Student Legal Services

This is just a brief explanation of the first offender program. If you have questions after reading this, please set an appointment. If you have other charges in addition to the MIP you need to set an appointment.
If you have received a misdemeanor ticket for Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) by the City of Ann Arbor or the State of Michigan (generally these tickets are issued by the UM Department of Public Safety) you may be eligible for a special program offered by the 15th District Court. If this is your first MIP offense, and you do not wish to challenge the ticket, and there are no other charges pending from the same incident, you may go to your arraignment (the first court hearing) and accept the First Offender MIP Deferred Sentence Program that will be offered to you by the court.
Program Requirements

1. Pay court costs of $350.00 (cash, check or credit card) at the 15th District Court Services Office. Plan to do this on the day of the hearing, although the court will allow you 30 days to pay.
2. Attend an alcohol awareness class with SPECTRUM Prevention and Treatment Services, which takes place in the Michigan Union. The court will assign you a date to attend. Classes are held on selective Tuesdays from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. You must pay a $100 fee in cash for this class at the time that you take the class. You must arrive 15 minutes early to register. If you are late, leave early, or fail to appear, you will not be given another opportunity for this program, and a criminal conviction will be entered on your record. In lieu of SPECTRUM, you may attend BASICS through University Health Services, comprised of two 90 minute sessions. See www.uhs.umich.edu/basics for more information and/or to schedule sessions.
3. The court will set an administrative review date after six months of a non-reporting probation, at which time your case will be dismissed. No conviction of a misdemeanor will be entered if you have complied with the requirements. A record of the plea and later dismissal will be kept by the court and Secretary of State as required by law. Your failure to comply will result in a conviction on your record, possible suspension of your driver’s license, and a possible warrant for your arrest.

If you decide to accept the above program, this office will not review the facts of your case for any possible defenses. If you have questions or need specific advice, you need to make an appointment to meet with one of the attorneys.
Please note that this first offender’s program for MIPs, which is specific to the 15th District Court in Ann Arbor, is a one time only opportunity to prevent a criminal record for this offense. A second MIP may result in jail time and a criminal conviction.
If you go to court, and for any reason you are not offered this program, you will appear before the magistrate for an arraignment. You are to plead “not guilty” and the court will set a new date called a pre-trial. You will then need to call Student Legal Services (as soon as possible) to schedule an appointment to meet with an attorney who will be able to assist you at the pre-trial.
Note: Camera cell phones are not allowed in the courthouse—leave your phone at home.