Hi, I am a 19 year old male from the state of MICHIGAN, residing in OAKLAND COUNTY. I recently was issued an MIP, along with two moving violations.
To start, I have a restricted driver's license (no driving from 10 PM to 6 AM, no passengers under 25 years of age). Stupidly, I was driving with three passengers, around 12 AM, and forgot to turn on the headlights. I was soon pulled over, and arrested for being in violation of my restricted license.
One of the passengers, who is 21 years of age, had an amount of alcohol (a case of beer, several wine coolers) all of which were unopened. Upon seeing this, the officer asked for me to take a breathalyzer. Aware that I could refuse, I still proceeded to take it to make things slightly easier, as we were all completely sober.
Soon after, the other two minors and myself were issued MIPs. The 21 year old was issued distributing alcohol to a minor. I was also issued two tickets, driving with no headlights and violating my license restrictions.
I am not worried about my license restrictions and moving violations, I know what should and will happen. It should be suspended for an amount of time. I drove when I wasn't supposed to with other people, and that's that.
I am wondering what the proceedings for the MIP will be in court. I am aware that Michigan is a tough state for the minor in possession law, especially with a few of the Oakland County judges. I have done a small bit of research, and I'm wondering:
What is the diversion program, and what is the best way to go about it? Am I better off pleading guilty, not guilty? Given the state and county I live in, is a lawyer necessary? Will the fact that I violated my driving license at the same time I was issued an MIP be of great concern? Since all alcohol was unopened and all four passengers completely sober, will that help the situation in court? Can the 21 year old be successfully charged with distributing to minors, even though the officers had no evidence it was to be given to us? The other two minors had little to nothing to do with the situation, even though they were in the presence of alcohol - will court be easier on them?
I appreciate anything that would help inform me of my circumstances.
To start, I have a restricted driver's license (no driving from 10 PM to 6 AM, no passengers under 25 years of age). Stupidly, I was driving with three passengers, around 12 AM, and forgot to turn on the headlights. I was soon pulled over, and arrested for being in violation of my restricted license.
One of the passengers, who is 21 years of age, had an amount of alcohol (a case of beer, several wine coolers) all of which were unopened. Upon seeing this, the officer asked for me to take a breathalyzer. Aware that I could refuse, I still proceeded to take it to make things slightly easier, as we were all completely sober.
Soon after, the other two minors and myself were issued MIPs. The 21 year old was issued distributing alcohol to a minor. I was also issued two tickets, driving with no headlights and violating my license restrictions.
I am not worried about my license restrictions and moving violations, I know what should and will happen. It should be suspended for an amount of time. I drove when I wasn't supposed to with other people, and that's that.
I am wondering what the proceedings for the MIP will be in court. I am aware that Michigan is a tough state for the minor in possession law, especially with a few of the Oakland County judges. I have done a small bit of research, and I'm wondering:
What is the diversion program, and what is the best way to go about it? Am I better off pleading guilty, not guilty? Given the state and county I live in, is a lawyer necessary? Will the fact that I violated my driving license at the same time I was issued an MIP be of great concern? Since all alcohol was unopened and all four passengers completely sober, will that help the situation in court? Can the 21 year old be successfully charged with distributing to minors, even though the officers had no evidence it was to be given to us? The other two minors had little to nothing to do with the situation, even though they were in the presence of alcohol - will court be easier on them?
I appreciate anything that would help inform me of my circumstances.
Last edited: