A single alcohol charge can negatively impact your reputation, identity, and credibility, leading to lasting financial, legal, and personal consequences. Attorney Matthew L. Norwood defends clients facing a wide range of alcohol-related criminal charges throughout Flint and the surrounding communities.
As an alcohol charges lawyer practicing in Flint since 2002, Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has helped clients understand the type of charge they’re facing and the options available to them.
Alcohol is a heavily regulated substance in Michigan, and violations can range from minor possession and open container offenses to more serious repeat alcohol-related crimes. This page focuses on non-driving alcohol offenses, while drinking-and-driving charges are covered separately on our DUI/DWI page.
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Attorney Matthew L. Norwood defends clients against a range of alcohol-related charges, including:
Anyone under 21 found with alcohol in their system or in their possession can be charged under MCL 436.1703. A conviction can result in license suspension and fines in addition to the criminal charge itself.
It’s illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a moving vehicle, and this can apply to a driver or a passenger. A separate rule also applies to having an open container in public outside a vehicle in areas without the proper permit.
Being intoxicated in public in a way that endangers others or causes a disturbance is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and fines of up to $100.
Prior alcohol-related convictions typically result in tougher penalties on any subsequent charge, making early legal guidance especially important for repeat offenses.
Michigan law strictly prohibits selling, furnishing, or giving alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. In case of violation, anyone accused of violating this law may be convicted of criminal charges. Besides criminal penalties, a business license can also be revoked. So, if you’re facing a charge related to selling alcohol to a minor, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re being accused of and what’s at stake.
Drinking and driving charges, including OWI, OWVI, UBAL, and Michigan’s enhanced “Super Drunk”/High BAC tier, are a related but separate category of alcohol offense. For details on BAC thresholds, penalties, and license consequences, visit our [DUI/DWI page].
As an Alcohol related offenses lawyer, Flint, Michigan, Matthew L. Norwood has focused exclusively on criminal defense since 2002, working directly with clients rather than handing cases off to staff. As an alcohol charges attorney, he works to get alcohol-related charges reduced or dismissed where the facts of the case support it. Attorney Matthew L. Norwood carefully reviews every case to identify available legal defenses and works to pursue the best possible outcome based on the facts.
Drunk driving, disorderly conduct, and Minor in Possession (MIP) are among the most common alcohol-related charges in Michigan.
Selling or furnishing alcohol to anyone under 21 can result in criminal charges and, for businesses, licensing consequences. See "Penalties for Selling or Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor" above.
Yes, a conviction like Minor in Possession can result in license suspension. Learn more on our Driver's License Restoration page.
Drunk driving, disorderly conduct, and Minor in Possession (MIP) are among the most common alcohol-related charges in Michigan.
Selling or furnishing alcohol to anyone under 21 can result in criminal charges and, for businesses, licensing consequences. See "Penalties for Selling or Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor" above.
Yes, a conviction like Minor in Possession can result in license suspension. Learn more on our Driver's License Restoration page.
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Are you grappling with an alcohol-related charge, such as an open container violation, or a disorderly conduct case in Flint, Michigan? Get in touch with Mathew L. Norwood to defend against the charges.
