How
to keep the cops away
How to handle the cops if they knock on your door How to aviod getting caught for doing illegal things How to survive party aftermath How to protect your rights: door signs |
If the cops show up, and you don't want them to catch you doing anything illegal, then we recommend that you don't do anything illegal. Here's some ways to avoid common party no-no's. |
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Serving Alcohol | |||
You aren't allowed to sell alcohol unless you have a liquor license. But, there are many ways you can have a party and include alcohol.
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Checking ID's | |||
If the cops show up, and you're providing alcohol to your guests, you should be able to show that you are checking ID's. If you don't check ID's, and the cops find a drunk minor at your party, then you could get charged for serving alcohol to a minor. Here are two methods of checking ID's.
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Minors in possession | |||
If you're under 21 years old, then you're not allowed to drink alcohol. But, no matter how old you are, or whether you've been drinking, according to Michigan law, cops can ask you to take a breathalyzer test whenever they think that you are a minor who has been drinking. If you are a minor, and you blow anything higher than .02 (which is roughly equivalent to one alcoholic drink) then you get a ticket for MIP. The ACLU of Michigan believes this is unconstitutional because it allows officers to give breathalyzer tests without warrants to people who are not under arrest. If this happens to you, get free advice about your legal options by contacting the ACLU of Michigan at (313)961-4662 (aclu@aclumich.org) You can also get a MIP if you admit to drinking and you look like you've been drinking (slurred speech, poor coordination, etc). You can also get a MIP if you are a minor carrying an open or unopened container of alcohol. Even a seemingly empty container that only has alcohol residue in it counts. And, don't try to outsmart the cops by putting your vodka in a Sprite bottlethey know all the tricks. |
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Open intoxicants | |||
If you are carrying an open container of alcohol on public property, then you can get ticketed. "Public property" means anything outside your property line. If, after a house party, you fall asleep on the yard with a beer in your hand, and your foot creeps out onto the sidewalk, then you can get an open intoxicant ticket. Cops have been known to lie in wait for these opportunities. Again, even a seemingly empty container that only has alcohol residue in it counts. | |||
Urinating in public | |||
If you gotta go, you gotta go, but you can't urinate in view of the public. If passers-by can see you, then you'll get in trouble even if you're on your property.
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