Underage drinkers can avoid legal troubles, fines

Most people know drinking is bound to happen at college, but it’s not always legal.

“Don’t drink alcohol if you’re under 21,” East Lansing police Sgt. Carl Nowak said. “That’s the bottom line.”

But on a campus of more than 46,000 students, it’s likely some underage students will drink.

Enter minor in possession, or MIP, laws. On first offense, a person younger than 21 in possession of alcohol can be charged with $100 and community service in addition to a required screening and assessment of substance abuse.

Getting an MIP can be inconvenient in other ways as well. Spanish freshman Megan S. got an MIP in October and still is paying for it.

“I paid $300 and I have to call into the probation office every day,” she said.

She also has had to go into the police department every three days to take a Breathalyzer test.

Not making a scene when drinking can help lessen the odds of being charged with an MIP. Fights, public urination and rowdy behavior often alert police, MSU police Sgt. Randy Holton said in an e-mail.

“Generally, minors we have contact with are those who have brought their alcohol to our attention by their behavior,” he said.

Being agreeable can help the situation, too.

Psychology junior Stephanie L., who was charged with an MIP in July, said she would have done things differently if given the choice. She was charged after she walked away from police officers.

“I wouldn’t have walked away, but they overreacted,” she said.

MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor agrees being respectful helps.

“It’s always best to be compliant,” she said.

This doesn’t mean that if you’re drinking underage you will suffer the consequences. Some minors caught with alcohol are not charged.

“We can be very lenient, it just depends on the cooperation of the people who answer the door at the party,” Nowak said. “Thousands of people a year get off with just a warning.”

Some students feel that leniency within the system is not a good idea, however.

“When a student is drinking to the point where they could potentially harm themselves or someone else, age doesn’t really matter,” Spartans Against Drunk Driving President Lesley Bergguist said.

Although underage drinking is going to happen, taking the necessary precautions can help make a party safer and more enjoyable.

McGlothian-Taylor recommends taking responsibility for the actions of yourself and your friends if drinking.

“They should not leave their drinks unattended or accept drinks from anyone they don’t know,” she said.

“Leave with your friends, not with people you just met. People should make sure that their friends are safe.”

Published on Sunday, January 27, 2008