Accomplished Charleston College Student Defense Attorneys

Last updated on April 22, 2026

A study by the National Institutes of Health states that the human brain is not fully mature until age 25. This may explain why many teens and college students make poor choices without considering the effects on their immediate and long-term future. If you or your child has been arrested or charged with a crime, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to mitigate the consequences.

At our firm, Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, we have years of experience defending students at the College of Charleston and other schools against a full range of criminal charges and school offenses. We are attorneys Adam and Kelley Young, and after working as prosecutors, we understand the negative effect that a criminal record can have on a young person’s future.

Consequences Of College Student Criminal Charges

Even a relatively minor offense such as underage drinking or shoplifting can result in a criminal record. Potential employers, landlords and volunteer organizations may turn down applicants with criminal records. Schools may also take action against students who are charged with crimes. A DUI/DWI conviction may result in a loss of scholarship or financial aid. The student might face consequences such as:

• Suspension
• Expulsion
• Rehabilitative coursework
• Reprimand in his or her permanent record

These severe consequences might also reach further into a young person’s life impacting his or her ability to receive an advanced degree through postgraduate schooling.

Common College Criminal Charges We Handle

Students can be charged with any type of crime, but below, we cover a few of the most common offense charges college students face in South Carolina. Whatever the charge, we will investigate the case and work to get the criminal charges reduced or dismissed when possible.

Underage Drinking, Minor In Possession, Public Intoxication

While alcohol is a big part of college culture, getting caught drinking or possessing alcohol by the police can lead to criminal charges. So can allegedly causing a disturbance while under the effects of alcohol, even if you are 21 or older. Public intoxication is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail or a $100 fine.

DUI/DWI

A conviction for drinking and driving can cost you your license or force you to pay for an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. We can use our experience to press for a dismissal or reduced charges, or a plea deal that restores your driving privileges sooner.

Possession Of A Fake ID

Possessing or manufacturing a phony driver’s license or other ID that misstates your age or other identifying information is against the law in South Carolina. Possession is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $100 or up to 30 days in jail.

Drug Possession

The sentences for drug possession charges vary depending on your prior record and the amount of drugs allegedly involved. For example, a conviction for simple possession of 28 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor. Possession of more than one ounce of marijuana is a more serious crime, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first offense. If you are accused of intending to distribute the marijuana, that is a felony-level charge even if you have no prior record.

Assault

A fight at a bar or house party can lead to an assault charge. Whether you get charged with third-degree assault and battery or a felony-level degree depends on factors like how severe the victim’s injuries were and whether a weapon was involved.

Shoplifting And Theft

A shoplifting charge for items worth less than $2,000 is a misdemeanor, but for items worth more than that, the charge is a felony with a penalty of up to five or ten years in prison, depending on value.

South Carolina Minor In Possession Charges

Minor in Possession charges can overwhelm students who are suddenly facing accusations that threaten academic plans and future opportunities. South Carolina treats underage alcohol offenses seriously. Even a first offense can lead to fines, community service, alcohol education requirements and a driver’s license suspension. 

This can create long‑term concerns about background checks or school disciplinary action. Guidance from a lawyer who understands the legal system in Charleston, Mount Pleasant and surrounding areas can make a difference in the outcome of minor in possession cases. 

As former 9th Circuit prosecutors, we bring a level of insight that is difficult to match. We know how local judges handle cases and which defenses are most effective in reducing or dismissing the allegations. Our background means we can anticipate flaws in the state’s evidence and challenge improper stops, testing procedures and officer assumptions.

Students and their parents can rest easy knowing that their case will receive personal attention rather than being passed to a junior associate. Our attorneys will review the details of the arrest, evaluate diversion or dismissal options and prioritize protecting the student’s record.

We believe a single mistake should not interfere with scholarships, internships or future employment. Our goal is to guide families through a stressful process with clarity and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to the student’s needs.

College Disciplinary Hearing Process

In addition to the criminal justice process, university students accused of criminal misconduct may also need to attend a college disciplinary hearing and face further penalties. The college disciplinary hearing process differs substantially from the criminal justice process, however.

For example, the objective of the criminal justice process is to penalize guilty offenders and potentially deter them from committing crimes in the future by handing down harsh punishments. While the goal of a college disciplinary hearing is to promote a safe environment on campus and educate students.

Moreover, the governing laws of both processes differ substantially. In relation to a criminal justice hearing, state and federal laws will be used to determine if a defendant is guilty or not. On the other hand, a college disciplinary hearing will abide by the rules dictated by the university.

The standard of proof utilized during each process will also be contrasting. In a criminal defense case, there must be evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that the perpetrator is guilty of the allegations they face. During a college disciplinary hearing, defendants can be found guilty based on the preponderance of evidence, which means that they more than likely committed the alleged crime.

Furthermore, a judge will typically preside over a criminal defense case, while a board of university committee members will hand down punishments during a college disciplinary hearing. The consequences of a criminal hearing will often lead to fines and jail time. Students found guilty during a disciplinary hearing will face suspension or expulsion from their university, potentially.

Why Choose Young & Young

Facing allegations as a college student can be a strenuous time and it can be challenging to know who to turn to. At Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, we have defended university students in the Charleston area since 2012 and are prepared to build a case that protects the rights of students and their ability to stay in school.

Additionally, attorneys Adam and Kelley Young have achieved immense success during their careers and have separated themselves from the typical trial lawyer. Based on their accomplishments and affiliation with The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 and Super Lawyers, college students can trust him to advocate for them and have their best interests in mind.

Beyond offering free initial consultations, we stand by students throughout the criminal justice and college disciplinary hearing processes and are passionate about helping young people leave their mistakes in the past.

Why Having A Defense Attorney Matters

As a college student, it can be tempting to try to handle a criminal charge on your own. The charge might seem minor, or you might be afraid to tell your parents you got in trouble. But taking on the police, prosecutor and courts alone will only make more trouble for you in the long run. You likely have more rights and options for dealing with the charge than you realize, and only an experienced defense attorney can explain those to you and help you assert them. The way your case gets resolved could affect your ability to graduate and your future plans. Working with one of our criminal defense lawyers is the best way to keep that from happening.

In addition, often, when a college student is charged with a criminal offense, the college or university will hold a separate disciplinary hearing. During that hearing, the college or university will determine if the student should be suspended, expelled or any other range of disciplinary penalties. As former prosecutors and experienced criminal defense lawyers, we have the skills to represent you for these school hearings.

Answering Questions About Minor In Possession Charges

Students and parents often have urgent questions after an MIP arrest, and clear answers can help them understand what comes next.

What are the immediate legal penalties for a Minor in Possession (MIP) in South Carolina?

An MIP conviction can result in fines, required alcohol education, community service and a driver’s license suspension. Even a first offense can trigger these penalties.

Will an MIP charge affect my college scholarships or enrollment at a Charleston university?

Yes. Being arrested for MIP can result in school disciplinary reviews. This can impact scholarships or campus housing. The exact consequences of the charge depend on the institution’s policies.

How can a former prosecutor help me fight an underage drinking charge and avoid a permanent record?

As former prosecutors, we can identify weaknesses in the state’s case and negotiate for diversion or dismissal. Our team works to help prevent the MIP charge from becoming part of a permanent criminal record.

Contact Us Today

Our office is close to the colleges and universities in Charleston, including the College of Charleston. For a free consultation to discuss your case, please call 843-619-7755. You may also contact us online.