Posted on Friday, March 29th, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Every spring, thousands of vacationers and tourists make their way to Pensacola to enjoy boating, jet skiing, and other fun Spring Break activities. Although Spring Break is a time to enjoy the beach and Florida’s vibrant nightlife, arrests for DUI, drinking in public, and drug possession increase significantly during this time of year. If you are visiting the state of Florida for Spring Break this year, you need to be aware that police will be cracking down on these types of crimes, and if you are minor who gets arrested, you can end up facings serious consequences.
Minor in Possession
Many minors come to Florida to partake in Spring Break with the older college crowds. Although they may not realize it, a conviction for possession of drugs or alcohol as a minor can end up being a huge ordeal that can substantially impact the rest of their life.
For one, a first time offense for minor in possession (MIP) can result in fines of up to $500 and imprisonment for 60 days. In Florida, a first-offense for MIP is treated as a second-degree misdemeanor, which means it will stay on your criminal record. If you get a second MIP offense, you can be fined up to $1,000 and be jailed for 1 year.
In addition to these penalties, the court can order the DMV to suspend or revoke your driver’s license for up to one year. It is important to note that you can be charged for MIP even if you are caught with an unopened alcoholic beverage.
If you are arrested for minor in possession during Spring Break, it can negatively impact your ability to:
- Secure gainful employment
- Apply for loans
- Find housing
Speak to a Pensacola Criminal Defense Attorney
Have you or someone you know been arrested for minor in possession of alcohol, drugs, or fake ID’s? Are you worried about how these charges might affect your future? At the Morris Firm, PLLC, our team of experienced lawyers is committed to protecting the rights of minor clients throughout the state of Florida. We have the skills and resources you need to secure the justice you deserve. Let us put our skills to work for you today.
Call (850) 427-6514 to schedule your case evaluation with a member of our law firm.