Sanders & Nettles is an experienced South Carolina criminal defense law firm we are proud of our reputation as a firm that provides aggressive representation to all of our clients. With decades of experience in South Carolina law, we have the knowledge and legal skills to obtain the best possible result for you. Our Columbia SC underage alcohol violation defense attorneys have represented many clients facing charges related to underage drinking, driving under the influence and other alcohol-related crimes. If you or your son or daughter has been charged with an underage drinking violation in South Carolina, call Sanders & Nettles as soon as possible to ensure that you have a committed, aggressive advocate on your side from the start.
No matter how common underage drinking might be, the State of South Carolina still considers it a serious crime. In fact, a law enacted in 2007 increased penalties for underage drinkers, increased penalties for those who buy, sell or furnish alcohol to minors, and made it easier for law enforcement to discover who bought a keg used for underage drinking. Minors caught drinking illegally may be required to complete alcohol education classes.
Here are some common crimes related to underage drinking and their penalties for a first offense:
- Buying or possessing alcohol while a minor: Up to 30 days in jail, a fine of $100 to $200, or both; plus a 180-day driver's license suspension and mandatory alcohol classes.
- Lying or providing false information about your age in order to buy alcohol: Up to 30 days in jail, a fine of $100 to $200, or both; plus a 90-day driver's license suspension.
- Using false identification or someone else's identification: Up to 30 days in jail or a fine of up to $100, plus a 90-day driver's license suspension.
- Giving alcohol to a minor (except your spouse or child): Up to 30 days in jail, a fine of $200 to $300, or both; plus a 90-day driver's license suspension.
- Selling alcohol to a minor: Up to 30 days in jail, a fine of $200 to $300, or both.
- Refusing to submit to blood-alcohol testing when under 21: Suspension of a driver's license for six months, plus mandatory alcohol classes.
- Driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.02% or greater while under 21: A 180-day license suspension, plus mandatory alcohol classes.
In addition, an underage alcohol conviction of any kind makes a student ineligible for state-funded college grants and scholarships, or for South Carolina's individual income tax credit.
If your son or daughter is facing charges related to underage drinking, he or she is facing jail time, fines, alcohol classes, community service, loss of student aid, loss of a driver's license and a future with a criminal record. Sanders & Nettles can help. With decades of experience in South Carolina law, we know where to look in the prosecution's cases for ways to keep our clients out of jail, reduce or eliminate penalties and allow clients to keep their driver's licenses and access to college financial aid. If there is a DUI component to your case, we offer significant experience and an excellent record of results in our DUI defense practice as well. With so much at stake, you should call an experienced Columbia SC criminal defense attorney at Sanders & Nettles as soon as possible to ensure that your rights and your future are protected.