Fairview Underage DUI Lawyer

Fairview Underage DUI Attorney

The penalties for anyone under 21 who is caught driving while under the influence can be serious and potentially include jail time and heavy fines. If you are facing serious consequences for a DUI charge, you can rely on the services of our Fairview underage DUI lawyer to review your case and find the right legal strategy to minimize the penalties you are facing.

At Edwards Law, PLLC, our founding attorney is a former prosecutor, so he understands the tactics that are used by prosecutors to seek convictions. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney in Fairview is the most important step you can take to avoid the worst-case outcome of your criminal charges.

Why Choose Edwards Law, PLLC

Having a DUI on your record could be a serious setback for your personal life and professional career. Even a first-time conviction could make it more difficult to find employment, especially if you are looking for work in the transportation industry.

Our founding attorney is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with deep roots in the Western North Carolina legal system. A former prosecutor in Buncombe County, he now uses his extensive experience to defend clients facing criminal charges.

Our lead attorney’s experience is unmatched. He has tried numerous cases with favorable jury verdicts and countless cases before a judge. He now applies that same level of knowledge and dedication to defending individuals against underage DUI charges and other crimes.

Potential Penalties for Underage DUI

Underage DUI charges in North Carolina can lead to a Class 2 misdemeanor conviction. North Carolina has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to driving under the influence while under 21.

Drivers under 21 cannot operate a vehicle with any trace of alcohol or illegal substances in their system. Even the smallest amount of alcohol can trigger an immediate 30-day pretrial license revocation. If a driver refuses to take a test, the mere smell of alcohol on their breath is enough for a conviction of driving after drinking.

Offenders face a one-year license revocation. However, a judge may grant limited driving privileges to drivers who were at least 18 at the time of the offense and had no prior convictions.

Anyone convicted of underage DUI could face fines of up to $1,000. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries the potential of up to 60 days in jail. Even first-time offenders could face serious consequences, and aggravating factors like any bodily injury caused to others could lead to even harsher criminal charges.

A DUI can also cause your car insurance rates to increase significantly. Insurance companies view drivers with a DUI conviction as high-risk, which often leads to higher premiums. One way you can reduce the chances that you face these and other consequences is by hiring a law firm that understands how to defend underage DUI defendants in court successfully.

Criminal Defense Strategies for Underage DUI

Many of the legal defense strategies for underage drinking charges are commonly used to defend DUIs in general. Your attorney can review how and why you were arrested to see if your constitutional rights were violated or whether the officer violated the police department’s policies.

Another strategy could involve scrutinizing the evidence. Police departments are required to maintain and regularly calibrate breathalyzers. Any lapse found in those maintenance records could prove favorable to your defense.

Probable cause for an arrest for underage DUI could be based on something as scant as the arresting officer’s belief that they smelled alcohol. Upon closer scrutiny, that evidence could prove unreliable. If the officer has a history of making false underage DUI arrests or arrests that are later overturned, that could also help your case.

An attorney’s ultimate goal is to have their client’s criminal charges dropped or reduced. Another favorable outcome could come from a plea bargain when appropriate.

Your attorney can emphasize aspects of the case that paint you in a favorable light to reduce your chances of harsh penalties in Fairview, NC. Examples could be a lack of prior offenses, circumstances surrounding the incident, or evidence that may be challenged. A plea bargain can result in reduced charges, lesser penalties, or alternative sentencing options like probation or community service.

Fairview Underage DUI FAQs

Q: What Happens If You Get a DUI While Under 21 in Fairview, NC?

A: If you get a DUI while under 21 in North Carolina, you could face serious consequences. North Carolina has a no-tolerance policy for underage DUIs. Underage drivers convicted of a DUI in North Carolina face license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education, and possible jail time. The penalties can be more severe depending on the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC). Even a BAC of 0.01% can lead to conviction under the state’s strict laws.

Q: How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Fairview, NC?

A: The cost of a DUI lawyer in North Carolina varies based on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Factors like prior offenses or involvement in accidents can increase legal fees. Some lawyers offer flat rates, while others may charge hourly, depending on the specific circumstances and defense strategy needed. Attorneys who charge by the hour often require an upfront payment known as a retainer.

Q: What Is the Underage Drinking Law in Fairview, NC?

A: North Carolina law prohibits anyone under 21 from purchasing, attempting to purchase, possessing, or consuming alcohol. Violation of this law can result in fines, community service, mandatory alcohol education, and license suspension. Penalties increase for repeat offenses or if driving under the influence is involved.

Q: What Does Zero Tolerance Mean for Drivers Under 21 in Fairview, NC?

A: Zero tolerance means that drivers under 21 in North Carolina can be charged with a DUI if their BAC is as low as 0.01%. Underage DUIs are intended to send a clear message that anyone caught driving under the influence is subject to punishment. The state imposes strict penalties, including license suspension and fines, for any detectable amount of alcohol in an underage driver’s system.

Schedule Your Fairview Underage DUI Consultation Today

Don’t let an underage DUI conviction mar your record. The consequences of a Class 2 misdemeanor could follow you for decades. With legal representation, you can change the narrative surrounding your arrest. Prosecutors have a high burden to meet when proving crimes beyond a reasonable doubt, and any holes in their arguments could prove favorable to your case.

You may think that only felony charges require the help of a defense attorney, but that isn’t true. Edwards Law, PLLC, can help you navigate the complexities of your criminal charges. Our attorney can explore multiple legal strategies to help reduce the penalties you face. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.