If I Get an MIP
MIP refers to Underage Drinking Tickets. In Colorado the law is against anyone under 21 consuming or possessing alcohol. That means that for this ticket, unlike say DUI, level of drunkenness does not matter. Any alcohol at all is a violation. Even holding an unopened beer can in your hand is possession, and that is enough. Likewise, officers are not required to collect much evidence: they smell it on your breath and find out you’re under 21: that’s good enough. What happens to you at Court or under the School’s system (and the two are separate) varies with the pattern of tickets:
In addition to resolving the matter through the courts, your case will be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs on campus. Subsequently, you will be required to meet with a conduct officer to discuss the allegations. The conduct officer will determine if you are responsible for a violation of the Student Conduct Code and impose mandatory sanctions that you must complete within the prescribed timeline. If you fail to appear for your hearing, the conduct officer is authorized to make a decision in your absence. The Office of Judicial Affairs encourages full participation in the conduct process as a means to fairly and objectively resolve conduct issues.
First ticket/incident: Court will require a class to be finished by a deadline; if you do that, the ticket will be dismissed. Total cost about $150.00. School will also require the same class and maybe some community service and maybe put you on probation for school. Second ticket: School may suspend you if you are still on probation from the first. At Court you would be expected to plead guilty this time and you would be placed on a deferred sentence: 24 hours community service, Second Offender’s Class (Twelve Weeks one night a week) total cost less than $400.00. Third ticket: School will probably suspend for one semester. Court will probably give some jail time if you are still on the deferred period from second offense. Otherwise, guilty plea and conviction, loss of Driver’s License for 6 months, 24 hours community service, perhaps alcohol evaluation and as much as twelve more weeks of classes and 24 to 36 hours in addition of individual therapy. Also more extended loss of Driver’s License. Student Legal Services suggests you see a lawyer (such as us) for any case past the second ticket, as well as any case where you think you may have a defense or for any reason think you are or might be “not guilty.” Student Legal Services can also give helpful advice on University Judicial Affairs hearings.
To learn more, visit www.colorado.edu/healthcenter/php/substanceabuse/fac.html