Local Senator Fights MIP Law

Lansing, MI (WHTC) – Are the laws concerning underage drinking too harsh in Michigan? State Senator Rick Jones thinks they are and he’s fighting to change the law. WZZM-TV reports that Senator Jones, a former a sheriff for Eaton County for over 30 years, is working on a bill that would not charge minors that are in the possession of alcohol with a crime until their third offense. However, underage drinkers would not be getting off scot-free if caught with the booze the first or second time in their lives. They would have a misdemeanor fine of $100 for the first offense and $200 for the second offense. Senator Jones claims that minor in possession (MIP) cases are taking time away from more important cases in the court system and judges are giving inconsistent rulings for MIPs.