Minor in Possession of Alcohol

[montconat]

My question involves criminal records for the state of: South Carolina

My daughter received a minor in possession of alcohol violation in South Carolina recently. I think she should just pay the fine or take the alcohol education program (though she lives outside SC). She's worried about having a record if she does that and instead wants to pay for a lawyer to expunge her record. This violation is a misdemeanor and is her first offense ever. I'm wondering how problematic it will be for her in the future (job applications, graduate school entry, etc) if she just pays the fine and has a misdemeanor on her record. How long does a misdemeanor stay on her record?

[CourtClerk]

If your daughter would like to fund her own legal defense, you should absolutely let her. Then let her pay whatever costs the courts impose on her. When she gets her money together to pay her attorney, she can discuss the pros and cons of pleading guilty or not guilty. Maybe then, she will learn a lesson. However, under no circumstances should YOU pay a dime.