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Are you a college student facing a drunk driving charge? Has your child in college been arrested for a DUI?
We are Columbia college student DUI lawyers. At Shealey Law Firm, we help students and family navigate driving under the influence charges.
Consultations are free, and our fees are affordable. Call 803-590-3917 or message our Columbia student defense lawyers to discuss your case.
Attorneys for College Students Facing Drunk Driving Charges
If you’re facing drunk driving charges, there are things you can do – and what you do next may have a significant impact on your future.
As lawyers for college students facing drunk driving charges, we help our clients with any of the following:
- What am I facing? What are the possible consequences for a DUI as a college student?
- How does the state prove the case against me? Do they have a strong case? What defenses do I have?
- Is a plea deal a possibility in my case?
- Should I take my case to trial? How do I present my defenses at trial?
- What do I need to be doing right now to help me case? How do I comply with the conditions of bail or interim release?
It’s our job to explain the law and discuss your options with you. We know what consequences you might face and possible defenses. Our legal team helps you understand the process, and we represent you at each stage until your case is complete.
To start your case today, contact our offices at 803-590-3917, or message us online.
College Student DUI Charges in Columbia, SC
College student DUI charges in Columbia, SC are the same drunk driving laws that apply to all drivers throughout the state – S.C. Code § 56-5-2930, driving under the influence of alcohol and S.C. Code § 56-5-2933, driving with an unlawful bodily alcohol content of .08% or more.
- $400 fine or 48 hours-30 days jail
- The court may order community service instead of jail
- Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP), education and treatment
- Driver’s license suspension
- Restitution, if any
- Fines and potential jail time increase if your bodily alcohol content is high
The court may allow you to serve community service or jail around your school schedule, but it must be requested. Your obligations must be completed in a timely manner.
It may seem tempting to plead guilty to resolve your case as quickly as possible. However, that may not be what’s best for you – now or in the future. There may be defenses to the charges that can reduce the consequences or result in dismissal of your case. Plus, there may be long-term consequences to your career that you can avoid or minimize by addressing your DUI up front.
We hope you’ll take the time to contact us to learn more about your case and how a Columbia college student DUI lawyer from Shealey Law Firm can assist you. We’re available for consultations, and we’re taking new cases.
DUIs and College Disciplinary Proceedings
As a college student facing a DUI, you have two problems. First, you’re facing criminal charges. Second, you may face disciplinary proceedings through your university.
Can you get expelled from college for a DUI?
Most colleges have a code of conduct that allows for student discipline for a DUI offense, up to and including expulsion. Getting a drunk driving conviction is not a guarantee that you’ll be expelled from school, but it is one possibility for a DUI.
University of South Carolina student code of conduct DUI and drunk driving
The University of South Carolina student code of conduct addresses alcohol-related and drunk driving offenses. Students are expected to comply with state law including drunk driving laws. The student code of conduct says that a student may face disciplinary action for violating a criminal law.
University of South Carolina Students may have a conference or hearing about the drunk driving allegations against them. Case outcomes depend on a variety of circumstances including whether the student has a prior history of discipline and the severity of the alleged conduct. Certain alcohol-related code of conduct violations may result in parent notification. Disciplinary action by the university may be noted on the student’s transcript.
Colleges we serve
Our law firm can help you if you attend any college in the Columbia, SC area, including:
- University of South Carolina
- Benedict College
- Columbia College
- Columbia International University
- Fortis College
- South University, Columbia
- Midlands Technical College
- W.L. Bonner College
Common Plea Bargain for College Student DUI
You may have heard that plea bargains are common in DUI cases. That’s true – the courts don’t have time to conduct a trial for each person charged with a crime. The state relies on plea bargaining to clear its docket. That can mean agreeing to admit guilt in exchange for lesser maximum penalties.
College students facing DUI charges are often first-time offenders. They often qualify for a plea bargain, but whether they’ll get one depends on a lot of factors, including what they do following the DUI and skilled case negotiations with the help of a lawyer. Reckless driving is an example of a plea bargain that may be possible. But it’s just a possibility – the state must agree to offer it, and you must decide that it’s right for you.
You should know the pros and cons of any proposed plea agreement and discuss it with a lawyer. A lawyer from Shealey Law Firm can help you explore plea bargains, how to get a good plea bargain and whether you want to accept an offer. This is part of our case evaluation and strategy planning for each client we serve.
Talk to a Lawyer – Free Consultations
We regularly talk to students who are facing DUI charges. They want to know what comes next and how to get their life back. We talk to parents, too. They’re worried about their child’s future.
Don’t just worry when you can call Shealey Law Firm. If you’re facing a DUI as a Columbia area college student, we can help. You can talk to a college student DUI lawyer at Shealey Law Firm. Call 803-590-3917 or message us now. Your consultation is free. Contact us to begin.