What Are Minor in Possession (MIP) of Alcohol Laws?
Posted on by Townsend MyersUnderage drinking laws, also known as minor in possession laws (MIP), address the sale and public possession of alcohol by minors under 21. Federal and state counterparts target public possession, but some states have laws dealing with private consumption. 
What Is Public Possession of Alcohol?
According to the National Drinking Age Act, the law doesn’t apply to private establishments or clubs. Persons under the age of 21 can legally drink alcohol for medical purposes, such as if a dentist, a licensed physician, a doctor, or a pharmacist administered it at a medical institution. For religious purposes, minors are also allowed to drink in public.
State Regulations of Underage Drinking
Every state targets the distribution and sale of alcohol to minors. States will also focus on the consumption of underage drinking. In most states, the use of a fake I.D. to purchase alcohol is a separate offense. A minor’s consumption of alcohol could result in a municipal court date in most states. In Louisiana, underage possession of alcohol is a misdemeanor.
Minors Caught in Possession of Alcohol
States can punish both the provider and the minor who willingly purchased the alcohol. Minors are breaking the law by purchasing alcohol, which could result in jail time, supervised counseling, fines, and community service hours. Providers also face penalties, such as fines or jail time.
Seeking Legal Help for MIP
If a minor is a first-time offender of minor in possession laws, they will likely receive community service duties, counseling, or other non-punitive sentences. Local prosecutors, police, and judges will impact a minors penalty outlook, too. In some cases, a state or local government’s political view on MIP could also affect a minor’s situation. Because of this, it’s important to contact a criminal defense lawyer familiar with the area in which the offense occurred.
Louisiana MIP Information
If a minor is caught underage drinking or purchasing alcohol in Louisiana, they may be fined up to $100, serve no more than six months in jail, or have their driver’s license suspended for up to 180 days.
Hiring an attorney for minor in possession of alcohol cases could make all the difference, and criminal defense lawyer Townsend Myers of NOLA Criminal Law is here to help. If you or your child has received an MIP citation in New Orleans, contact us at (504) 571-9529 for a free consultation.
