Michigan Minor in Possession (MIP) Defense Attorneys Serving Battle Creek, Lansing & East Lansing
Don't let one violation ruin your future. A Minor in Possession charge doesn't have to follow you into your career — we build an aggressive defense aimed at reducing or dismissing the charge.
• First-Offense Diversion Options • MSU/East Lansing Experience • Bilingual Attorney • Payment Plans Available
• First-Offense Diversion Options • MSU/East Lansing Experience • Bilingual Attorney • Payment Plans Available
We Handle the Legal Side, So Your Student Can Focus on Their Future
Wood & Associates PLLC defends Minor in Possession (MIP) charges throughout Michigan. The firm reviews every case for Michigan's first-offense diversion options and available statutory defenses, aiming to reduce the charge or have it dismissed.
An MIP conviction can follow a young person well beyond the courtroom — costing a job, a job offer, financial aid, or campus housing. We treat every case with that bigger picture in mind, not just today's court date, and we keep parents informed throughout the process when their student is away at school.
Two Legal Protections Worth Knowing About
First-Offense Diversion.
Many students show up to their pretrial assuming a conviction is inevitable and decide it isn't worth hiring an attorney. In many cases, Michigan allows a first MIP charge to be resolved through a diversion option — meeting certain conditions, such as counseling or community service — that can lead to the charge being dismissed rather than becoming a permanent conviction. Whether this applies depends on the specific facts of the case.
Michigan's Medical Amnesty Law.
In June 2012, the Michigan legislature created an exemption under the state's MIP statute, MCL (269) 841-5426, sometimes called "Michigan Medical Amnesty." If a minor or their friend voluntarily seeks medical help — by calling 911 — for a drinking-related sickness, non-responsiveness, sexual assault, or injury, that can provide a complete defense to an MIP charge. The law exists so minors don't hesitate to get emergency help out of fear of getting in trouble. Most students don't know this protection exists, and having a record of the 911 call matters for using it.
Why Families Trust Us With Something This Serious
An MIP charge is often a young person's first experience with the legal system, and we never treat it like a routine case. This is the firm's own list of what sets it apart — and every case is handled with all six in mind.
Exceptional communication and responsiveness.
We answer calls live, and chat messages get a callback within about 15 minutes during business hours — because when a student's record and future are on the line, you deserve an actual person, not a voicemail box.
Welcoming, real people.
From the attorney handling the case to the team supporting them, your student will be treated like a person going through a stressful moment, not a file number.
Inclusive service, with deep ties to the LGBTQ+ community.
Every student and family gets the same respect and advocacy, regardless of who they are.
A bilingual Spanish/English attorney on staff — a rare asset in this region.
Spanish-speaking clients can work through their plan directly with an attorney, not just a translated page. (Front-desk reception is not currently Spanish-speaking — let us know when you call, and we'll connect you with an attorney who speaks Spanish.)
Proven results and experience.
Our attorneys have represented Michigan State University-area students and other Michigan clients facing MIP charges for years, and we bring that same experience to every case we take on.
Flexible payment options.
A third-party, no-credit-check Pay Later financing option means a strong defense doesn't have to wait on cost.
The People Behind Your Case
Every case here is handled by real people, not a call center and not a rotating cast of strangers. Meet a few of the attorneys and staff who might be the first friendly face your student sees.
Wood & Associates PLLC handles family law, estate planning and probate, Chapter 7 bankruptcy, administrative law matters like license restoration, and CPS appeals, and DUI/OWI defense — one team, wherever you're starting from.
Kent Wood II
President & Founder
Brigette Booser
Attorney and Counselor
Paul Umlauf
Attorney
Jennifer Reed
Attorney
Jami Rosado
Senior Paralegal
Hannah Robinson
Attorney
Sarah Hayes
Legal Secretary
Kent Wood II
President & Founder
Brigette Booser
Attorney and Counselor
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an MIP show up on a background check in Michigan?
Yes, an MIP conviction can appear on a background check in Michigan, which is why it can affect employment and job opportunities even after the case is resolved. Wood & Associates works to reduce or dismiss charges specifically because a clean record protects a young person's future well beyond the courtroom.
Can a first-time MIP be dismissed in Michigan?
Often, yes. Michigan offers a first-offense diversion option that can lead to dismissal once conditions like counseling or community service are completed, so the charge doesn't become a permanent conviction. Wood & Associates reviews every case to determine whether diversion or another defense applies before you decide how to proceed.
What is Michigan's Medical Amnesty law, and does it apply to my situation?
Michigan's Medical Amnesty law, MCL 436.1703(10), provides a complete defense to an MIP charge if the minor or a friend called 911 to get medical help for a drinking-related sickness, non-responsiveness, sexual assault, or injury. Wood & Associates can tell you quickly whether your situation qualifies for this protection.
What happens if my college student gets an MIP while away at school?
Wood & Associates represents Michigan State University-area students charged in East Lansing and keeps parents informed throughout the process, even when the student is away at school. The firm handles court appearances and communicates updates directly, so families don't have to manage the case entirely from a distance.
Can an MIP affect my driver's license or financial aid?
Yes, an MIP charge can carry driver's license sanctions and, in some cases, affect financial aid or campus housing standing, depending on the school's own policies. Wood & Associates looks at these collateral consequences alongside the criminal charge itself, not just today's court date.
Should I just show up to the pretrial without a lawyer?
No. Many students show up to a pretrial without realizing a legally recognized defense, like Michigan's Medical Amnesty law or first-offense diversion, might already apply to their case. Talking to an attorney first costs nothing and can mean the difference between a dismissal and a lasting record.
Serving Battle Creek, Lansing, East Lansing & Beyond
MIP charges are handled in the district court where the charge was issued, which for many student clients means East Lansing — home to Michigan State University and part of
Ingham
County, already within the Lansing office's service area. Wood & Associates also has courtroom experience in Grand Rapids.
2943 W Dickman Road, Battle Creek, MI (269) 841-5426 Mon–Thu 9:00 AM–5:00 PM · Wood & Associates PLLC represents clients throughout Ingham County, including East Lansing, as well as Clinton, Eaton, Shiawassee, and Jackson counties, with legal services available to individuals and families across the entire state of Michigan.
901 N. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI (517) 481-4023 · Toll-free (888) 209-7348 Mon–Thu 9:00 AM–5:00 PM · Fri 9:00 AM–12:00 PM · Wood & Associates PLLC proudly serves clients throughout Ingham County, including East Lansing, as well as Clinton, Eaton, Shiawassee, and Jackson counties, while representing individuals and families across the entire state of Michigan.
Talk with a local attorney team today
One mistake at a young age doesn't have to define what comes next.
However you're most comfortable reaching out — a call, a chat, a text, or a quick form — we're ready to help. Walk-ins welcome during business hours; consultations by appointment.