Charleston Minor In Possession (MIP) Attorneys
Last updated on September 8, 2026
South Carolina law prohibits anyone under 21 from possessing or consuming alcohol. These charges demand immediate attention from seasoned defense attorneys who understand Charleston’s court system.
Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, brings over 25 years of insight to MIP cases in Charleston and surrounding communities. Our team includes former state prosecutors and an experienced former judge, meaning we know exactly how local prosecutors build cases – and how to defend against them effectively. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
What Is Minor In Possession?
An MIP offense occurs when an individual under 21 is found with alcohol in his or her possession. In South Carolina, even holding an unopened alcoholic beverage container can lead to MIP charges for a minor.
South Carolina Underage Drinking Laws And Penalties
The legal drinking age in South Carolina is 21, and underage possession of alcohol is prohibited. Penalties can include:
- Fines of up to $200 and mandatory court costs
- Community service requirements
- Potential suspension of a minor’s driver’s license
- A permanent record that can impact future education and employment opportunities
Avoiding or mitigating these penalties often requires a skilled lawyer who understands South Carolina’s MIP laws.
Why Choose Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, For Your MIP Defense In Charleston?
By choosing us, you get:
- Direct partner representation – we personally handle your case
- Former prosecutors who understand both sides of MIP cases
- Established relationships with local courts and law enforcement
- 24/7 availability for emergency consultations
Do not face MIP charges alone; we can help.
Navigating Charleston Courts And Diversionary Options
MIP citations issued in areas like King Street, Mount Pleasant or Folly Beach all funnel through Charleston County’s magistrate court system. How your case moves through that system depends heavily on the quality of your legal representation from the start.
After a citation is issued, law enforcement submits a police report that the solicitor’s office uses to build its case. Because our team includes former state prosecutors and an experienced former judge, we know exactly how Charleston County magistrates evaluate police reports. That insight allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case early and act on them strategically.
Our partners handle every case directly, so the attorneys who understand Charleston’s court system are the same ones working on your behalf from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions About MIP
Here are some of the most asked questions we address.
Can parents allow their minor children to drink?
South Carolina law prohibits parents from providing alcohol to minors, even in private homes.
Will I lose my driver’s license if I’m convicted of MIP?
Possibly, depending on the circumstances.
What happens if I’m caught with a fake ID?
Using a fake ID can lead to additional criminal charges, which could further complicate your case.
Will I get kicked out of college or high school if I am charged with an MIP?
It depends. Typically, your college or high school will initiate an administrative hearing, which is separate from your criminal case. Some outcomes from the administrative school hearing may include suspension, probation or expulsion.
What happens if a College of Charleston or The Citadel student gets an MIP off-campus?
Defending college students facing an off-campus citation means addressing two separate concerns at once. The first is the criminal citation itself, which moves through municipal court. The second is that many schools, including the College of Charleston and The Citadel, have their own student conduct policies that can trigger a separate administrative hearing, even when the offense happened off-campus. This means that a single citation can put both your academic standing and your scholarship at risk if it is not handled properly.
Is there a way to keep a Charleston underage drinking charge off my permanent record?
Charleston County offers diversionary programs like the Alcohol Education Program (AEP), which gives eligible individuals the opportunity to complete alcohol education coursework in exchange for a dismissal of their charge. Once the charge is dismissed, you may then qualify to have it expunged – meaning it gets cleared from your record entirely.
Should my child just pay the MIP ticket and avoid going to court?
Many think paying the fine is the easiest way out, but doing so is the legal equivalent of admitting guilt. Once that payment goes through, your child has a permanent criminal record – one that shows up on background checks for jobs, graduate school applications and housing.
Reach Out To Us
Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, offers free consultations to discuss your options and build a strong defense. Call us in Charleston at 843-619-7755 or complete the online contact form to protect your future.
