You’re under 21. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. The last thing you need is a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction to change that. If you’re facing an under 21 DUI in Springfield, you could benefit from hiring an experienced attorney.
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. advocates for people facing criminal charges. It doesn’t matter whether this is your first or third arrest; you’re innocent until proven guilty, and our team aims to protect your reputation. A Springfield DUI attorney from our firm can build your defense and represent you at trial.
To explore your options during an initial consultation, call now.
Our Founding Partner Uses His Experience as a Prosecutor to Defend People
Having an attorney who understands how prosecutors think can be a tremendous advantage in a criminal trial. Our founding attorney, David C. McKenzie III, is a former Dauphin County Assistant District Attorney. His experience on the other side of the aisle can provide a potential advantage when it comes to defending you in an under 21 DUI case.
Attorney McKenzie III understands how prosecutors build criminal cases, which also means he knows how to attack them. With our team, you can rest assured knowing we’re fighting for the best possible outcome, whether that’s a dismissal, acquittal, or reduction in the charges you face.
For a free legal consultation with an under 21 dui lawyer serving Springfield, call (610) 680-7842
Our Springfield Under 21 DUI Lawyer Fights for Your Freedom
One of the most unsettling aspects of the criminal justice system is how dehumanizing the process can be. You are assigned a case number and then put through a process where you’re already treated guilty. You won’t feel that way when you work with McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. Our clients aren’t case numbers; they’re people.
We pride ourselves on being available when you have questions, offering hassle-free accessibility via phone calls, text messages, and email. When you entrust us with your case, you entrust us with your future, and we take that obligation seriously. Our firm will:
Examine the Evidence the Prosecution Has Against You
We will take a critical look at the evidence in your case and plan a defense that gives you the best chance of a positive outcome in your trial. Police are required to follow very specific procedures when making under 21 DUI arrests. Whether it is breathalyzer or field sobriety testing, if we can isolate procedural errors by the officer, we could have certain evidence dismissed, weakening the prosecution’s case.
Ensure the Police Didn’t Violate Your Rights
Your Springfield under 21 DUI lawyer can attack the state’s case. We can do this by examining the details of your arrest. For instance, the police must have probable cause to pull you over. They must also have reasonable suspicion that you are under the influence. By reviewing the circumstances of your arrest, we could persuade the judge that police had no probable cause to pull you over, and therefore, had no reason to arrest you.
Fight to Keep Your Driving Privileges
One of the most complicated aspects of an under 21 DUI arrest is that the criminal trial isn’t the only place you can be punished. Driver’s license suspension is a penalty applied by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PDOT), not the courts in Springfield.
Once you are arrested, the PDOT will begin the process of automatically suspending your driver’s license, no matter what the outcome of the trial is. However, an under 21 DUI attorney from our firm can file an administrative appeal of your license suspension and fight to help you keep your driving privileges.
Springfield Under 21 DUI Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Your Springfield Under 21 DUI Lawyer Protects You From These Penalties
The PDOT takes underage DUI cases very seriously. Even if you have a blood alcohol concentration level of .02 (which could constitute one drink, depending on your height and weight), you could face serious consequences.
Our criminal defense lawyers aim to protect you from the penalties of a first-time under 21 conviction, which may include:
- A license suspension of 12 to 18 months
- Forty-eight hours to six months of jail time
- Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000
These are just some things you could face if convicted of underage DUI in Springfield. You could also have to partake in mandatory community service and have a blemished driving record affect your insurance rates.
You could also have to pay to have your license reinstated, partake in educational courses, and have your car towed. By securing legal representation, you can avoid these legal issues and maintain your quality of life.
Click to contact our Springfield DUI Lawyers today
Your Springfield Under 21 DUI Lawyer Will Explore Conviction Alternatives
Although Pennsylvania takes a harsh stance on driving under the influence of alcohol, there is still a potential alternative to a conviction. Specifically, Pennsylvania has a program known as Accelerated Rehabilitative Discharge (ARD) for first-time nonviolent offenders. If you meet the prerequisites for this program and complete the state’s requirements, you could be eligible for the following:
- A dismissal of the charges you face
- An expungement of your criminal record
Your under 21 DUI lawyer must specifically request ARD and the prosecutor must agree to your participation. This is where Attorney David McKenzie III’s experience as a prosecutor may be of potential benefit to you.
He has been a part of these discussions as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor. He will work to present the strongest case possible for why you are a worthy candidate for ARD.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Talk to a Springfield Under 21 DUI Lawyer Today
An arrest for under-21 DUI is a scary thing, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life. If you’re facing this charge, you could benefit from having our criminal defense law firm advocate for you. We want to help you maintain your freedom, your driving privileges, and your reputation.
Your case is not hopeless, and you have a right to your day in court. It would be our honor to assist you in this fight. If you’d like to find out what a Springfield under 21 DUI lawyer from our firm can do for you, reach out to us for a free case review. You don’t have to fight an under 21 DUI case alone. We’re here for you when times get tough.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
