Alcohol Education Program

What is the Alcohol Education Program?

The Alcohol Education Program (AEP) offers an alternative to pleading guilty or having a trial before a Judge in court and is designed to combat underage drinking and high-risk behavior.

Who Qualifies For AEP?

Persons 17-20 years old, charged with alcohol-related offenses.

In South Carolina, an alcohol conviction may result in:

• Establishing a permanent criminal record
• Suspension of your driver’s license
• Payment of fines
• Loss of financial aid and/or scholarship eligibility

How Do I Enroll?

To enroll in AEP, you must apply directly to the Solicitor’s office at least one week BEFORE your court date OR by appearing at your court date and asking the court for a referral.

AEP Program Costs:

• Enrollment Fee:                                 $250
• Class Fee:                                          $100
• Victim Impact Panel Fee:                    $0
• Community Service Work:  20-30 hours

Expungement

Upon successful completion of AEP, you may apply to the court for an expungement of your arrest record. Expungement is the court ordered process in which the legal record of an arrest or conviction is erased from a person’s criminal background.

Costs: $250 Fee to Solicitor’s Office
$35 Filing Fee to Clerk of Court

Upon completion of AEP, the AEP case manager will contact you regarding your expungement.