The Alcohol Education Program (AEP) is a state-authorized diversion program administered by the Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office for eligible first-time offenders charged with certain alcohol-related and other qualifying Magistrate or Municipal Court offenses.
AEP provides participants an opportunity to resolve eligible charges through education, counseling, drug and alcohol screening, community service and other program requirements. Successful completion allows the participant to pursue destruction of the arrest record associated with the charge. An individual may participate in AEP only once.
Eligibility
AEP is available for eligible first-time offenders charged with certain Magistrate or Municipal Court offenses.
Eligible charges may include Possession of Alcohol by a Minor, Disorderly Conduct, Public Drunk, Open Container, Littering, False Information as to Age, and Use or Possession of Altered Identification.
Enrollment
At enrollment, each participant reads and signs an AEP Participation Contract. A criminal history check is conducted and counseling is scheduled.
Participants are responsible for completing prescribed classes, mandatory random drug and alcohol screenings, community service and other assigned program requirements.
Fees
Participants are responsible for a $250 enrollment fee and a $100 class fee payable to the Solicitor’s Office.
An additional $35 class fee is payable to the South Carolina National Safety Council. Fees are paid separately as required by the program.
Completion
Participants must successfully complete all assigned AEP requirements.
Upon successful completion, an expungement order for destruction of the arrest record will be processed. Expungement fees apply.