Under Colorado law, it is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to consume or be in possession of alcoholic substances.

If caught consuming or in possession, the minor in question is typically issued a ticket, labeled Minor in Possession (MIP).

Depending on the circumstances and how intoxicated the individual appears to be, the issuing officer can choose to do any range of things, from simply issuing a ticket and allowing the perpetrator to go on his/her merry way, to calling an ambulance to have him/her taken to the emergency room.

Unfortunately for minors, the circumstances around which one can be issued an MIP are rather vague.

As examined in Colorado alcohol bylaws, it is stated that an officer can issue a ticket in any case he or she deems necessary, provided that there is "probable cause." Probable cause, in this context, can mean a wide variety of things. For instance, a minor can be issued a ticket simply for being in the presence of alcohol, regardless of whether they have consumed any, or have any in their possession. A ticket can also be issued for simply being in the presence of a party with alcohol and acting "suspicious."

Furthermore, if an officer finds an individual taking a leisurely stroll with a cup in his/her hand, he or she can be issued a ticket, regardless of whether there has been alcohol in this container.

And, finally, if an officer simply suspects a minor of being intoxicated, he/she can be issued a ticket, with no breathalyzer test needed.

While this strategy has been a success for the state, change should be made in order to make this process more just for minors.

Provided that the minor in question does not blatantly have alcohol poisoning (vomiting, unconsciousness, unusually slow breathing, etc), he/she should be subjected to a breathalyzer test to examine the extent to which he/she is truly intoxicated, or if, in fact, he/she has consumed any alcohol at all.

Were this executed as policy, it would ease the dependence on the officer's judgment, leading to more evidence-backed decisions.

This proposed reform would not dismantle the current laws, but rather modify them. Instead of simply being issued an MIP because of "probable cause," hard evidence would be needed.

This would make it possible for those who are truly innocent -- like someone who is unstable on a bike trying to ride home at midnight -- to escape unwarranted punishment.

This is arguably better for all cases involved, due to the fact that 1.) one could not argue they were not intoxicated because there was evidence that he/she was; 2.) innocent minors would not be punished for something they are not at fault for; and 3.) officers could use the time to prosecute other, more serious cases than the ones in which no action is actually needed.

This however, does have some downfalls for the state. This is due to the fact that not all officers (namely those who patrol on bicycles) are required to carry breathalyzers with them at all times.

Making this policy would force the state to buy more of these devices, expending precious funds that could be used otherwise. This would also force officers to carry yet another piece of equipment with them at all times, and would slightly lengthen the process of issuing this ticket.

Despite these downfalls, this policy should nonetheless be enacted. Just as one can be found innocent or guilty of homicide or treason, the same right should be given to minors.

Not everyone should be automatically presumed guilty; those who drink know the risks and are willing to take them, those who do not should be respected and given the chance to prove themselves innocent.

Austin Leseux is a student at the University of Colorado.