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Question: When I was found drunk by cops, I was drunk, but I didn't have any alcohol on me. The cop said it is an MIP. Why did they call it an MIP when I didn't have any alcohol on me?

Answer: A person under the age of 21 cannot legally possess or consume alcohol (ARS 4-244(9)) . It is a class 1 misdemeanor (ARS Sec. 4-246(B)) for a person under the legal drinking age to possess or consume alcohol. When the officer said Minor in Possession (MIP) he was citing that law, which allows a for a minor who consumes alcohol to be charged, not just physical possession.

One final note: A person found guilty for two offenses like this in juvenile court loses the right to drive until they reach the age of 18. (ARS 28-3320(7)).


Comments
16 thru 20 of 29 comments
On 09/25/03
Cody from AZ said:
You should have gotten an MIC....(minor in consumption). Not an MIP (minor in possesion). Altho either way it's bad news, but you would think the cops would know the laws. But, MIP means you had it on you, not that you drank it. But if they wrote that you were drunk in their report, then they should have charged you with MIC, NOT MIP! Cuz that means you got busted with alcohol, and if they put in your ticket that you were drunk too, then the MIP was a bogus charge!
On 09/25/03
Cody from AZ said:
It means the same thing! If you plead no contest. The court will automaticly enter a plea of not guilty
On 07/09/03
jennifer from MI said:
can anyone tell me what happened to them when the went to court for getting a mip...and what does it mean to plead no contest?
On 06/02/03
Joe from MI said:
Don't be stupid use common sense and you won't get caught when drinking only stupid people who make to much noise get an MIP kids......
On 04/21/03
jon from MI said:
if you have plead not guilty, can you change your plea to no contest?
16 thru 20 of 29 comments



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