Violation (Not a criminal offense):
MIP

Minor in possession of Alcohol (MIP) is a Class A violation offense under Oregon state law and an unclassified violation under Eugene City Code. MIP is not a crime.

Under municipal and state law you can be charged with MIP if are less than 21 and you simply possess any amount of alcohol, even if you have consumed none of it, even if it is in a sealed container. You can also be charged with MIP if you are under 21 and consume any amount of alcohol, even if it was just a sip.

MIP is punishable by a fine up to $720 under state law and up to $250 under municipal code. Under state law the sentencing judge may also sentence you to community service and suspend your driver license for up to one year if you obtained the alcohol through misrepresentation of age. If you are not an Oregon resident, your home state’s driver license could also be suspended if the Oregon suspension is communicated to the DMV in your home state.

If you are convicted of MIP a second or subsequent time the court may also order you to undergo assessment and treatment for alcohol abuse and you’ll be required to pay for those services.

The municipal court allows first time offenders to enter into a diversion program instead of being prosecuted for the violation. This program agreement requires you to plead guilty, pay court costs, pay for and complete an alcohol education class and receive no other alcohol related offense for the four month diversion period. If you do all of those things, your guilty plea will be withdrawn and the charge will be dismissed. If you fail to meet any requirement your guilty plea will be formally entered, you will be convicted of the violation and the court will impose a fine.

This information is not intended to provide legal advice. Any incidental fee-paying University of Oregon student who has questions about these types of issues may call ASUO Legal Services at 346-4273 to arrange an appointment.


ASUO Legal Services' attorneys are licensed to practice in the State of Oregon. Information disseminated in this website does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship. This page is for information purposes only. For legal advice, contact an attorney licensed in your state. You should not make legal hiring decisions based upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.