Minor in Possession of Alcohol 

Under Connecticut’s Minor in Possession of Alcohol law (MIP), it is illegal for someone under age 21 to possess alcohol. Minor in Possession charges are the most common cause of arrest for people under 21 in Connecticut. A conviction can lead to fines, a driver’s license suspension, increased insurance premiums, or even cancellation of a driver’s automobile insurance policy.

If you or your child was charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol in Connecticut, you may have legal defenses available. The Lebedevitch Law Firm, LLC, recommends that you explore your options and fight the charges. We can help you evaluate your situation and develop a vigorous defense.

What Is the Minor in Possession of Alcohol Law in Connecticut?

Connecticut’s MIP law makes it illegal for someone under age 21 to have alcohol on their person or in their control in public or private areas or in their cars. It is also illegal for someone under 21 to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol.

Violating Connecticut’s Minor in Possession statute is a criminal infraction, punishable by a fine of $200 to $500 and a 30 to 60-day driver’s license suspension. Reinstatement of your driver’s license costs an additional $175. In addition, you face the possibility of increased automobile insurance premiums or even having your car insurance policy canceled.

Are There Exceptions to Connecticut’s Minor in Possession of Alcohol Laws?

Connecticut recognizes certain exceptions to its Minor in Possession of Alcohol law:

• Alcohol Provided by a Parent or Guardian. A minor can lawfully possess alcohol while under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or the minor’s spouse if the spouse is at least 21 years old.
• Possession of Alcohol for Business or Employment Purposes. A minor can possess alcohol in the course of their business or employment.
• Possession of Alcohol for Medicinal Purposes. Connecticut’s Minor in Possession law does not apply to minors who possess alcohol under the orders of a practicing physician.
• Possession of Alcohol for Religious Purposes. A minor can possess alcohol as part of a religious ritual or ceremony.

What Happens When You Are Charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol?

In most cases of underage possession of alcohol, the police will seize the alcohol and issue a ticket for the infraction. The instructions on the ticket state that you can plead “guilty” and send in the fine (or pay online) or plead “not guilty” and request a court date.

Many people charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol plead guilty and pay the fine because it seems quick, cheap, and easy. However, they do not realize that pleading guilty to Minor in Possession of Alcohol can lead to a driver’s license suspension and increased car insurance premiums.

Once you plead guilty to Minor in Possession charges, the court will report the guilty plea to the Connecticut DMV, triggering a 30-day driver’s license suspension. If the alcohol is discovered in an automobile, the suspension will be for 60 days. If the minor does not yet have a driver’s license, they will be subject to a 150-day suspension once they apply for driving privileges.

Why Should You Fight MIP Charges?

In an effort to deter underage drinking, Connecticut lawmakers decided to impose severe penalties on minors who are in possession of alcohol. Even though the offense is a criminal infraction, as opposed to a misdemeanor, the crime carries severe penalties.

In addition to criminal charges, fines, and a driver’s license suspension, charges of Minor in Possession of Alcohol become part of a person’s permanent driving record, which is reviewed annually by your automobile insurance carrier. Once an automobile insurance carrier learns that a minor pled guilty to charges of Minor in Possession of Alcohol, they will increase the young driver’s insurance premiums and could even cancel the driver’s automobile insurance policy. Because of the potentially severe consequences of pleading guilty to Minor in Possession charges, The Lebedevitch Law Firm recommends that you critically evaluate your options and fight the charges.

Defenses to MIP Charges

Depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense, you may have several defenses available:

• You did not actually possess the alcohol (i.e., it was not yours).
• The substance in your possession was not alcohol.
• You were under the supervision of a parent or guardian at a private residence.
• You were in possession of alcohol as part of a religious ritual or ceremony.
• You were in possession of alcohol as part of your employment that involves the sale of alcohol.
• The alcohol was discovered during an illegal search and seizure.
• You otherwise acted responsibly by calling 9-1-1- to report that another minor needed medical attention.

Defense Against Minor in Possession of Alcohol in New Haven, Connecticut

If you or your child was charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol, The Lebedevitch Law Firm can help. Criminal defense attorney Stephen Lebedevitch has extensive experience defending people facing criminal charges for Minor in Possession. He can investigate your case, help you evaluate your options, and mount a vigorous defense designed to avoid the most severe consequences of a Minor in Possession of Alcohol charge.

To learn more, contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.