Minor In Possession: What Parents Should Know
No parent wants criminal charges to cloud their son’s or daughter’s future, especially when they haven’t fully reached adulthood. Minor in possession charges are one type of offense that can have a long-lasting impact on your child’s opportunities. A conviction can damage his or her reputation, limit extracurricular activities, impact college applications and lead to suspension or expulsion. The charges may also surface on job applications down the road.
The circumstances surrounding the charges may not always be clear. Perhaps the police broke up a party and arrested or cited everyone there who was underage — even those who weren’t drinking. Your child may end up in jail or at a juvenile detention center. In those panicked moments after learning of the arrest, it’s important to stay calm and make wise decisions. The best way to protect your child’s future is to enlist the help of an experienced defense attorney.
We Understand the High Stakes
At The Law Office of Kenneth M. Mathews in Columbia, we understand what’s at stake in these cases. You can count on our attorneys to handle your son or daughter’s case with the utmost of care and dedication. As a former prosecutor, attorney Foster Mathews has a valuable perspective on how to fight these charges. Our entire team will go out of our way to not only minimize or avoid the criminal penalties, but also limit the affect on your child’s future.
Defense of College Students
Alcohol-related charges can lead to a cascade of consequences for college students, including:
- Fines and potential jail time
- Suspension or other university disciplinary measures
- Loss of scholarships
- Suspension from athletics and other extracurricular activities
- Loss of driver’s license
Older students may face similar consequences for furnishing alcohol to minors. Our lawyers handle all types of underage drinking charges. We can help you navigate the charges as well as the academic-related disciplinary measures.
Learn More
Take the next step by scheduling a private consultation with one of our lawyers. To get started, call 803-252-1242 or send us an email.