So I got pulled over for speeding in South Carolina 60 in a 45, had a small joint about 1gram or so. I had smoked in the truck about 30minutes or so before I got pulled over, the officer smelled it and asked me to perform the field sobriety tests. Apparently I failed. I was issued a ticket for DUI 1st and Simple Possesion, not for speeding.
This was my first time ever getting pulled over after just getting my license a month before, I was pretty nervous and shakey I informed him of this. I did not feel high at all or even under the influence but he told me the tests said otherwise so.
I go to the police station he books me in I sign all the paper work. Now I do the breath test because I was not drinking alcohol, but I refused the urine test he tells me my license is suspended in SC If I choose to do so. The officer informed me that he would not be attending the hearing by the DMV for such actions so I would get my license back for said time until proven guilty for DUI. Moving on arrested, booked transported to local county jail bonded out next day 1600$.
so here are my questions regarding the situation
1. The officer told me I should fight it in court to get it reduced to reckless driving
due to my age (19) and lack of criminal history (none what so ever). What are the chances of this happening?
2. I can't afford a paid lawyer, everyone I have called is way out of my price range. How well are the court appointed attorneys? Will this greatly decrease my chance of getting my charge reduced?
3. If charged with DUI is there anyway I can keep my license as it is needed for my job, and such a charge will probably be the end of it for me.
Thanks for the help in advanced, if you have any questions about the situation and would like to help feel free to pm/post thanks.