Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Minor in Possession/Consumption

My son recieved a MIP because his friend who's 21 left unopened beer in the of his friend who was driving. The other boy said he had about 4 beers throughout day and my son told him he maybe had 8. This was from noon to about 9pm. It was then 2am. Does he plead guilty cause of admition or not. He has never been in any trouble prior. the police officer did no sobriety tests or anything on him.


Asked on 7/14/03, 11:57 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

Re: Minor in Possession/Consumption

Your son should enter a plea of Not Guilty. He would then have time to consider alternatives, such as diversion agreements. In many counties, a defendant is given an opportunity to defer the proceedings, during which time he performs community service, attends a DUI victim panel, alcohol information school, etc. If he complies with his conditions and refrains from incurring new offenses, the charge is dismissed.

Think of the Not Guilty plea not as denial of guilt, but as a procedural requirement for obtaining additional time to receive counsel and making an informed decision.

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Answered on 7/14/03, 1:08 pm


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