing to appear in court for a trial or diversion will have to report to the Pierce County Juvenile Court, also known as Remann Hall, which is located in Tacoma.

Remember, this is just a quick explanation of the juvenile court system in Washington state. The best way to protect your child's rights and make sure their best interests are represented during the juvenile court process is to retain the service of an attorney who is experienced in practicing law defending minors.

Our University Place Juvenile Defense Attorneys can answer more specific questions about your child’s case during a free consultation. If you are seeking help and looking for the best possible results for your child, contact our firm today.

Some common reasons a child might face a juvenile court hearing in Pierce County include, but are not limited to:

• Shoplifting or Theft
• Drug possession charges
• Underage drinking/Minor in Possession
• Disorderly Conduct
• Assault
• Vandalism

One of the most frequently charged juvenile crimes in University Place and throughout Pierce County is called Minor in Possession or MIP. This charge typically happens when an officer of the law is called to an underage party or when an officer conducts a traffic stop and there are minors with alcohol in the car.

State statute RCW 66.44.270 provides specific wording about minors and alcohol-

“(2)(a) It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one years to possess, consume, or otherwise acquire any liquor.”

That part is fairly straightforward, but the next section delves a little deeper into the details.

“(b) 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. For purposes of this subsection, 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.”

The definition of “possession” is kind of a gray area under the law, which can make it tough to both prosecute and defend MIP charges. If your child has been charged with MIP, they may face gross misdemeanor criminal charges, which can carry penalties of up to 364 days in jail and/or fines of up to $5,000.

However, if your child is under 18 and it’s their first offense, they will most likely be sent to the diversionary committee instead of court, which guarantees a driver’s license suspension but comes with less harsh penalties than jail like probation and community service.

If your child has been charged with Minor in possession or some other juvenile crime, you need an experienced University Place criminal defense attorney to protect his or her rights. Juvenile offenses don’t have to drag your child down for the rest of their life; contact our team of Pierce County legal professionals today to take the first step towards safeguarding your child’s future.

It is very important to understand that parents do not have rights in the juvenile court process. Parents may provide information to a defense attorney, and act as a source of support for their child during this process, but the best thing parents can do for their child if they’ve been accused of a juvenile crime is to hire an experienced University Place juvenile defense attorney.

When our legal team represents your child, we take account of how their legal issues are impacting not only their life but yours as well. We understand that having a child be accused of wrongdoing can turn your life upside down. We strive to "right the ship" and help put your child back on the path to a healthy and productive life by bringing our expertise to bear on their legal issues in a manner that takes account of them as a whole person.

Contact our Pierce County juvenile defense attorneys today for a free case consultation. And remember: A criminal charge against your child doesn’t have to negatively affect the rest of their life.