Multiple MIPs

[StL Wrestler]

Hello, I am a 19 year old college student in Missouri. I've made some poor decisions recently. In September, I was issued a Minor in Possession by Consumption ticket in Colombia, MO. Over the next two weeks, I received two more; both in Springfield, MO.

I have a family lawyer working the Colombia case (a close family friend), and a local Springfield lawyer on the two in Springfield. I am using a different lawyer because I don't want my parents to know about the second two MIP's, as I am afraid they will stop paying for the difference between the tuition at school and my scholarship.

I recently heard from my Colombia lawyer he plans to motion for an SIS. I have not yet told him about the two in Springfield, as he is a good friend of the family and I'm worried about him telling my parents. However, I am planning on telling him soon because I feel he might need to know about them.

I'm wondering a few things..

1) What kind of legal punishment am I looking at?
2) Will the Colombia court know about the Springfield tickets? They were both written as 'diversion' programs, but I don't think I'll actually be eligible for diversion.
3) Will these keep me from going to law school/getting a job in the future?
4) Is there any advice you may have for me on how to handle this, other than the obvious "don't drink"?

 

[Ohiogal]

Hello, I am a 19 year old college student in Missouri. I've made some poor decisions recently. In September, I was issued a Minor in Possession by Consumption ticket in Colombia, MO. Over the next two weeks, I received two more; both in Springfield, MO.

I have a family lawyer working the Colombia case (a close family friend), and a local Springfield lawyer on the two in Springfield. I am using a different lawyer because I don't want my parents to know about the second two MIP's, as I am afraid they will stop paying for the difference between the tuition at school and my scholarship.

I recently heard from my Colombia lawyer he plans to motion for an SIS. I have not yet told him about the two in Springfield, as he is a good friend of the family and I'm worried about him telling my parents. However, I am planning on telling him soon because I feel he might need to know about them.

I'm wondering a few things..

1) What kind of legal punishment am I looking at?
2) Will the Colombia court know about the Springfield tickets? They were both written as 'diversion' programs, but I don't think I'll actually be eligible for diversion.
3) Will these keep me from going to law school/getting a job in the future?
4) Is there any advice you may have for me on how to handle this, other than the obvious "don't drink"?

Since you are lying to your lawyer, expect him to want to withdraw due to the fact that you have no credibility and you are HURTING your case with him. Not telling him about the other crimes? Yeah that will hurt you.

It is also extremely possible that one court will pick up the other court's tickets. They are all public knowledge.

You most likely will NOT be eligible for diversion since you seem to have a serious lack of ability to learn from your first mistake.

It may not keep you from going to law school but it could screw with your chances of being able to sit for the bar and become licensed. It can also hurt you getting a job. Why? Because you have an alcohol problem. Three MIPs are proof positive of that. If you want to become a lawyer, go to rehab, successfully finish rehab and never drink again.

 

[StL Wrestler]

Thank you for the reply Ohiogal.

Well, I just got off the phone with my Colombia lawyer and he completely understood why I hadn't told him yet and isn't worried about it, and is still charging me no fee. He said he still plans to pursue the SIS, and said since there has been no court dates yet for my Springfield ones I should be able to get it. So now what is the punishment I can expect from Springfield courts with each scenario:

1) getting the SIS and avoiding a Colombia conviction
2) Being convicted in Colombia

 

[mistoffolees]

Thank you for the reply Ohiogal.

Well, I just got off the phone with my Colombia lawyer and he completely understood why I hadn't told him yet and isn't worried about it, and is still charging me no fee. He said he still plans to pursue the SIS, and said since there has been no court dates yet for my Springfield ones I should be able to get it. So now what is the punishment I can expect from Springfield courts with each scenario:

1) getting the SIS and avoiding a Colombia conviction
2) Being convicted in Colombia

Talk to your attorney(s).