Facing a DUI charge in South Carolina can be scary. Simply being arrested for DUI can have serious consequences, while getting convicted of DUI can negatively impact your life for years to come. As a result, it is critical to make smart decisions, and this starts with learning as much as you can about your situation.
We published several articles discussing various aspects of facing a South Carolina DUI in 2023. If you have a trial date for a DUI charge in 2024, here are some free resources you can use to ensure that you are making the right decisions for yourself, your family, and your future:
Understanding the True Costs of a South Carolina DUI
Getting convicted of DUI can be very costly. Along with court costs, fines, and surcharges, your auto insurance premiums will increase significantly; and, if you lose your license, you will need to find (and most likely pay for) another way to get to work. Getting a DUI can also put your job at risk in some cases; or, if you are in school, it can significantly limit your job prospects post-graduation.
But, several factors can make the costs of a DUI conviction even greater. These include having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 percent or above and causing an accident—among others. To learn more, you can read: 7 Factors That Can Increase the Costs of a DUI in South Carolina.
Can You Get Your DUI Dismissed?
When you are facing a DUI charge in South Carolina, the best-case scenario is having your charge dismissed. If you can get your DUI dismissed, you won’t have to go to trial, and you won’t have to weigh your options concerning seeking a plea bargain or entering into a diversionary program (if you are a first-time offender).
What does it take to get a DUI charge dismissed? The short answer is, “It depends.” To find out if this may be an option in your case, you can read: How Do You Get a DUI Dismissed in South Carolina?
What Should You Do to Protect Yourself?
Whether you have grounds to seek dismissal of your DUI or you need to pursue other options for fighting your drunk driving charge, there are steps you need to take to protect yourself. This includes some steps that you must take quickly—within the first couple of days after your arrest. If you don’t prioritize your defense, fighting your DUI could quickly become much more difficult.
So, what do you need to do if you’ve been arrested for DUI in South Carolina? Here’s what you need to know: 10 Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest in North Charleston.
What if You Were Caught Driving Drunk on Video?
The police in North Charleston and other cities across South Carolina use dash cameras to record suspects both before and during DUI arrests. If you were caught driving drunk on video, what does this mean for your DUI case?
Here too, the answer is, “It depends.” While dash camera footage can help the prosecution meet its burden of proof, it can also be helpful for defendants in some cases. To find out if you might be able to use the police’s dash camera footage to your advantage, you can read: Can You Use Dash Camera Footage to Defend Against a DUI in North Charleston?
Understanding the Implications of South Carolina’s Implied Consent Law
When you are standing on the side of the road during a DUI stop, you need to know your legal rights and your legal obligations. This includes your rights and obligations under South Carolina’s implied consent law.
Of course, many people are not familiar with this law—and, when you are on the side of the road, the officer who pulled you over isn’t going to explain it to you. As a result, many people end up inadvertently violating South Carolina’s implied consent law, and they end up facing additional risks as a result. To find out what you need to know, you can read: What Are the Requirements of South Carolina’s Implied Consent Law?
What if You Refused the Breath Test?
Let’s say you weren’t aware of your obligations under South Carolina’s implied consent law, and you refused the breath test during your DUI stop. How will this impact your drunk driving case?
Refusing the breath test can impact your drunk driving case in several ways. Most significantly (i) you can face an additional charge for a “DUI refusal,” and (ii) the prosecution will be able to use your refusal as evidence that you knew you were too drunk to drive. However, this is not irrefutable evidence, and refusing the breath test does not violate South Carolina’s implied consent law in all cases.
Can prosecutors secure a conviction without your BAC? The short answer is, “Yes.” Here’s what you need to know if you refused the breath test during your DUI stop: If I Refused a Breath Test, Can I Still Be Convicted of DUI in South Carolina?
The “Dos” and “Don’ts” of Facing a DUI
In addition to the steps you need to take to protect yourself after a DUI arrest in South Carolina, there are also several costly mistakes you need to avoid. If you aren’t careful, you could inadvertently help the prosecution secure a conviction. Learn about some of the all-too-common mistakes that can create problems for your defense in The “Dos” and “Don’ts” of Facing a DUI Charge in South Carolina.
Arrested for DUI in North Charleston? Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Defense attorney Rad S. Deaton has nearly 20 years of experience defending clients charged with DUI and other crimes in the North Charleston area. If you are facing a DUI charge, he can help you fight to avoid unnecessary consequences. To learn more in a free and confidential consultation, call 843-225-5723 or tell us how we can contact you online today.
