Texas residents: Minor in Possession?

Parent Cafe
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<p>Our college student was just fined for having a beer can in his hand outside and of course, being under 21. He got a ticket for $250.00 and told us that he needs to appear in court with a lawyer by Dec. 8. We looked this up online and saw alot of attorneys who seem to “specialise” in this but we know no one out there and really aren’t sure what to do. One of the kids told our kid that he should hire an attorney and get his record “sealed”… We have no idea what to do with this as we’re out of state. Any advice would be most appreciated.</p>

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<p>There is a regular poster “curmudgeon,” Texas resident and legal eagle. Send him a PM to see if he has an idea.</p>

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<p>dke, His school probably has free or low cost legal help. He may want to check there first. Many states have deferred dispositions .Plead no contest, complete alcohol awareness, class, do commity service,etc. to get it off your record. Also, sometimes there are young offender programs. I found this info re: TAMU in particular but it has alot of info about the MIP charges in Texas in general.Good luck! [Possession</a> of Alcohol by a Minor (MIP) | Offices of the Dean of Student Life - Texas A&M](<a href=“http://studentlife.tamu.edu/scrs/sls/MIP]Possession”>http://studentlife.tamu.edu/scrs/sls/MIP)</p>

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<p>My friends daughter had a MIP in Texas. As far as I recall she had to go to court and did a class of some sort and she has no permanent record. I don’t know about the fine - her Dad has beaucoup bucks and thinks throwing money at it is the solution for every problem, so a $250 fine was probably not a big deal.</p>

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<p>I am also a Texas lawyer (no longer a resident). If you want to send me a PM, I can probably help you find someone. I’ve steered several CCers to Texas DUI lawyers. :slight_smile: This isn’t as bad, of course, but I wouldn’t take a chance. Not sure what city your son is in.</p>

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<p>Thanks to all of you for your suggestions and PM’s…A veteran CC’er is helping us with a referral…invaluable forum! Happy Black Friday!!</p>

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<p>fwiw, a
friend’s DD got caught carrying alcohol on the street in Boston.<br>
Her folks hired an att’y for a 5k retainer.
The girl had to appear in court. She was fined and the att’y did have the record cleared. We have heard that courts are understanding on a firts offense and not so understanding for 2nd, 3rd etc.</p>

<p>Good luck. Learning experience for your DS for sure.</p>