In the United States, a Minor in Possession, or a MIP, (also referred to as a PAULA, Possession of Alcohol Under the Legal Age) is a criminal offense, typically a misdemeanor. Anyone who is under the age of 21 and possesses alcohol in the United States, with the exception of special circumstances, is violating the law of the state. If sufficient evidence is shown to a police officer that the person under 21 has been drinking alcohol or is in possession of alcohol, an MIP may be issued to the underage drinker.
The term "Minor in Possession" is a misnomer, as except for residents of Mississippi and 18-year-old residents of Alabama and Nebraska, Americans between 18 and 20 years old are not minors.
Read more about Minor In Possession: Punishments
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