Has Your Teen Been Charged With a MIP in Missouri? 3 Ways a Minor in Possession Charge Can Affect Your Child’s Future

A Minor in Possession Charge Can Follow Your Child for Life–Take Action With a MIP Attorney in Columbia, MO 

The MIP laws in Missouri prohibit anyone under the age of 21 from legally purchasing or possessing alcohol. Even if your teenager hasn’t been drinking or hasn’t opened the product, they can be charged with a minor in possession if caught by the police. Minor in possession charges are particularly common, especially in communities like Boone County where there are several colleges and a large population of young adults. However, the legal consequences can be serious for your child and potentially hinder their academic or career opportunities. As a parent, you can do what’s best for your son or daughter by learning about the effects of a MIP charge in Columbia, MO and consulting the attorneys at Haden & Colbert for help.

#1: Your child can face hefty fines & legal penalties for being a minor in possession of alcohol in Boone County

When a minor is charged with possession of alcohol, it can not only get expensive but possibly lead to time in jail depending on the case. If it is your teenager’s first minor in possession offense in Boone County, the fines can be up to $500 and their license will be suspended for a month. For second and third offenses, your child could face up to a year of jail and $2,000 in fines. Without legal defense from a MIP attorney, this charge will appear on their criminal record and cause problems in other areas of their life. 

#2: A MIP misdemeanor in Columbia, MO can lead to driver’s license suspension for your child

Does your son or daughter own or drive a vehicle? In addition to costly fines, getting a MIP charge in Columbia, MO could result in them having their license suspended or even revoked. After multiple offenses, a minor under the age of 21 can lose their driving privileges for up to a year. This can make it difficult for your son or daughter to drive to places like school or work independently. Don’t risk license suspension for your child. Instead, get in touch with our criminal defense team and we can start working on a strategy to advocate for their rights in Boone County court. 

#3: Is your teenager attending a university or high school in Columbia, MO? A minor in possession charge may have consequences on their educational opportunities

Whether your child attends a local high school, the University of Missouri, Stephens College, or Columbia College, having a MIP charge public on their record can only narrow down their options when it comes to academics or extracurricular activities. If they are heavily involved in sports, clubs, or other significant organizations on their campus, your son or daughter could be disqualified by the university or high school. It could also restrict them from earning certain scholarships that require a spotless criminal record, keeping them from pursuing major opportunities. Lastly, a minor in possession charge could impact your child’s job prospects–one background check could make all the difference. 

Is a minor in possession charge permanent on your child’s criminal record in Boone County?

Underage drinking or possession of alcohol may be a common offense, but this one mishap can follow a person for life. If your child under the age of 21 is found guilty of a MIP charge in the state of Missouri, it is incredibly difficult to get it removed from their criminal record, if possible to begin with. Many times, a minor in possession misdemeanor is a young person’s first experience with the law. At Haden & Colbert, our MIP attorneys understand the anxieties you feel as a parent for your child’s future. We’re here to provide the legal representation your son or daughter needs in Boone County to continue succeeding.

What are your options in Columbia, MO when your teen is dealing with a MIP case? 

If you get the call saying your child has been caught with alcohol, don’t panic. A MIP charge can be reduced or expunged from their record. “Expungement” means all records of the arrest, plea, trial, and conviction will be removed by the court, but this cannot be achieved by yourself. You must appoint a diligent lawyer who will defend your son or daughter’s case in Boone County. An attorney can only help with expunging a MIP conviction if it is the teen’s first time being found guilty, and every bit of legal support is vital to improving their outcome in front of a judge. For a criminal defense team with authority and decades of knowledge in the Columbia, MO area, trust Haden & Colbert. 

Choose our experienced MIP attorneys in Boone County & get the thorough legal representation your child deserves 

A minor in possession charge is the last thing you or your teenager want to worry about during such a significant and formative period of their life. Ignoring the use of an attorney or choosing a law firm with little experience will have negative consequences for them. With a permanent minor in possession charge on their record, it could potentially tarnish the chances of admission to their top school or acceptance into their favorite clubs. Put your child’s MIP case in the hands of Haden & Colbert’s capable attorneys in Columbia, MO. 

Our MIP attorneys have a combined 25 years of experience, and we are always familiarizing ourselves with local MIP laws to deliver fair, comprehensive legal counsel. From the moment you reach out to Haden & Colbert, we’ll be ready to review the details of your son or daughter’s case, paying close attention to important evidence and developing an official strategy. Our law firm has handled over 2,000 criminal cases in Boone County, Missouri, and we will dedicate all our efforts to defending the reputation of your teen. 

Don’t Let One Mistake Determine Your Son or Daughter’s Future. Get in Touch With the Criminal Law Attorneys at Haden & Colbert & We’ll Start on Your Minor in Possession Case

Has your child been charged with a minor in possession of alcohol in Columbia, MO? You don’t need to feel hopeless. Haden & Colbert’s minor in possession attorneys will assist you in building a case. To learn more about our criminal law experience or to schedule an appointment with a lawyer, reach out and take action for your son or daughter today.