Alcohol & Drugs: MIP, MIC, Intoxication Minor in Consumption age question

[acoffey]

Hello, I am 18 and living in the state of Texas. A week ago i received a MIC in my city. Although i am 18 the police forced me to contact my parents for some reason. Later this week my parents received a letter stating that i am a minor child and that my parents must appear in court with me. From what i understand because i am 18 the city has no right to contact my parents at all, Is this true? and any legal advice on what i can do if they are trying to try me as a minor?

if it would help i can post a picture of the letter stating what it says to clear up some questions.

Thanks

 

[mightymoose]

If you were 18 at the time of the incident then no, your parents don't have to do anything. If they receive a subpoena to go to court THEN they will have to do something... and that thing they would have to do is contact the court and explain to them how to get their heads out of their butts.

Also... the police didn't FORCE you to call anyone. You did that all on your own. All you had to say is "No".

This was most likely a misunderstanding. A "minor" with alcohol is different than someone being "underage" and having alcohol. However, when it comes to alcohol we commonly refer to everyone under 21 as being a minor. The usage of "minor" is different and makes it confusing.

The answer though is no... your parents don't have to do anything, but can still smack you upside the head if they feel it necessary.

 

[CdwJava]

Technically, in Texas, a child is still a dependent child if 18 and attending high school. While he is considered an adult, and has reached the age of majority, he is still a dependent minor if attending school.

Your parents might consider notifying the court and asking if they really must show up since you are a legal adult. It might be possible that Texas requires the parents to be involved so long as you are still a dependent in high school.