Plymouth-Canton Graduation Night Arrests: What to Do If Your Senior Was Charged With MIP, DUI, or Fake ID

Graduation week at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park brings months of pride and planning — and one bad decision on graduation night can put a felony, a misdemeanor, or a license suspension between your child and the next phase of their life. Every June, Aaron J. Boria sees a wave of calls from parents whose son or daughter was arrested in the 24 hours after walking the stage. The good news is that almost all of these cases can be defended — if you act quickly.

This guide walks you through the most common graduation-night charges in Michigan, what each one actually means under the law, and the practical steps a parent should take in the first 48 hours.

Minor in Possession (MIP) of Alcohol

Under MCL 436.1703, anyone under 21 who possesses, consumes, or attempts to purchase alcohol commits a state civil infraction for a first offense, with a fine of up to $100 and possible substance abuse education and community service. A second offense is a misdemeanor, and a third offense escalates further. Michigan also offers a deferral program under MCL 436.1703 that can result in dismissal without a public record if your child completes the conditions ordered by the court.

The biggest mistake parents make at this stage is letting their child appear at arraignment without an attorney. The deferral pathway is not automatic — you have to ask for it, and you have to ask correctly.

Using a Fake ID

Using a fraudulent ID is treated more seriously than MIP. Under MCL 436.1703(2), false representation of age to purchase alcohol is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail. If the ID is a real driver's license with another person's information, prosecutors can charge identity theft under MCL 445.65 — a felony.

Fake ID cases often arise from after-prom or graduation parties at Detroit hotels, Greektown restaurants, and venues along Woodward. Cases originating in Detroit are arraigned in the 36th District Court.

Underage OWI

Michigan's zero-tolerance law (MCL 257.625(6)) applies to drivers under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher. A first offense is a misdemeanor with a 30-day restricted license and points. If the BAC is .08 or higher, the under-21 driver faces the same penalties as an adult OWI — up to 93 days in jail (180 for High BAC), substance abuse treatment, six points, and a 30-day hard suspension followed by 150 days of restricted driving.

An OWI conviction at 18 will follow your child to college applications, scholarships, job background checks, and professional licensing for years.

Social Host Liability for Parents

If the party happened at your home, you may be looking at charges too. Under MCL 436.1701(2), knowingly allowing a person under 21 (other than your own child) to consume alcohol on property you own or control is a misdemeanor — up to $1,000 in fines and 60 days in jail for a first offense. MCL 750.141a separately makes it a misdemeanor to allow a social gathering where minors consume alcohol or drugs. And Michigan courts allow civil lawsuits against social hosts when an intoxicated minor causes injury or death.

Where Plymouth-Canton Cases Are Heard

Arrests in the City of Plymouth, Plymouth Township, and Canton Township are arraigned in the 35th District Court in Plymouth. Westland-area cases go to the 18th District Court. Northville cases also fall under the 35th District. Detroit hotel arrests go through the 36th District Court.

What Parents Should Do in the First 48 Hours

• Do not allow your child to be interviewed by police, school officials, or prosecutors without an attorney present.
• Do not consent to a search of your child's phone, vehicle, or social media accounts.
• Preserve receipts, hotel reservations, text messages, and the guest list from the night.
• Take screenshots of any social media posts before they disappear — both your child's and witnesses'.
• Do not post about the arrest online.
• Contact a criminal defense attorney before the first court date.

The arraignment is usually the first court appearance. The judge will inform your child of the charges, set bond, and impose conditions. Having an attorney involved before that date is the single most valuable thing you can do.

Why This Matters for College and Career

A misdemeanor conviction at 18 can disqualify your child from federal financial aid, certain scholarships, ROTC programs, and many professional licenses. A felony conviction can permanently close doors in medicine, law, nursing, teaching, and finance. The first-offense deferrals and diversion programs available in Michigan exist precisely so a teenage mistake does not become a lifetime label — but accessing them requires fast, informed legal action.

Call Boria Law

If your son or daughter was arrested in the Plymouth-Canton area on graduation night, attorney Aaron J. Boria has helped families across Wayne County protect their children's futures after similar incidents. The first call should happen before the first court date. Reach Boria Law at (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation.