Living and going to school in Charleston, South Carolina with its numerous bars and colleges facing a minor in possession of alcohol charge is not that uncommon. There is a strong effort by local law enforcement to arrest those that are drinking under the legal age of 21 years and because of this effort, prosecutors also take a strong position in prosecuting these cases. Talk to an experienced Chalreston Criminal defense attorney today and get the advice you need to fight your South Carolina Minor in Possession of Alcohol charge.
You Could Lose Your Driver’s License
Although this charge is a misdemeanor there are some serious consequences if you are convicted. You will be required to pay a fine and the conviction triggers a license suspension for South Carolina drivers. Even if you carry an out-of-state license you still may face a license suspension.
Life Scholarships can be affected
If you have a state scholarship, such as the LIFE scholarship, it may be affected if the ticket is your second or subsequent alcohol-related offense. A South Carolina minor in possession of alcohol charge is a criminal offense, and if convicted, will leave you with a criminal record. That’s why its vital that you discuss your case and options with criminal defense attorney. There are ways to resolve these charges without a criminal conviction under certain circumstances. With access to public information becoming easier, having an attorney fight your charge can prevent the damage that underage drinking convictions can cause. Despite this charge qualifying for expungement, the earliest that can happen is three (3) years from the date of conviction. Which means taht this could show up to employers, graduate school programs, apartment landlords.
Charleston Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or your child is facing a South Carolina minor in possession of alcohol or drinking related offense call today at (843) 530-7813 to speak with an experienced Charleston criminal defense attorney about the case, the consultation is free and all discussions are confidential.