14 Year Old Son Arrested for MIP

[Kimby]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington

My 14 year old son in eighth grade was arrested Friday night due to being intoxicated. He was spending the night w/a friend. That friend convinced him to go to another guys house that he didn't know. When they arrived there were several high school aged guys there that kept pressuring my son to drink. He told them he didn't want any, but they gathered around him and said they would "beat him" if he didn't (including his own friend). They made him play some drinking game. My son took the first drink that he "had" to. He asked his friend if they could leave now..the older kids said he "had" to finish the game and made him. They litteraly scared him enough to fear for his safety. They let him leave once the game was over, however at that point he was drunk (he had never drank before). He was stopped by a police officer on the way back home because it was 2am. My son admitted to drinking (didn't tell the officer what actually happend). He was given a breathalizer which of course he failed and then I was called.

He has never done anything illegal or been in any trouble at all. He is a good kid active in school, sports, and church. Does anyone know what might happen to him? Fines, jail time, probation officer, record, what about his driver's license (he doesn't even have a permit yet)??? Also, should he put a report in on the details of the incident? By the way, his "friend" hid and got away and let my son take the fall. My son, myself, and our entire family is very shaken by this..any info will be greatly appreciated.

[tc498]

Your son needs a lawyer,he will get probation and maybe some alcohol classes,etc. If he is convicted his record will be sealed or destroyed once he turns 18. Every time your arrested it's serious,this is a not a huge charge. He won't be sentenced to jail. It says on other sites the suspension will be for a year. I'm not sure how his license will be affect b.c he does not have one to lose.

If your son's friend hid he didn't put the blame on him,your son was just unlucky to get caught.It is not like he snitched on him or gave false info about your son,that like walking down an icy hill and getting upset that other guy didn't slip.

It's nervy racking when a loved one gets arrested,hire a lawyer,they take the uncertainty away and give you some idea whats gonna happen.They can give you a plan of attack to get the best outcome for your son. Good luck. A local lawyer is the best person to ask for advice.