Is a lawyer needed for a first time offense MIP?
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Is a lawyer needed for a first time offense MIP?
While my friends and I were attending a concert, there were 3 empty bottles in the back of the car. I was charged with possession of alcohol by minor, they did not breathalyze. Does a first time offense matter in this case?
Asked on August 10, 2018 under Criminal Law, Virginia
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Any time you are charged with a crime you should at least speak to a lawyer, and an MIP is a crime. It can carry serious penalties, as well as leave you with a criminal record. At this point you have options available to you but it would not be to your advantage to choose one of them without knowing about all of them. This is why under most circumstances, the worst thing that you can do is to plead guilty. It is in your best interests to consult with a local DUI attorney to discuss the specifics of your case and advise you further. There are categories of evidence that can be considered by a lawyer for a first-time DUI offender to determine whether or not there are any defenses available. Further, many attorneys offer a free initial consultation.
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