MIP / Drunk in Public

Minor in Possession / Drunk in Public Defense Attorney

The Office of Laurie A. Thrower, Santa Barbara, Isla Vista, California

With a major university and two colleges, Santa Barbara is well known for both higher learning and parties. One almost inevitable result of such a high concentration of college students is that there will be arrests made for Minor in Possession (MIP) of alcohol and Drunk in Public violations. If you are a minor who has been arrested on either of these charges, talk to a lawyer who can help minimize damage a criminal record can do to both your reputation and future career prospects.

Call me at 805-453-1720 for a free consultation. I'm here to help you as a student, your child, or others effectively deal with these charges. You can also contact me online.

I represent clients who live in Santa Barbara and surrounding communities, as well as students attending the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), Westmont College and the Brooks Institute for Photography.

Minimizing the Damage of a Minor in Possession Arrest

This misdemeanor charge occurs when a minor is cited with holding or having control over an alcoholic beverage. There can be serious consequences: You can lose your driver's license for a year (regardless of whether or not you were in a motor vehicle) and you end up with a criminal record.

I will examine the evidence against you to see if the charge is warranted. I evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the charge to determine if we should fight the charge in court. I will also explore the possibilities of getting charges reduced or to see if program participation or community service (or both) will minimize penalties against you.

Drunk in Public

This misdemeanor charge applies to anyone whether you are under or over 21 when police find you and determine you are too intoxicated to care for your own safety or the safety of others. In some cases, after examining the evidence in your case, I'll be able to negotiate a reduction in charges against you. If not, I'll help you understand your legal options and make informed decisions.

In all cases, I'll be there to help, answer your questions and defend your rights. Call the Law Office of Laurie A. Thrower at 805-453-1720. You can also contact me online.

I also represent clients in trespassing and disturbing the peace cases. I also represent clients in appeals of criminal convictions, as well as in efforts to expunge criminal records.

♦Reasonable fees ♦ Free consultation ♦ Always available

The Law Office of Laurie A. Thrower
314 East Carrillo Street, Suite 6
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 805-453-1720
Fax: 805-965-2884
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