Charleston Underage DUI Attorney

Fighting Underage DUI Charges in South Carolina

When it comes to defending the rights of young individuals who have been charged with underage DUI, Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A. is your trusted legal partner. Our Charleston underage DUI lawyer understands the unique challenges and concerns that come with these cases and is committed to providing unwavering legal support to protect your future. We aim to ensure that your rights are upheld, and we will fight vigorously to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Call Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A. today at (843) 790-0083 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our underage DUI lawyer in Charleston.

What is Considered an Underage DUI?

Driving under the influence when underage is a serious offense in South Carolina. The state's legal blood alcohol concentration limit for those under 21 is 0.02%. This strict limit is much lower than adults' standard 0.08% BAC limit.

An underage DUI charge can result from not only alcohol but also the use of drugs, including prescription medications or illegal substances. If a law enforcement officer believes that you are operating a vehicle under the influence, you can be subject to arrest and charged with an underage DUI.

What Are the Penalties for Underage DUI in South Carolina?

The penalties for an underage DUI in South Carolina can be severe and have a lasting impact on your life. It is crucial to understand these consequences, which may include:

• License Suspension: Your driver's license may be suspended if you are convicted of an underage DUI. The length of the suspension can vary depending on the circumstances and prior offenses.
• Fines: You may be required to pay fines, which can significantly impact your finances.
• Community Service: In some cases, you might be ordered to perform community service as part of your sentence.
• Mandatory Alcohol Education Programs: You could be required to attend alcohol education or treatment programs to address any substance abuse issues.
• Criminal Record: An underage DUI conviction will result in a permanent mark on your criminal record, which can affect future job opportunities, college admissions, and more.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Insurance premiums are likely to increase substantially after an underage DUI conviction, placing additional financial burdens on you and your family.
• Potential Jail Time: In more serious cases or for repeat offenses, you may face incarceration.

Defenses Against Underage DUI Charges

Some common defense strategies against underage DUI charges may include:

• Lack of Probable Cause: We can investigate your arrest's circumstances to determine whether law enforcement had a valid reason to stop you and conduct sobriety tests.
• Accuracy of Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests are often used to establish impairment. We can examine whether the tests were administered correctly and if they can be challenged.
• BAC Test Accuracy: Breathalyzer and blood tests are not infallible. We can scrutinize the administration of these tests and explore potential issues with their accuracy.
• Rights Violations: We can assess whether your constitutional rights were violated during the arrest, including Miranda rights and search and seizure procedures.
• Rising Blood Alcohol Levels: It is possible that your BAC was below the legal limit when driving but increased by the time you were tested. This can be a valid defense in some cases.
• Negotiation and Reduction: We can explore potential plea bargains or reductions of charges to minimize the impact on your future.

Contact Our Charleston Underage DUI Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one is facing underage DUI charges in Charleston, acting swiftly and seeking experienced legal counsel is crucial. Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A. is here to help you navigate this challenging legal process and protect your rights and future.

Our Charleston underage DUI lawyer is dedicated to providing an aggressive, effective defense and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible results. Don't let an underage DUI conviction derail your future. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you build a strong defense against these charges. Your future is at stake, and we are here to protect it.

Contact Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A. today to get started with our Charleston underage DUI attorney.