MCA Laws in California – “minor in possession” or “MIP”

Understanding MCA Laws in California

If you’re under 21 and accused of having or drinking alcohol in LA, you’re facing an “MCA” charge. MCA stands for “minor in consumption of alcohol.” It’s also called “minor in possession” or “MIP”. This happens when someone underage knowingly has or drinks alcohol in a public place.

The specific law is California Penal Code 25662 PC. It says it’s a crime for a minor to have alcohol in public. MCA charges often happen at:

• Parties
• Concerts
• Beaches
• Parks

There are also laws against giving alcohol to minors (B&P Code 25658) and rules that make party hosts responsible if minors drink at their home.

MCA convictions are serious. They can lead to big fines and community service hours:

• First offense: $250 fine and 24-32 hours of service
• Repeat offenses: Up to $500 fines and 36-48 service hours
• Possible 1-year driver’s license suspension

Having a criminal record can make it harder to:

1. Get into college
2. Find a job
3. Rent a place to live

Defending Against MCA Charges in Los Angeles

Just because you’re charged doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. A good MCA lawyer will look at every part of your case to build the best defense. Some common defenses are:

• You didn’t know the drink had alcohol in it
• The police found the alcohol through an illegal search
• The alcohol wasn’t actually yours

Your lawyer will also look for things that could help get your charges or punishment reduced. A clean record, good grades, and volunteering can all work in your favor. A lot of times, an MCA lawyer can make a deal with the prosecutor to lessen the effects.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Every case is different, so it’s very important to have an MCA attorney go over all the details carefully. An MIP charge might not seem like a big deal, but it can have a big impact on your life.

The Spodek Law Group: Your Trusted MCA Defense Lawyers

At the Spodek Law Group, we know how much an MCA charge can affect your life. Our team of experienced Los Angeles lawyers has been defending people just like you for decades. We know all about California’s complicated MCA laws. We’ve helped many clients get their charges reduced or dropped completely.

What makes us different is how much we care about our clients. We take the time to listen to your story and learn about your life and goals. Then we use that knowledge to create a defense plan just for you. We fight hard for you, but we also treat you with understanding. That’s why we’re known as the best MCA defense firm in LA.

We also know you need someone to give you clear advice during this tough time. You can count on us to keep you informed every step of the way. Whenever you have a question, we’ll get you an answer quickly. If you feel confused about what’s happening, we’ll explain it to you. With us on your team, you’ll never have to face this alone.

What to Expect When You Work With Us

Everything starts with a free meeting where we’ll review your case. This is your chance to get some initial answers and think about your options. If you decide to hire us, our lawyers will jump right in and:

1. Dig deep into your case by collecting police reports, talking to witnesses, and finding evidence to support your side of the story.
2. Use their skills to negotiate with prosecutors to try to get your charges dismissed or reduced, often without going to trial.
3. Be fully prepared to defend you in court if your case does go to trial.
4. Always be available to answer your questions and address your concerns quickly.

Through it all, our main focus will be on doing what’s best for you and working to get you the best possible result based on your situation.

Don’t Let an MCA Charge Derail Your Future

We understand that getting arrested for an MCA is really scary. You might be tempted to just plead guilty so you can put the whole thing behind you. But making a quick decision now can end up limiting your options later in life. You owe it to yourself to at least talk to an experienced MCA defense lawyer who will protect your rights.

By looking for information about your case, you’ve already taken a smart first step. The next step is to call us so we can talk about the details of your situation. With our skilled legal team standing up for you, you can face your MCA charge with confidence. The sooner you get in touch with us, the sooner we can start working on your defense.

Remember, your future is too important to leave to chance. Let us put our decades of experience to work for you. Call us today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable Los Angeles MCA defense attorney. We’re here to help you get through this and move forward with your life.