MIP Charge At Home in Maryland

My son was recently given a citation for MIP at a rental home at the beach. About 7 individuals aged 17-20 were staying at a beach house. A few of the minors has been sitting outside during the afternoon when the police observed them. These minors ran into the house and the police proceeded to enter the home where they observed some open beer. A few people in the home had been drinking. My son had not consumed any beer. The Police found beer in the refridgerator and made them pour it out. They then proceeded to issue MIP citations to everyone in the house, including my son who had not been drinking and did not have any beer in his possession. No one in the hom ewas given a breatholizer test. Are there any options to contest this citation and what is the downside to going to court rather than acknowleding guilt and accepting community service. Also, is this something that will stay on their record.

It was his home, so the MIP probably is based upon a theory of constructive possession. If he wishes to contest the charge he should seek help from a criminal defense lawyer.