My question involves criminal law for the state of: South Carolina
Hello,
My daughter was charged with a MIP and her court date is Sept 28th. I am getting conflicting information on how this all works. She tells me that all she has to do is go to court and the ticket will be dropped if she attends a class. She has never been charged with anything before. She is a college student and 19. My friend is telling me I should hire a lawyer b/c it could go on her permanent record and potentially harm her from getting a job when she graduates. My friend's daughter went through the same thing in Ohio. She hired a lawyer and the charges where dropped and she didn't have to go to any classes. I don't know what the best route to go is. So, I am trying to understand what I should do. My daughter makes it sound like it's no big deal, and she won't have a record, that's what the classes prevent. My friend says this is up to the judge and there are no guarantees and if the judge wants to make an example of her he/she will. In other words, it's up to the judge to decide if she can even take the classes. I just don't want her to have a record if it can be prevented. I guess my question is do I need a lawyer to represent her?
Thanks for your help!

