Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Diversion Programs
Robert M. Ariail, Circuit Solicitor

Alcohol Education Program

Act 35, H3490 became effective June 6, 2007.  This legislation adds Article 5 to Title 17, Chapter 22, by creating the Alcohol Education Program Act.  Beginning January 1, 2008, applications will be accepted for the Alcohol Education Program (AEP) in Pickens County.  Applicants must be referred from the Magistrate or Municipal Court Judge using the AEP Referral Form.

Eligibility

Individuals may be considered for the program if he or she

1. is at least seventeen years old but less than twenty-one years old at the time of arrest;
2. has not prior alcohol-related offenses and
3. has no prior delinquency or criminal activity on his or her record.

Offenses

Individuals charged with the following offenses may be considered for the program:

1. purchase or possession of beer or wine by a person under the age of twenty-one pursuant to Section 20-7-8920;
2. purchase or possession of alcoholic liquors by a person under the age of twenty-one pursuant to Section 20-7-8925
3. open container in a motor vehicle pursuant to Section 61-4-110;
4. public disorderly conduct pursuant to Section 16-17-530;
5. littering pursuant to Section 16-11-700;
6. providing false information concerning age to purchase beer or wine pursuant to Section 61-4-60; 
7. unlawful purchase of beer or wine for a person who cannot legally buy for consumption on the premises pursuant to Section 61-4-80;
8. transfer of beer or wine for underage person's consumption pursuant to Section 61-4-90;
9. transfer of alcoholic liquors for underage person's consumption pursuant to Section 61-6-4070;
10. possession of an altered driver's license or other false documentation pursuant to Section 56-1-515;
11. another offense similar in nature and severity to the above-described offenses, as determined by the circuit solicitor.  However, the provisions of this item may not be construed to include an offense numerated in Section 56-5-2930  or Section 56-5-2933
    
    Benefits of Participation
    Opportunity to eliminate a criminal record.
    Opportunity to keep driver’s license in cases where conviction would result in suspension of driver’s license (ex: Underage Alcohol Violations)
    Opportunity for South Carolina residents to retain LIFE Scholarship benefits.
    
    FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
    
    Teresa Looper, Program Coordinator at (864)898-5629 or tlooper@greenvillecounty.org.
    
    Alcohol Education Program
    113 Court Street Pickens, SC 29671
    (864)-898-5628
    (864)-898-5632 (FAX)