Minor in Possession (MIP) FAQ

Straightforward answers to the questions that come up most in Minor in Possession (MIP) cases in Kittitas and Yakima Counties. Every case is different — these are general answers, not legal advice for your specific situation.

MIP is short for Minor in Possession — it’s a gross misdemeanor charge under Washington law (RCW 66.44.270) for someone under 21 who possesses or consumes alcohol. It’s a different, less serious charge than furnishing alcohol to a minor, which targets the adult who provided it.

It depends on age. This isn’t automatic across the board the way a DUI suspension is, but it isn’t guaranteed-safe either. Washington’s minor driving-privileges law (RCW 46.20.265) only reaches those age 13 to 17 — it doesn’t apply to 18-, 19-, or 20-year-olds, even though they can still be charged with MIP. For a 13-to-17-year-old, an isolated first alcohol offense often isn’t even reported to the Department of Licensing, but a second or later offense, or one involving a firearm, triggers a mandatory revocation of driving privileges with no restricted license available in the meantime. Because whether a specific case gets reported depends on the minor’s exact offense history, it’s worth talking to an attorney early.

When a minor’s driving privileges are revoked over an alcohol offense like MIP, Washington law (RCW 46.20.265) sets the length at one year or until the minor’s 17th birthday, whichever is longer, for the first offense reported to the Department of Licensing, and two years or until the 18th birthday, whichever is longer, for a second or later reported offense. Multiple revocations run consecutively rather than at the same time, and any time still left on a revocation is cleared once the person turns 21.

Often, yes. Washington allows diversion options for a first alcohol offense for someone under 21 in many cases, which can mean avoiding a conviction if conditions like an alcohol information class and no further offenses for a period are met. Availability and terms depend on the specific court and prosecutor.

MIP is a misdemeanor handled in district or municipal court — the same courts that handle DUIs, traffic infractions, and other misdemeanor charges in Kittitas and Yakima Counties.

Call (509) 293-7593 for a free consultation about an MIP charge in Ellensburg, Yakima, or the surrounding area.