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Minor in Possession Defense Attorneys in Vancouver, WA

Alcohol and cannabis allegations involving a person under 21 can carry criminal and licensing consequences, but the exact result depends on the substance, age, history, exceptions, and court disposition.

Legally reviewed by Roger Priest · September 24, 2026

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Minor in Possession Charges at a Glance

Allegation Current general rule
Alcohol possession, consumption, or acquisition by a person under 21 Gross misdemeanor under RCW 66.44.270, subject to the statute's family, medical, religious, permitted-education, and medical-assistance exceptions
Cannabis possession by a person under 21 Prohibited regardless of THC concentration, except for a qualifying patient with valid authorization
Forty grams or less of cannabis Addressed as a misdemeanor by RCW 69.50.4014; other products, quantities, and conduct require analysis under the current controlled-substances statutes

Minor in Possession of Alcohol in Washington

RCW 66.44.270(2) makes it illegal for anyone under 21 years old to have or drink alcohol or to be in public while exhibiting the effects of having drank alcohol. Violation of this law is considered a gross misdemeanor in Washington and is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000.00 fine.

Minor in Possession of Cannabis in Washington

Washington law prohibits a person under 21 from knowingly possessing cannabis, cannabis-infused products, or cannabis concentrates regardless of THC concentration, except for a qualifying patient with valid authorization. The page should not describe simple possession of more than 40 grams by a person under 21 as automatically being a felony.

The product, quantity, alleged conduct, and current statute must be reviewed before stating a classification.

License Consequences

An MIP case does not produce the same license result for every person under 21. RCW 13.40.265 generally excludes a juvenile's first covered alcohol or drug offense from court notice to the Department of Licensing and requires notice within 24 hours for a later qualifying adjudication. If DOL receives qualifying notice, RCW 46.20.265 sets revocation periods.

DOL currently states that alcohol-related MIP revocations apply to ages 13 through 17 and drug-offense revocations to ages 13 through 20, and that a revocation begins 45 days after DOL mails its notice. The duration and any early-reinstatement option depend on age, history, and the court's notice.

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Facing an MIP Charge? Protect Your License Now

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Or Call (360) 281-7314
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What Our Clients Say About Us

I hired Roger to represent my husband when he was arrested on false charges. From the very beginning, Roger was responsive, knowledgeable and willing to take on the case. He was the only one to return my call when I was searching for help. He is very confident in his ability and worked hard to get all the charges dismissed. He is able to be calm in situations where his clients are anything but. I am so grateful for the services provided by Roger. He is very respected in the legal community here in Vancouver. I hope I never need a lawyer again, but if I did, Roger would be my first choice.
RL Rosie L. 2 months ago
I am writing a much overdue review for Roger Priest after he has gone above and beyond while representing me as my lawyer. Last year I found myself facing legal difficulties after my first and only DUI. While the circumstances were incredibly stressful, Roger's involvement in my case made the process straight forward and my case was resolved in a timely manner. Roger is exceptionally proficient in cases like mine and he demonstrates that in and out of the court room. Not only did he walk me through the process but he put my family's concerns at ease by answering all of our questions and making himself available whenever we needed clarification. I was very fortunate to have Roger on my side during that difficult time and would highly recommend his services to anyone that finds themselves in need of legal counsel. Thank you once again, Roger!
CM Carly M. 3 months ago
Called for advice on what turned out to be a scam call. Roger Priest had me at ease in a very timely manner. Thank you!
FA Florence A. 1 month ago
VanWa Legal exceeded my expectations. From the initial consultation to the final court appearance, they were thorough, strategic, and always had my best interests in mind. Their attention to detail and dedication to their clients is unmatched. Highly recommend!
D Deimer 2 months ago
Roger Priest at VanWa Legal has been instrumental in changing my life for the better. He fought for me and won! I'm forever grateful.
BC Becky C 4 months ago
I met Roger at the start of 2025, somehow after I paid for a fender bender that I caused I was hit with a hit and run little did I know when I had a warrant two years after the incident. As of today my case was entirely dismissed without even going to trial. I couldn't be happier with the results and couldn't vouch for a different lawyer. Every time we had a court date, we were the first ones on and promptly the first case handled. Roger Priest is the man- I would highly recommend you give him a call if you are experiencing trouble.
CC Cristian Carter 1 month ago
Had a consultation with Roger priest this morning, paid attention to detail and what he had to say and he was very honest and upforward not to mention he took the time to look up additional information which lead to the best possible news. I thought my life was over and he gave me hope. Thank you Roger I will be hiring you!!! You give people with a bad past who are trying to do good lots of hope! God bless you.
ML Mr Lopez 3 months ago
Roger handled my case promptly and painlessly. We are from out of state and had spoken with quite a few attorneys in the area before we made the trip. Roger was middle of the road cost-wise (which was truly fair) and was clearly competent, handling the case in one trip over as oppose to the two or even three trip process many of the others were communicating would be the case. I would hire again without a second thought. Thanks again Roger.
SW Shelley W 5 months ago
Excellent responsiveness, considerate and honest. Roger got the job done results were in my favor. Couldn't be happier, Highly recommend!!
KS Karin Saltz 6 months ago
Roger Priest provided truly exceptional service for a family member of mine. He was an extraordinary value for the level of knowledge and proffessionalism he provided. My loved one got the deal of a lifetime thanks to him. If any of my friends or family are ever in a less than fortunate spot and need legal advice Roger will always be my #1 reccomendation.
TV Taylor Vance 5 months ago
Roger Priest is professional, intelligent and experienced, you can tell by the way he holds himself in court. Out of the 21 lawyers I interviewed and compared on an excel spreadsheet. I put my trust in Roger and he didn't let me down.
AM Aaron M 7 months ago
Roger Priest was my Criminal Attorney for a DUI case I had in 2018. Through out the whole process he was in contact and always was reassuring! He gave his honest opinion on rather or not if my case would be worth going to trial, which is hard to come by! Today I left the courtroom a free man to come home to my family with a lot of tension lifted off my shoulders because of how he was articulate and presented my defense. I am very lucky to have him in my corner and to be spared. I will take this experience as a wake up call because these opportunities don't come too often! Mr. Priest definitely deserves a 5 star rating for his devotion and overall performance.
JB JB 8 months ago
Roger Priest was referred to me by another lawyer (who could not take my case). Out of the 3 lawyers I reached out to Mr. Priest was willing to hear my case and not just try and convince me to take the easy route and plead out. He was informative, honest, and very tactical (in his approach with my case). Mr. Priest not only kept me updated with his plans and what to except he involved me in every aspect I could be in. He was very approachable and kind. I won my case, I wouldn't have if I had gone with another lawyer. I am very satisfied with having had Roger Priest defend me. I hope to never have to use his services again but definitely would rehire him again (I wish I could hire him as my divorce attorney).
AS Alicia S. 6 months ago
I recently consulted Roger for my first and only legal matter. He explained at length the legal ramifications that i was facing and he listened closely to all my questions and concerns. He was very attentive and empathic towards my situation and did not rush through things. I would highly recommend Roger to anyone I know seeking legal representation.
IK Itzel Keefer 7 months ago

FAQ

Common MIP Charge Defense Questions

Does an MIP charge affect my license even without a DUI?

Not every MIP case produces the same license result. A juvenile's first covered alcohol or drug offense is generally excluded from court notice to DOL, while later qualifying adjudications can require notice. The result depends on age, history, court notice, and the applicable statute.

Is a cannabis MIP charge treated differently than an alcohol MIP charge?

Yes. Alcohol and cannabis allegations arise under different statutes. Washington prohibits cannabis possession by a person under 21 regardless of THC concentration, subject to the qualifying-patient exception, while the classification of cannabis conduct depends on the product, quantity, and current statute.

Can an MIP charge be beaten in court even if I was caught in the act?

Sometimes. Issues like an unlawful stop or search, weak proof of possession, or eligibility for a diversion or deferral can all affect the outcome. Being present isn't the same as the state proving every element beyond a reasonable doubt.

Contact us

Speak With A Lawyer Now

Free consultation. Available 24/7. We quote a flat fee up front and offer payment plans on most cases. The number we quote is the number you pay, no matter how many hearings your case takes.

Or Call (360) 281-7314
The VanWa Legal attorney team