My question involves criminal law for the state of: South Carolina
I am the parent of a 16 year old charged with simple possession.
Situation- Several juveniles (15 years - 17 years) congregated at a residence. All juveniles went outside and one of two brought an undeterminant amount of marijuana with the intentions of smoking. Due to a neighbor complaint the police arrived. The marijuana was hidden but then found by the police. When questioned none of the juveniles confessed to ownership so subsequently all juveniles were charged with simple possession and would be notified of a family court date. This situation happened during school hours so the school's resource officer held them at the residence until the parents came to pick each one up. My child denies it was his and states that he knows a few of the juveniles do smoke drugs. After testing my child three times (2 at home tests and one physician's test) all came back negative for any drug usage.
1. I have debated on whether or not to retain a lawyer for the charge, would this be a good decision?
2. Can this charge stick with the negative drug tests and the notarized affidavit stating it was not his drugs?
3. There was an adult at the residence who happens to be a parent of one of the juveniles, is there some liability or responsibility there?

