Blog Posts - Dui defense
How Long Will I Lose My License After a DUI in South Carolina?
A DUI charge can mean an automatic license suspension in South Carolina. And without a license to drive, the consequences of a DUI conviction can be amplified. Getting to work may become a challenge, which will make the steep fines you’re facing that much more difficult to address. If you’re looking at a DUI charge,…
READ MOREHow can a DUI conviction impact my commercial driver’s license?
Commercial vehicles are a common sight on the South Carolina roads. Trucks go to, from and through the state delivering and carting items that are vital to everyday life. This can include food, materials, retail items and more. For commercial drivers, it is imperative that they maintain their status as holders of a commercial driver’s…
READ MOREHow a DUI can threaten your college education
College is an exciting time for young adults. Newfound independence often comes with having to make important decisions on your own, including whether to drink and drive. Unfortunately, millions of college students choose to drive while intoxicated. While you may be aware of the legal consequences of a DUI, such as fines, imprisonment, and license…
READ MOREThe damage a DUI conviction may do to your career
A DUI conviction promises ramifications beyond criminal penalties. On the surface, you understand that you face incarceration, probation, steep fines, restitution, loss of your driver’s license as well as your vehicle. But digging deeper, you also face stark challenges to your professional career. A DUI conviction means that you now have a criminal record. You…
READ MORERise in DUI arrests in South Carolina may be on the way
Arrests for driving under the influence in South Carolina is often categorized in a certain way with the alleged DUI driver negatively perceived as reckless, irresponsible and a danger to others. While this is an easy assumption to make, just because a person is arrested and charged does not automatically imply guilt. For residents of…
READ MOREAre repeat DUI offenders more dangerous on the road?
The state of South Carolina has harsh penalties for anyone caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, studies have shown that many people continue to drive under the influence after racking up a DUI charge or two. Repeat offenders are some of the most dangerous people on the road. What are the…
READ MOREWhen could felony DUI charges apply in South Carolina?
As most people know, felony criminal charges typically have the possibility of steeper consequences if a person faces a conviction. In some cases, crimes that often fall into the category of a misdemeanor charge could increase to a felony if certain details apply. As a result, it is always wise to fully understand any allegation…
READ MOREDid you know sober people can fail field sobriety tests?
Are you under the impression that field sobriety tests are definitive indicators of intoxication? Do you believe that you are required to participate in these tests if asked by a police officer? If you answer yes to either or both of these questions, keep reading. First, field sobriety tests are not as accurate as you…
READ MOREDid peer pressure lead to a DUI for your college student?
Sending your child off to a South Carolina college was likely an event that left you with mixed emotions. You most likely felt pride, concern, sadness, happiness, excitement and apprehension for the new chapter in life your child was starting. You may have anticipated phone calls telling you about college life and learning that your…
READ MOREThe stress of being a doctor can lead some to alcohol
You may have known from the time you were young that you wanted to be a doctor. You studied hard all through your school years and looked forward to the time when you could gain practical experience in helping people with their medical concerns. In the beginning of your career, you may have been bright-eyed…
READ MOREWhat can increase the penalties of a DUI conviction?
You may think that driving home after having a couple drinks is no big deal. However, when you are facing DUI charges and the consequences and penalties that follow, you may have a different opinion. A simple first offense DUI conviction can leave you with long-lasting struggles in many areas of your life, but there…
READ MOREBinge drinking is a serious problem
Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking alcohol designed to get you drunk and your blood alcohol content above the legal limit. Binge drinking is a common, excessive and potentially deadly act in the United States. The last study conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 2015, found that those ages 18-24 and…
READ MOREYou do not feel impaired. Could you still face DUI charges?
No one wants to end up pulled over by a police officer after having a fun night out. Of course, officers have a job to do, and you could be the one who ends up in their line of sight for whatever initial reason. If an officer stops your vehicle and suspects that you are…
READ MOREReasonable defense options when fighting a DUI in South Carolina
Perhaps you were out with friends or headed home from a nice dinner when you noticed flashing lights behind you. When an officer pulls you over for suspected drunk driving, it can be frightening, but it can be especially overwhelming to find yourself facing DUI charges. Whether it is your first offense or you have…
READ MOREHow law enforcement agencies target drivers on I-85
The number of stories is almost staggering. Search for “drug charges I-85” online and you’ll get page after page of results from recent years. There are many stories and press releases about officers arresting individuals for drugs after traffic stops on Interstate 85. It’s not an accident. As a story by the Greenville News makes…
READ MOREConsequences of a DUI for underage drivers
Facing DUI charges can be terrifying for anyone. Whether it’s your first offense, you refused to consent to a breath test or more, the consequences can be steep and you may wonder how the penalties may affect your life. For underage drivers, the effects of a DUI conviction can be even more devastating. While South…
READ MOREBias in field sobriety tests
Even if you have never been pulled over for a DUI before, you have likely seen some version of a field sobriety test on a movie or in other media. Some of them seem relatively easy, while others look impossible to complete even when sober. When an officer pulls someone over for suspected drunk driving,…
READ MOREWhat really happens if you refuse the Breathalyzer?
If you are pulled over for DUI, you are required to submit to testing. Right? That’s not quite true. Under South Carolina law, you can legally refuse to provide a breath, blood or urine sample. But if you do so, you are automatically subject to certain consequences, namely license suspension. The question is not can…
READ MORE‘Officer, I swear I was not drinking *while* driving.’
A Florida driver who was caught with an open bottle of bourbon had a novel defense to a DUI arrest. He claimed he was only drinking at stop signs. So, you know, he wasn’t drinking while driving. That would be irresponsible. Obviously, his brilliant legal excuse did not prevent his DUI arrest. It does emphasize…
READ MORESloppy turn signal is not basis for stop, search and conviction
A Texas appeals court has thrown out the drug conviction of a man who was pulled over on the shaky excuse of being tardy in signaling a lane change. The appellate court said that the trumped-up traffic violation did not justify a traffic stop and warrantless vehicle search that ultimately led to the man being…
READ MOREThere is no ‘dope-alyzer’ for driving while high
Any marijuana in a driver’s blood can trigger DUI charges Marijuana possession has become legal in nine states and a lower priority for law enforcement elsewhere. But driving under the influence of marijuana or other drugs remains illegal in every state, including South Carolina. Unlike alcohol, there is no blood or breath test for marijuana…
READ MOREWhat is a “felony DUI” in South Carolina?
Felony DUI is that worst case scenario. Driving under the influence is typically a misdemeanor offense. Any DUI is a serious charge because of the many consequences. But when a DUI is charged as a felony, the stakes are even higher, with the real possibility of prison time. When does a DUI become a felony?…
READ MOREShould You Submit To Breath And Field Sobriety Tests?
Being pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving is an extremely frightening and jarring experience. Many questions may arise in the mind of the driver: What should I say? Why did they pull me over? Do I have to take a breath test if they ask? Should I do field sobriety tests if they ask…
READ MOREThe risks of driving while drugged
Driving while under the influence of drugs brings to mind a scary boogeyman or reckless college student. However, the reality is far blander. The decriminalization and legalization of formerly illegal substances have led to a rise in drugged driving arrests. There is no uniform reporting and assessment system, so it is difficult to track the…
READ MOREDrivers underage 21 subject to zero-tolerance drinking laws
Young people are subject to a different set of rules when it comes to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Put simply, you cannot legally drink until you are 21 years old. As such, the legal limit for blood alcohol content is lower for underage drinkers than it is for adults. Every state and the District…
READ MOREThe consequences of a DUI charge
A driving while under the influence charge involves the operation of a vehicle while you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or some other substance that impairs reaction time or judgment. A person who is convicted of a DUI charge most likely faces some sort of criminal punishment including and up to time in…
READ MOREWhat is Emma’s Law?
Charges of driving under the influence have always been serious business in South Carolina. On Oct. 1, 2014, Gov. Nikki Haley signed new legislation into law that considerably strengthened the penalties for drunk drivers. This legislation, known as Emma’s Law, is named for a girl who died in an accident involving a repeat DUI offender….
READ MOREHow common are DUI arrests?
Throughout South Carolina, countless individuals have been charged with drunk driving at one time or another. Some have escaped conviction, whereas others were not that fortunate. In either case, the preceding process is much the same. Officers attempt to determine your blood alcohol concentration and find out whether it is in excess of the legal…
READ MOREAn excessive BAC may be it all takes to be charged
You may know your limits, but if they are above the legal level of 0.08 percent, you could still get into trouble, no matter how confident you are behind the wheel. A single mistake on the part of any road user can result in an accident. However, if you are involved in that accident and…
READ MOREWhat elements are involved in a drunk driving charge?
Most drivers in South Carolina know that being charged with a drunk driving offense can be highly problematic and could lead to serious consequences. Even if no one is hurt in the incident, you may still be charged if your blood alcohol concentration is found to be over the state’s legal limit of 0.08 percent….
READ MOREOfficers may be mistaken about who was driving during a DUI
When accidents occur in South Carolina they can often be traumatic for all concerned, especially if someone was injured in the incident. Suddenly you find yourself having to exchange details with other drivers, speak to medical staff and try to explain the situation to attending officers. The shock of the crash may leave you confused…
READ MORESouth Carolina works to close DUI loophole
It is a well-known fact in South Carolina that drunk driving can lead to a lengthy investigation, serious criminal charges and severe penalties if convicted. The consequences can range from the suspension of your driver’s license, to hefty fines or even time spent in prison. If anyone was hurt while you were driving drunk and…
READ MOREPolice planned DUI crackdown for St. Patrick's day
South Carolinians enjoy engaging in all sorts of public festivities. Such gatherings always provide the opportunity to share time with old friends and meet new friends. In such times, there is nothing wrong with having a drink or two to make the celebration that much more fun. In fact, in the case of St. Patrick’s…
READ MOREWhat are South Carolina’s DUI penalties?
In South Carolina, the roads are not always safe. As a result, officers are constantly on the lookout for anyone who appears to be driving erratically or irresponsibly. For the most part this makes the state’s roads far safer. However, from time to time this means that innocent people may come under suspicion. A slight…
READ MOREBe aware of implied consent laws
Something many drivers in South Carolina are unaware of is the fact that holding a driver’s license means you are bound by certain laws. This legislation, often termed as “implied consent,” means that you consent to any chemical or field sobriety tests required to determine whether your driving has been impaired by drugs or alcohol….
READ MOREHow can you reinstate your license in South Carolina?
If you are convicted of drunk driving, it can have many detrimental effects on your life. You might face fines or even a prison sentence. You could also have your license suspended. If you need to drive to work or, worse, if your job involves driving, you may be unable to continue working. Furthermore it…
READ MOREWhat are the penalties for drunk driving?
If you are arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in South Carolina, one of your primary concerns may be the potential severity of the penalties you may face if convicted. These can range from fines to jail time and may also include conditions such as the revocation of your driver’s license, or the installation of…
READ MOREKnow your rights concerning blood alcohol tests
During a DUI traffic stop, there are a number of tests you may be asked to submit to. However, in the heat of the moment, you might be unsure how to respond. The fear of incrimination, even if you know you have not been drinking, can make the thought of taking any of these tests…
READ MOREMan arrested after passing out in drive-thru
If you are perceived to be behaving abnormally behind the wheel of a vehicle, there is a chance that you will be investigated for drunk driving. Unusual behavior could include swerving erratically, drifting or even falling asleep at the wheel. Of course, there are any number of reasons that such behavior might occur, from fatigue…
READ MORESouth Carolina man charged in fatal DUI accident
Being involved in a car accident is traumatic enough, but the chances are that you will also have to undergo a police investigation. Officers will want to determine the cause of the accident and you may be asked to submit to various tests to determine whether you were intoxicated at the time of the accident….
READ MORESouth Carolina man charged with DUI after crashing into car wash
Whether the fault is theirs or someone else’s, most drivers will experience a car accident at some point in their lives. Everyone makes mistakes, but when they do, it often raises questions about what caused those mistakes to occur. A common suspicion when someone is involved in a crash is that they may have been…
READ MOREMan who crashed his car into a house is charged with DUI
When automobile accidents occur, law enforcement officials are obliged to determine the cause. If they suspect a driver has been under the influence of alcohol when an accident occurs, this can significantly impact the case and the driver’s future. A convicted individual might be fined, lose his or her license, or even face jail time….
READ MOREDUI charge brought in relation to 3-vehicle accident
Recently, here in South Carolina, a man has been accused of getting behind the wheel while under the influence and triggering a three-vehicle accident. The man is 60 years old. According to authorities, he was driving a motor vehicle along a road in Columbia last Friday morning. Authorities claim that the man then attempted to…
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