Alcohol Education Program (AEP)

Alcohol Education Program (AEP)

 The Alcohol Education Program (AEP) is a diversion program under the supervision of the Tenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The program allows the defendant to be diverted from court  and is designed for first time offenders with magistrate/municipal court alcohol offenses. AEP requires the participant to pay the required fees, attend the  scheduled monthly appointments and submit completed community service work, and complete alcohol education classes. When a person successfully completes the program, the charge(s) will be dismissed.

AEP will increase awareness of underage drinking by providing accurate information regarding the abuse of alcohol. The program will focus on providing knowledge of the negative effects of alcohol abuse and how individual choices can impact the lives of others.

A person may only participate in the program once. A person’s participation in AEP does not prevent his/her future participation in the Pretrial Intervention Program. A person who successfully completes AEP will be eligible to apply to the court for an expungement of the arrest record. A person who fails to complete the program requirements will be terminated from the program and the offense will be returned to court for prosecution.

Eligibility:

The Alcohol Education Program is an alternative to court for individuals ages 18 to 20 who are charged with alcohol related offenses. A person may be considered for the program if:

  • The applicant is between the ages of 18 and 20 at the time of arrest.
  • Has no prior alcohol-related offenses.
  • Has no significant prior delinquency, criminal activity or alcohol related traffic offenses.

Eligible Alcohol Offenses include:

  • purchase or possession of beer or wine by a person under the age of twenty-one
  • purchase or possession of alcoholic liquors by a person under the age of twenty-one
  • open container
  • public disorderly conduct
  • littering
  • providing false information concerning age
  • unlawful purchase of beer or wine for a person who cannot legally buy
  • transfer of beer or wine for underage person’s consumption
  • transfer of alcoholic liquors for underage person’s consumption
  • possession of an altered driver’s license

How to Apply:

Applications are accepted Monday through Friday until 4:00 PM.

 What Documents Do I Need?

  1. Copy of current, unexpired government issued picture identification. (driver’s license, beginner’s permit, state identification card, passport).
  2. Copy of social security card, social security benefit statement (SSA form 1099) or a printout from the social security office.
  3. Copies of ticket(s) or warrant(s).
  4. Any paperwork from the court.
  5. $250 money order or cashier’s check payable to AEP.

Alcohol Education Offices

Anderson County Office

Physical Address: Anderson County Courthouse, 100 S Main St., 2nd Floor, Anderson, SC 29624

Oconee County Office

Physical Address: Oconee County Courthouse, 205 W. Main St., Walhalla, SC 29691

At this time, applications for Oconee PTI, AEP, and TEP, as well as expungements, may be completed at either the Oconee or Anderson offices.

All mail should be sent to:

Attn: Diversion
Tenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office
PO Box 8002
Anderson, SC 29622

All calls regarding PTI, AEP, TEP and expungements should be directed to our Anderson office at 864-260-4042.