I was cited for underage drinking, but after doing community service, paying a fine, and taking a class, the charges were dismissed. Even though the citation was dismissed, I am still losing my license. Is this possible? and WHY?
It is still possible for you to lose your license, even though you completed community service and the charges were dropped. The reason is because suspension of a driver’s license can occur as a result of a criminal charge or through a civil forfeiture. In South Carolina, if a minor below the age of 18 is caught with tobacco, the minor is technically not criminally charged with any crime, but is subject to a civil fine. The same also applies to instances where a person refuses to submit to a sobriety test if they are believed to be driving under the influence. The answer is basically that a driver’s license is a privilege granted by the state, and not a right, so it is possible for you to lose your license, despite the fact that all other charges were dropped.
