Children will be children. And when they’re at certain ages, they feel invincible and that nothing could ever hurt them. However, the State of South Carolina doesn’t feel the same way, especially when it comes to underage drinking and minors driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Young adults under the age of 21 can be charged with DUI or minor possession of alcohol (MIP) even if they weren’t drinking. A MIP charge could lead to fines, not to mention affect their eligibility for academic scholarships and limiting their driving privileges. DUI convictions and repeat offenses could lead to dramatic increases in fines and jail time.
If your son or daughter needs help preparing for an upcoming case, read on and contact an experienced DUI Lawyer in Greenville at 864-523-7776 to learn more about underage DUI cases in South Carolina.
The Damage a DUI Can Do to Your Record
Underage DUI charges in South Carolina can ruin your reputation, exclude the individual from many school sports and activities, and even ruin your college career.
A student convicted of DUI in South Carolina could lose scholarships and get suspended from school. They might even find it more difficult to find a good job.
Keep in mind that being convicted of a DUI in South Carolina will leave a permanent criminal record. However, the DUI will be removed from your driving record only after 10 years.
DUI arrests are also subject to investigations for up to 7 years after the day the arrest was made, and will be available on the criminal background checks for the indefinite future.
How Can a Lawyer Help Someone Arrested for Underage DUI in SC?
The penalties that come with an underage DUI conviction are quite heavy. At DUI Lawyer Greenville, we know that everyone makes mistakes.
We take pride in defending people accused of underage drinking DUIs throughout South Carolina, and we are committed to holding law enforcement accountable for any aggressive tactics, including oversights in their testing procedures for DUI arrests.
The arresting officers often make mistakes. Sometimes, they don’t follow the proper protocols. Our team can immediately tell if protocols were violated, which could play an important role in your defense. We can challenge the prosecution’s case at every turn.
Field sobriety tests and breathalyzer tests can’t be trusted 100% for accuracy.
When you reach out to a skilled DUI lawyer in Greenville, you’ll have made an important first step. Keep in mind that you have to go through the standard booking procedure once you’re arrested.
This entails having your picture taken, getting your fingerprints done, and undergoing the bond process. You will need to have a bond hearing within 24 hours.
A lawyer will start building your case as soon as you contact them. They could try to negotiate with the prosecutor or get you into a diversionary program to reduce the risk as much as possible.
In some cases, they might get you a Temporary Alcohol License, which would allow you to drive without any restrictions while awaiting a hearing.
The Zero Tolerance Law for Underage Drinking DUI in South Carolina
In South Carolina, drivers under the age of 21 are presumed to have given consent to chemical tests of their blood or breath to determine if there’s the presence of alcohol. This means that if your child is pulled over on suspicion of DUI, the police could demand a breath sample, urine, or blood sample.
If the BAC is found to be 0.02% or higher, it could lead to underage DUI charges, and the driver’s license will be suspended automatically. However, you have the right to get an administrative hearing to pursue the reinstatement of your driver’s license.
The hearing can be done while the DUI case is pending.
If the driver refuses to be tested, the license will be suspended automatically for 6 months, especially if it’s the first offense. If the driver has had a prior DUI conviction or has had their license suspended in the last 3 years for failure to provide a sample, their license is suspended for one year.
At DUI Lawyer Greenville, we can help you get back your driving privileges. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can get to work to build the strongest possible case.
Consult an Experienced Underage DUI Attorney Today
The DUI defense team at DUI Lawyer Greenville has represented minor drivers charged in underage drinking DUI cases along with other drug-related offenses. We can provide you with legal advice about the underage DUI case and your legal options. We will listen to you, and work to get you the best possible outcome.
Call us at 864-523-7776 or email us to schedule a free consultation with an underage DUI lawyer in Greenville.
