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What are the Penalties for Possession as a Minor in Georgia?

Has your child been charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) in Georgia? There are few things more stressful or frustrating than realizing that a single mistake could cost them a shot at college and throw off the trajectory of their life. However, just because your child has been charged does not mean that they will be convicted. Working with an attorney can keep your child out of jail and may even be able to keep the charges off their record.

What is MIP?

Many people don’t realize that MIP charges are much broader than merely being in possession of alcohol. Rather, an individual under the age of 21 can be charged with MIP for a variety of offenses related to alcohol. These include possessing alcohol, as well as purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol.

What are the Penalties for MIP?

An individual under the age of 21 who is charged with MIP can face up to six months in jail or a fine of up to $300. They will be charged with a misdemeanor or a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, depending on the nature of their offense. In some cases, the individual’s license will also be suspended, but that is not automatic. Individuals under the age of 17 will be tried in juvenile court, while all others will be tried in criminal court. However, the good news is that it is often possible to avoid these penalties with the help of an attorney. The court is not committed to ruining the lives of promising young people, and there are several options available that allow minors to avoid jail time, such as by completing community service or a drug and alcohol evaluation in exchange for having the charges against them dropped. It is likely that with the right lawyer you will be able to negotiate an agreement that keeps your child out of jail and may even allow them to keep a clean record by having the charges against them dismissed based on the fulfillment of certain conditions. Pretrial diversion programs are also available for first time offenders. These programs allow the individual to complete a few things, such as community service, probation, random drug screenings, and payment of fees, in exchange for having the charges against them dropped. The best way to know what options are available to you and how best to proceed is to consult with an experienced Georgia criminal defense attorney. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can start working on your child’s behalf.

Contact Ghanayem & Rayasam Law in Atlanta, Georgia, Today

If your child is facing criminal charges in Atlanta, Georgia for the possession of alcohol, they need a dedicated legal advocate to fight for the best possible outcome in their case and protect their future. Contact Ghanayem & Rayasam Law today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help your child get their life back on track.