CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Was Your Teen Issued a Minor in Possession Ticket While in a Vehicle? What to Do

Fighting Charges of a Minor in Possession of Alcohol in an Automobile

As a parent, learning that your teenager was caught with alcohol in an automobile is unnerving. If your teen is facing charges of a minor in possession of alcohol and has their future at stake, seeking legal help may be necessary. The teen’s chances of getting into the college of their choice or the job they aspire to can be at risk because of the charges. Therefore, it’s advisable to fight the charges with the help of a lawyer.

There are several ways lawyers can battle the charges. For instance, if the teen didn’t take a breathalyzer test and the alcohol belonged to someone else, the cops don’t have any proof. If the minor was targeted or lured in by entrapment, these are also forms of defense. Here are a few things to expect with the charges.

### What to Expect with the Charges

#### First-Time Offense

Penalties for a first-time minor in possession of alcohol in the car will vary. However, one should expect:

– A fee for the ticket of minor in possession of alcohol
– Alcohol education classes
– Community service hours
– A possible open intoxication ticket in the car

Several factors can lead to other charges, including where the minor was caught, if they were intoxicated in public, and if they resisted the officers handling the situation.

#### Second-Time Offense

If a minor gets caught the second time with alcohol, they face more severe charges, including losing their driving privileges for up to one year on top of fines and increased community service hours required. The minor may also get probation. Unfortunately, fighting the charges may be more difficult with a multiple-time offender, and negotiating with the judge may be a better option.

### Negotiating a Plea Deal

If the minor faces charges beyond holding alcohol, such as resisting arrest, or having an open container in the vehicle, they may negotiate a plea deal. In such a case, a minor pleads guilty to possession, while all other charges get dropped from the case. This plea deal strategy can get fewer community service hours or reduced probation.

### Dealing with Charges

Dealing with charges of a minor in possession of alcohol in an automobile is easier than if the minor was the car’s driver. This charge comes off the minor’s record with time, and it isn’t a felony. Before accepting charges and punishment, make sure that the police have substantial evidence to prove the minor held the alcohol. If the minor is facing more than one citation, work with a lawyer to get rid of the other citations in the case.

## Conclusion

Legal help is essential when dealing with minor possession of alcohol in a car. There are factors the minor should consider, such as whether this is the first or second offense, potential to lose driving privileges, and fines, among others. Plea deals or negotiations may salvage any future damage the charges might cause. With help from a lawyer, this situation can get resolved, and the minor can have a clean slate in the future.