Minor in Possession of Alcohol - Utah Driver License Suspension
Driver License Suspension for Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP)
Q: How long will my license be suspended in Utah if I am convicted of being a minor in possession of alcohol?
A:
When a person is convicted in Utah of being a minor
in possession
of
alcohol (MIP) under Utah Code 32B-4-409, the court can issue
an order
suspending the person's driver license under Utah Code 53-3-219.
The length of the suspension can depend on whether the conviction is
for a first or second (or subsequent) offense.On a first MIP offense, the default suspension period one year. Utah law allows the court to order a shorter suspension period if the person completes an approved educational series. On a second offense, the suspension period is two years, and cannot be shortened by the court. Other penalties can include jail time and fines of up to $1900 (including surcharge).
A plea in abeyance may be used to avoid the driver license suspension by avoiding a conviction in the case. Keep in mind, however, that a plea in abeyance is a negotiated resolution that must be agreed upon by both the prosecutor and the judge. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you determine the best strategy for defending your case.
Finding a Utah Criminal Lawyer in Salt Lake City
If
you are facing charges of possession, consumption, or purchase of
alcohol by a minor in Utah, it is important to speak with an
experienced criminal defense
attorney. Although an alcohol possession
charge is relatively minor, the consequences can be severe and
long-lasting.While each case is different, it is always best to have an experienced criminal attorney on your side. Mr. Howard has successfully defended clients facing minor in possession (MIP) charges in Utah, and many much more serious misdemeanor and felony crimes.
Based in Salt Lake City, we represent clients throughout Utah. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
RELATED CRIMINAL DEFENSE TOPICS
What charges can be filed for providing alcohol to a minor?
What should I do if I am arrested for DUI?
Will my driver license be suspended for custodial interference?
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Offenders
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- Felonies / Misdemeanors
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- Selected Victories
Not Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for alleged attack using broken bottle as a weapon. Despite the testimony of numerous prosecution witnesses, thorough defense investigation to support a self-defense claim resulted in acquittal by jury at trial.
Dismissed - Minor in possession charge (MIP) was dismissed by prosecutor when defense analysis demonstrated that the police had failed to obtain necessary evidence against client. Police had raided a large party involving underage drinking. Several individuals were charged, but police did not obtain evidence showing that client had personally consumed or possessed alcohol. Case was dismissed.
2-Step Reduction - Client needed a two-step reduction to bring a prior conviction to the misdemeanor level. Collection of substantial evidence of reform and rehabilitation convinced a normally reluctant prosecutor to stipulate to the defense 402 reduction motion.
Dismissed - Client
facing first-degree felony charge and possible life in prison for child
kidnapping. Full defense
analysis of the case revealed critical legal flaws in the prosecution's case. When confronted with the defense legal analysis, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case outright without trial.
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Strategy »
Defending against a criminal prosecution in Utah is a job that has to be done right the first time. Choosing the right attorney to defend you can be the most important decision you make. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling some of the most serious felony and misdemeanor charges on the books in Utah. No matter what charges you are facing, we can help....
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Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.
Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041
Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.
In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041
Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.
In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
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