Question
Do I need an attorney to help defend against my MIP charge?
I got a MIP when I was 19 years old in 2009. I then failed to appear on my first court date later that summer and had a warrant out until just recently. I finally took care of it today and went to court. I'm 21 and I was ready to plead guilty until I learned that with an MIP they suspend your license for a year! Upon hearing that, I asked to have time to consult and hire an attorney. However, I don't want to pay $2000 plus unless it is necessary to keep my license. I am about to transfer to college and am an honor student. I was not planning on this stress, any advice?LawQA.com Answer Library
Answered By: Law Office of Eric Sterkenburg
The only way that you are going to keep your drivers license is to get the charge reduced or be found not guilty in a trial.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/8/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/8/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Law Office of Martina Vigil
Yes, you should seriously consider hiring an attorney. There are many lawyers that will defend a charge of MIP for less than $2000. Losing your license for a year can be devastating, especially for someone in your situation. Although we cannot make guarantees as to an outcome of a case, Hiring an attorney will give you a better shot at keeping your driving privileges.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/8/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/8/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Kenneth M. Hallum, Attorney at Law
Some courts have a special program, which includes an alcohol class, amending the charge to a non-alcohol statute, thus no license suspension. It may be well worth it to consult an attorney who can negotiate some alternative such as the one above.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/7/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/7/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Kennedy & Roe
There are many potential defenses to a minor in possession charge, and you certainly should not try to do it yourself. Your license could very well be in peril if the case is not properly handled, so only you know what it is worth to you. $2,000 sounds a bit low, unless you are in a court where such things don't need to be fought aggressively.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/7/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/7/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
More Questions on Criminal Defense
- Who should view the chemical test results first?
- Can I sell my house after bankruptcy?
- Can I dismiss the DUI case if I was not read my Miranda rights?
- Do I have to submit to any tests for a DUI arrest?
- Can I settle for a public defender to handle my DUI case?
- Can I be charged with DUI without driving?
- Do varying offenses of DUI last differently on your record?
- How long will it take to process my DUI charge?
- Can I get limited license if I got my license suspended?
- Do I really need an attorney to fight a DUI case?
- Is there a chance to get a plea bargain for the DUI?
- What is the short term penalty for a DWI?
- Should I ask for an attorney first before agreeing to any test?
- Is there a way for me to lower down penalties for DUI?
- What happens after I am given a court order probation?
- How can I defend myself from DUI?
- Can I refuse a sobriety test?
- Is it considered as a DUI if I took a prescription drugs and drove?
- What are my chances to win against a DUI charge?
