What to do if I was charged with an MIP?
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What to do if I was charged with an MIP?
I am a 20 year old college student who was at the wrong party at the wrong time and it got busted. I was breathalyzed and sent to jail for drinking under the age. I have court in about 2 months. I have never been convicted of any type of charge and I have no criminal background history. Should I be worried in court? Should I get a criminal lawyer or will this be a slap on the wrist? All I know is I’m worried about how I will pay court costs and I really don’t want to go back to jail evera gain.
Asked on June 24, 2011 under Criminal Law, Alabama
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you should retain an attorney as soon as you can. Although you may think that an MIP is a slap on the wrist in reality it can really mess you up. It is a serious charge and carries with it serious penalites. You need to seek help from an attorney who deals with these matters all the time and who can argue on your behalf and try and get the matter reduced to a lesser charge that will not show up on a background check later on, Yes, it can show up if an employer does a background check. You have to be pro-active and do not go to court by yourself. Good luck.
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