Myrtle Beach Minor in Possession of Alcohol Lawyers Justin M. Lovely and Amy S. Lawrence defend minors charged with possession of beer or alcohol. Watch this video as Mr. Lovely explains the MIP charges.
Minor in Possession of Alcohol charges happen frequently in Conway and along the Myrtle Beach coast. Many areas of Myrtle Beach are populated with bars and nightclubs that cater to the summer tourism crowd. Law Enforcement patrols these local Myrtle Beach drinking establishments in search of minors who are below the legal age to drink. The bars around Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC are frequented by minors as they embark on the college experience. Unfortunately, if you are a minor and you are caught buying or consuming or even possessing alcohol, you can be charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol under S.C. Law. The minor in possession of alcohol statute is below.
Elements Of The Offense:
A. That the accused did sell beer, ale, porter, wine or other similar malt or fermented beverage to a person under the age of 21. (§61-4-50)
B. That the accused did knowingly give false information concerning his age for the purpose of purchasing beer or wine. (§61-4-60)
OR
C. That the accused did purchase beer or wine and give to a person not legally qualified to purchase same, for consumption while on licensed premises, (§61-4-80)
OR
D. 1. That the accused was a person under the age of 21.
2. That he did purchase, attempt to purchase, consume, or knowingly possess any beer, ale, porter, wine or similar malt or fermented beverage. (§63-19-2440)
Penalties:
§61-4-50 – for a 1st offense a fine of $200 to $300 or imprisonment of 30 days, or both, and successful completion of a DAODAS approved merchant alcohol program; for a 2nd or subsequent offense a fine of $400 to $500 or imprisonment of 30 days, or both, and successful completion of a DAODAS approved merchant alcohol program.
§61-4-60 – fine not less than $100 nor more than $200, or imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both. Also, Also, suspension of driver’s license for a period of 120 days for a first offense, and a period of 1 year for second or subsequent offenses (see §56-1-746).
§61-4-80 – for a 1st offense a fine not less than $200 nor more than $300, or imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both; for a 2nd or subsequent offense a fine not less than $400 nor more than $500, or imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both.
§63-19-2440 – fine of not less than $100 or more than $200, or imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both, and successful completion of a DAODAS approved alcohol prevention education or intervention program. Also, suspension of driver’s license for a period of 120 days for a first offense, and a period of one year for a second or subsequent offense (see §56-1-746). This section does not apply to a person under the age of 21 years who is recruited and authorized by a law enforcement agency to test an establishment’s compliance with the laws.
Coastal Carolina Alcohol Violation
Conway Alcohol Lawyers
Not only will you face criminal charges, but students at Coastal Carolina in Conway, SC may face University disciplinary procedures if charged with an alcohol violation. Many times these charges are brought by university police and are prosecuted in Conway Municipal Court.
The Myrtle Beach Minor in Possession of Alcohol Lawyers regularly work with parents of the accused to explain the full consequences of the above charge. If you do not live in Conway, SC or nearby, the firm can still represent you. The attorneys represent out of state defendants on a regular basis. As with any charge, keeping a clean record for a minor is of the utmost importance as future education and employment opportunities can be harmed by a conviction of an alcohol violation.
Contact Justin M. Lovely or Amy S. Lawrence for a free consultation to discuss your case and defenses you may have.
The Lovely Law Firm represents minors charged with alcohol violation in all area Courts, including but not limited to Surfside Beach Municipal Court, Conway Municipal court, Myrtle Beach Municipal Court, North Myrtle Beach Municipal Court, Conway Magistrate Court, Horry County General Sessions Court, and Georgetown.
