Fighting for the community and students of West Georgia.
Minor or Underage Alcohol Possession
(MIP) Minor In Possession, (CUA) Consumption Underage, (MUI) Minor Under the Influence.
The attorneys at Miller & Hightower know the pressures that are placed upon the high school and college students of today, and they understand that sometimes a good student and individual can make a mistake. The attorneys at Miller & Hightower have made it their mission to ensure that these young individuals do not have their youthful mistakes follow them for the duration of their adult life.
Georgia Code Section 3-3-23(a)(2) States:
No person under 21 years of age shall purchase, attempt to purchase, or knowingly possess any alcoholic beverages.
Upon 1st Conviction:
Any person who is convicted of violating Georgia Code Section 3-3-23(a)(2) shall, upon first conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by not more than six months' imprisonment or a fine of not more than $300.00, or both.
Upon 2nd Conviction:
Any person who is convicted of violating Georgia Code Section 3-3-23(a)(2) shall, upon the second or subsequent conviction be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by not more than 12 months' imprisonment or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.
What happens to my driver's license if I am convicted under Georgia Code Section 3-3-23(a)(2)?
The answer to this question depends on whether or not you are being charged with simple "possession of alcohol," "possession of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle," or "purchasing/attempting to purchase alcohol."
If you are charged with "possession of alcohol" your license should be safe, and you should not suffer any form of suspension. HOWEVER, if you are charged with "possession of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle" under O.C.G.A. § 40-5-63(e) your license may be suspended for a period of not less than 120 days. Further, if you are charged with "purchasing alcohol" or "attempting to purchase alcohol" you may suffer the following license suspensions.
Upon 1st Conviction of purchasing/attempting to purchase alcohol:
Your license will be suspended for six (6) months.
Upon 2nd Conviction of purchasing/attempting to purchase alcohol:
Your license will be suspended for one (1) year.