Under 21 and partying? Here's what you need to know to avoid an MIP

By Melissa McRoberts

October 18, 2007 | College is a time for meeting new friends, learning diversity, preparing for one's future and, of course, partying. Many students, especially freshman, may not know certain consequences that come along with partying. Young college students are away from the controls of mom and dad and are curious to experience a new environment. Unfortunately, they find themselves getting involved with alcohol for the first time. Partying can be all fun and games until the party gets busted.

But what exactly happens when an underage individual is caught drinking? First, the student will be asked for identification and age. That individual will then be given a mandatory Breathalyzer test under the Implied Consent Law to prove whether that person has been drinking. It does not matter what one's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is if they are underage. Even the slightest amount of alcohol can cause an under aged person to receive a citation for drinking.

If an underage student is caught drinking alcohol then a Minor in Possession (MIP), also known as a Minor in Consumption (MIC), will be distributed. An MIP can also be given if a minor buys or even holds a container of alcohol. This infraction can result in serious fines and punishments. It can have upward to a $1,000 fine, six months imprisonment, a year of probation and a Class B misdemeanor. Anyone under the age of 21 is considered underage.

"I didn't understand what an MIP really was," said Robert Godard, a junior at Utah State University. "I just had one beer during my camping trip and an officer breathalyzed me. I didn't think I was doing anything wrong. If I want to have a beer then I don't see the problem in that." Godard received a $500 fine, probation for a year and a mandatory two nights in the Cache County jail. Godard felt that if he knew more about the local laws he would have been more careful when drinking.

"It's just not something you usually think about," said Regan Lelli, a sophomore at Utah State. "You go to a party thinking that the night will be a blast but instead it just ends disastrously when the cops come." Lelli also received an MIP for consuming just two alcoholic beverages. Lelli is currently on probation and must pay a $500 fine.

Holding and attending parties and social gatherings in Logan is perfectly legal. According to the Logan City Police Department, guests and music should be kept at a minimum, alcohol will not be contributed to minors, and binge drinking and illicit drug use is forbidden. As many of us know, however, most house parties eventually get out of control and the cops are usually called.

"We're actually not allowed to host parties that provide or promote drinking of alcoholic beverages," said Michael Borton, an alumnus of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and an official on the fraternity's Board of Receivers. "We used to check ID's at the door and mark any underager's hand with a marker. We wanted them to understand that the fraternity was in no way responsible for their drinking and a possible MIP that person might receive. We also wanted the kids to understand that they could be punished for breaking a federal law."

Underage individuals can also receive more than one MIP. Underage individuals are more likely to spend time in jail and pay upward to $1,000 with each citation.

Many students also don't realize that Utah State University is a dry campus. Alcohol is not allowed anywhere on campus and is difficult to get away with. If a student is found drinking in their dormitory, or on the USU campus in general, then they could possibly be kicked out permanently. Not only could these students receive MIPs but they could be subjected to a far worse punishment.

USU also ensures a dry work environment. Its mission is to maintain an alcohol and drug free work environment. The university can also administer alcohol and drug test to any employee of the university.

If you are under the age of 21 and are thinking about drinking then maybe you should think again. Not only can a MIP put a dent in your wallet but it can stay on your record for years to come. Avoid drinking if you are going to attend a large party. Things will get out of hand and before you know it, you will be standing in front of a judge

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