The Hanzel Law Firm
Contact Us Today! 843.202.4714

Don’t Face the Justice System Alone.

Fight Potential DUI Penalties.

The penalties associated with a DUI conviction are serious. We can help minimize or avoid the negative impact they can have on your life.

Get Legal Help Now

Defending Against DUI Charges in

Understanding DUI & the Penalties

At The Hanzel Law Firm, we understand that individuals who have been pulled over and arrested for DUI or charged with drunk driving can be feeling incredibly uncertain about what the future holds. No matter your walk of life, any type of criminal charge could put things in perspective: What about your future? What about your freedom? What happens next? Our DUI defense attorney is prepared to answer your questions and make sure you understand your defense options. It is our goal to help minimize or completely avoid the consequences associated with a DUI charge.

Speak with an attorney confidentially by calling (843) 202-4714 now.

  • Michael B. Hanzel & Lauren Hanzel

    Former JAGs Providing Legal Counsel

    If you are facing criminal charges, such as sexual assault, drugs, DUI, or even attempted murder, having experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel can be vital. As accomplished military crimes attorneys, The Hanzel Law Firm can provide you with representation to help you gain confidence throughout the legal process.

    Both of our lawyers are military veterans and understand how important your career is to your livelihood. They have now turned their attention to defending our service members with skilled legal strategies. Being former JAGs has allowed them to gain unique knowledge into how many military prosecutors develop their arguments. We believe that someone who is willing to sacrifice so much for our country has already done enough fighting. Our legal team is focused on providing our clients with tougher than tough representation.

Our Case Results

Results While on Active Duty

  • Charges Dismissed

    All charges dismissed for an officer falsely accused of sexual assault, rape, conduct unbecoming, and fraternization. Overcame unlawful command influence of powerful Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and went toe-to-toe with the high-powered Washington DC law firm representing the complaining witness. Ultimately, won a motion striking down the Article 32 rules put out by the Secretary of the Navy himself, and got the case dismissed on the eve of trial through our own investigation that proved the complaining witness had lied. Then won a unanimous 3-0 no basis vote at the Board of Inquiry, fully exonerating this officer client.

  • Drop Of Administrative board

    In a senior officer case, persuaded NOAA to completely drop an administrative board against a ship Commanding Officer accused of breaking environmental regulations.

  • Case Won

    Represented a Navy Commander at a BOI where he was accused of abusive sexual contact and sexual harassment by three separate women and won a no basis.

  • Case Won

    Won a high-profile rape trial for a Navy SEAL accused of violent rape, aggravated assault and numerous other crimes. Was brought onto this case to salvage it from counsel who were floundering, and succeeded in getting client acquitted of all serious charges. The complaining witness was discredited, and he was only convicted of two minor charges based on his own statements, one of which was overturned later on appeal and the other of which is pending appeal.

  • Honorable Discharge

    Won an honorable discharge for a Navy SEAL who was jailed for months by the state of Virginia after a drunken bar fight in which he severely injured a civilian.

Put The Hanzel Law Firm in Your Corner

You Fought for Our Rights. Allow Us to Protect Yours.

  • Our Attorneys Have a Proven Track Record as US Navy JAGs

  • We Know the Criminal Justice System Inside & Out

  • We're Committed to Fighting for Your Constitutional Rights

  • Our Team Provides Zealous & Ethical Legal Advocacy

Send Us a Message

We're Prepared to Defend Your Freedom Against an Unfair Justice System - Call Now!

Common Penalties

Unlike most criminal cases, DUI cases will often involve two different processes: criminal and administrative. This means that individuals who have been arrested for a drunk driving offense could be subject to two types of penalties. When the stakes are high, you will need to work with a defense lawyer who understands how to navigate both sides of a DUI case.

  • Jail or Prison Time
  • License Suspension
  • Multiple Court Hearings
  • Court Fees & Fines
  • Possible License Revocation
  • Impounded Car
  • Required AA Classes
  • Ignition Interlock Device
  • Increased Insurance Rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the Answers You Need, Fast.

  • Questions

  • Will I be penalized if I refuse to take a chemical test?

    Answer

    Almost all states implement what are known as “Implied Consent Laws.” In the simplest definition, implied consent basically means that all legally licensed drivers have agreed to take and complete a blood, breath, or chemical test when asked by law enforcement (upon obtaining a valid license). This means that you must cooperate and subject to a chemical test if an officer suspects you of drunk driving. Refusal to take this test could result in an immediate suspension of your driver’s license.

  • Are penalties more severe for commercial drivers?

    Answer

    It depends. Any type of criminal arrest can be serious for a person who relies on his or commercial license for his or her career. This is also true for other professionals, such as teachers, doctors, or others who rely on security clearance for their job. If you depend on a commercial license (CDL) for your job, however, you could be facing an immediate revocation of your license and your livelihood could be at stake. Speak with us immediately to determine the next steps you can take to help reduce the negative impact of a DUI arrest.

  • What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?

    Answer

    An IID is a type of device that may be required to be installed in the vehicle of a driver who has been convicted of DUI. The device will prevent a driver from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol by requiring a breath sample prior to starting the vehicle or while the vehicle is running. If the device detects an elevated BAC level, the vehicle will not start.

  • Why do I need to hire a defense lawyer?

    Answer

    There are numerous working parts involved in a DUI-related offense, and many of these working parts have to do with serious administrative penalties, court fees, insurance problems, licensing issues, jail time sentences, and more. To increase your chances of avoiding these negative consequences, you should involve a defense lawyer in your case sooner rather than later. Fast, proactive action can help minimize or completely eliminate penalization.

What Factors Are Taken Into Consideration During Sentencing?

  • The type of drugs and narcotics involved
  • The quantity of drugs and narcotics
  • Nature and variety of prior criminal convictions
  • Overall criminal history of the defendant charged
  • Whether the defendant is curently on probation
  • The actual or potential harm to the public
  • The financial benefit to the defendant
  • The defendant's age
  • The defendant's own dependence on drugs or narcotics
  • The defendant's psychiatric history
  • Evidence of rehabilitation

Contact Us for a Free DUI Consultation!

Fill Out the Form or Call (843) 202-4714 Today.

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