Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney, Josh Jones - Outlining Minor-In-Possession of Alcohol [MIP]

Minor-In-Possession of Alcohol -- It Happens A Lot 

The State of Michigan takes a strong stance on alcohol and drug related criminal offenses. This is shown by the zero-tolerance law followed when it comes to underage drinking, coined Minor in Possession (MIP).

If convicted of an MIP an individual can face a maximum $100 fine for his or her first offense, which may include rehabilitative treatment or prevention program, performing community service, and possible drug an/or alcohol screening, which would all be payable by the convicted defendant.

The one thing to remember is that underage drinkers have options when or if convicted of an MIP. In most instances, the minor will be granted into a diversion program. This means that the minor will be on probation for a specified time (usually around six-months) and upon successful completion of his or her probationary period the minor will have the case automatically dismissed by the prosecutor. Moreover, successful completion of probation will include completing all the terms of probation (ordered by the court or the designated probation officer) and paying all fines and costs issued by the court.

Facing any criminal charge (whether it is a felony or misdemeanor) can feel devastating. However, it does have to feel that way. With the right lawyer standing by you and walking with you through the court process you all your worries will be subsided. Call the Law Office of Josh Jones today for your free consultation. We focus on solutions, not problems.

DO NOT RELY ON THESE LEGAL OPINIONS AND OBSERVATIONS WHEN REPRESENTING YOURSELF IN COURT. THESE ARTICLES ARE NOT MEANT TO COMPENSATE OR EFFECUATE LEGAL REPRESENTATION. YOU SHOULD AND MUST CONTACT AN ATTORNEY AND DISCUSS WITH HIM OR HER THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY AND ALL IDEAS, STATEMENTS, OPINIONS, EXPRESSIONS OR OTHERWISE STATED ON THIS SITE. HOPE TO SPEAK WITH YOU SOON.

Larceny - Property Of Another Outlined - Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer, Josh Jones

Larceny - Taking Property of Another 

The crime of larceny can loosely be defined as the taking of something from another. The State of Michigan makes this particular area of law somewhat complex. This is not because the law itself is confusing, but rather there are numerous variations of punishment based upon the circumstances of the individual case.

First and foremost, MCL 750.356 states that “[a] person who commits larceny by stealing any of the following [pieces of] property of another person is guilty of a crime,” which includes:

(a) Money, goods, or chattels.

(b) A bank note, bank bill, bond, promissory note, due bill, bill of exchange or other bill, draft, order, or certificate.

(c) A book of accounts for or concerning money or goods due, to become due, or to be delivered.

(d) A deed or writing containing a conveyance of land or other valuable contract in force.

(e) A receipt, release, or defeasance.

(f) A writ, process, or public record.

(g) Nonferrous metal.

Once the property falls within one of the above categories, an individual charged with larceny will face, if convicted, MCL 750.356 brings about one of the following punishments:

1.     [A] person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $15,000.00 or 3 times the value of the property stolen, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine . . . [if t]he property stolen has a value of $20,000.00 or more.

2.     [A] person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than $10,000.00 or 3 times the value of the property stolen, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine . . . [if t]he property stolen has a value of $1,000.00 or more but less than $20,000.00.

3.     [A] person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $2,000.00 or 3 times the value of the property stolen, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine . . . [if t]he property stolen has a value of $200.00 or more but less than $1,000.00.

4.     If the property stolen has a value of less than $200.00, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00 or 3 times the value of the property stolen, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine.

Moreover, if an individual is convicted of a subsequent larceny charge than he or she will face an even hasher punishment than noted above. This is common in Michigan. The more crimes you commit the higher the sentencing exposure.  

Learn the law, maintain your rights, and lawyer-up. Whose got your back? 

PLEASE DO NOT RELY ON THESE LEGAL OPINIONS AND OBSERVATIONS WHEN REPRESENTING YOURSELF IN COURT. THESE ARTICLES ARE NOT MEANT TO COMPENSATE OR EFFECUATE LEGAL REPRESENTATION. YOU SHOULD AND MUST CONTACT AN ATTORNEY AND DISCUSS WITH HIM OR HER THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY AND ALL IDEAS, STATEMENTS, OPINIONS, EXPRESSIONS OR OTHERWISE STATED ON THIS SITE. HOPE TO SPEAK WITH YOU SOON.