Austin Minor in Possession Lawyer

As a parent, there are fewer circumstances more uncertain and worrisome than when your child is charged with a minor in possession (MIP) of alcohol offense. If your child is convicted, this can trigger major outcomes that can impact their future. Whether your child was caught trying to purchase alcohol at a grocery store in Tarrytown or was caught by the police drinking at a house party in Barton Hills, an Austin minor in possession lawyer is here to protect their rights.

Trust the Attorneys at Rountree Law Firm With Your Child’s Future

Criminal defense attorney Andrew Rountree is here to serve you and your family when your child has been charged with a minor in possession offense. With over a decade of experience in the legal field, attorney Rountree makes it his mission to protect the rights of everyone, young and old, and wants to offer you calm and compassionate service.

He understands that everyone makes mistakes and that does not mean they are a criminal or should be punished as such. Let him protect the rights of your child today. Whether the case is heard at the Travis County Juvenile Court on South Congress Avenue or the Austin Municipal Court, Rountree Law Firm is here to help.

Defining Minor in Possession Charges Under Texas Law

According to state law, it is illegal for an individual under the age of 21 to be in possession of alcohol. However, this doesn’t often dissuade minors from doing so anyway. In fact, one in eight teens reports consuming alcohol in the last 30 days, 77% of Americans say that they drank alcohol for the first time before turning 21, and nearly 2.9 million people ages 12 to 20 admit to some form of binge drinking in the last month.

Given the prevalence of minors consuming or possessing alcohol, you can rest easy knowing that it is a common occurrence, and the team at Rountree Law Firm has experience handling these cases. There are several different offenses that fall under the minor in possession law, including the following:

• Purchase of alcohol by a minor. This offense is committed when a minor purchases an alcoholic beverage in the state of Texas. If the individual selling the alcohol knows that your child is a minor and sells the alcohol anyway, this could be used in your child’s defense.
• Consumption of alcohol by a minor. This offense occurs when your child consumes an alcoholic beverage in Austin. There can be an affirmative defense in cases where the beverage was consumed in the presence of a minor’s parent or guardian, however.
• The possession of alcohol by a minor. This offense takes place when a minor is found in possession of alcohol, unless certain exceptions apply.
• The misrepresentation of age by a minor. Your child may commit this offense if they falsely state that they are, in fact, 21 years old or older, or if they present false documentation, such as a fake ID that shows they are 21 or older, in order to secure an alcoholic beverage.

If your child has been charged with any of these MIP-related offenses, the team at Rountree Law Firm is here for them and for you. As a parent, you are likely balancing feelings of both frustration and disappointment alongside fear and uncertainty for your child’s future. We understand these feelings and validate them. That is why we are here to protect you and your child, no matter what.

The Repercussions of an MIP Charge

It is essential that you take your child’s MIP charges seriously. Even though it might seem like a small offense, in comparison to other crimes, an MIP conviction can still have severe consequences for your child’s future. Depending on the circumstances of your child’s arrest and charge, there are, of course, legal penalties to worry about. These penalties include fines, community service, and the loss of their driving privileges.

While these are all serious punishments, it is also important to be aware of the collateral consequences of an MIP conviction. You may think it will simply be easier to have your teen pay the fine, plead guilty, and move on. This isn’t the case. Your child can face challenges when it comes to employment, education, and even athletics after being convicted of a minor in possession charge.

If your child is a college student and convicted of an MIP, the stakes are high. An MIP can ruin their chances at seeking higher education or careers in certain fields. They might also face disciplinary actions from their college or university. Many schools enact a strict code of conduct when it comes to students who are arrested for criminal charges. Punishments can include suspension, expulsion, being kicked off an athletic team, or a permanent mark on their record.

For these reasons alone, do not simply let your child’s MIP charge go undefended. You might think this is the easier route, but we promise it will be much more difficult for your child in the long run.

Instead, you need to hire an attorney who can defend your child and seek either a reduction in their charges or a complete case dismissal. This can especially be true if the child is a first-time offender and has no prior criminal record. Even if the evidence against your child is strong, Rountree Law Firm is here to minimize the penalties faced by your child and help them avoid the most serious consequences.

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Hire a Minor in Possession Lawyer Serving Austin Families

If your child has been charged or ticketed with an MIP in Austin, it is crucial that you hire a minor in possession lawyer as soon as possible. Don’t take the conviction by paying the involved fine or pleading guilty.

While an MIP might not seem like a serious charge, it can have devastating repercussions and can limit the future of your child. Don’t let this happen. Protect their future by calling 512-262-8080 and scheduling your initial consultation with Rountree Law Firm today.