Minors Caught Drinking For First Time Could Soon Face Lighter Penalty

Minors caught drinking for the first time could soon face a lighter penalty.

Lawmakers are moving to make a first offense a civil infraction instead of a misdemeanor.

The House voted for the change Tuesday. The Senate already passed it.

It is expected to go to Governor Snyder.

The maximum $100 fine would stay the same.

Minors could still be ordered to receive substance abuse services.

There were around 9,300 underage drinking convictions in 2014.