If you are facing a DUI charge in South Carolina, there is a lot you need to know. Whether this is your first time facing charges or you are facing charges as a repeat offender, you have a lot at stake, and you need to be very careful to protect yourself.
When you are facing a DUI charge in South Carolina, one of the keys to protecting yourself is making informed decisions. The more you know, the more you do to mitigate your risk of facing unnecessary consequences. With this in mind, here are some important lessons we’ve covered throughout the year:
Handling Your DUI Case if You Were Driving Drunk
While some people who get DUIs are sober, lots of people who get DUIs are driving drunk at the time of their arrest. If you were driving drunk when you got arrested, what does this mean for your defense? Should you accept the consequences and move on? Or do you still have options for fighting your DUI?
In South Carolina, there are several ways to fight a DUI charge, even if you were under the influence behind the wheel. To learn about the options you may have available, you can read: How To Handle a South Carolina DUI Case When You Were Driving Drunk.
What Is the “Best” Defense to a DUI?
Let’s say you are facing a DUI charge, and let’s say you were intoxicated at the time of your arrest. In this scenario, what is the best way to fight your DUI?
The short answer is, “It depends.” As we just mentioned, there are several ways to fight a DUI charge, even if you were driving drunk. But, the defenses that you can use depend entirely on the facts of your case. With this in mind, there is no single “best” defense—and the best defense for you is the one that will minimize the consequences of your arrest as much as possible. Learn more: What is the Best Defense to a DUI in South Carolina?
What if the Police Recorded You with a Dash Cam?
Prosecutors in South Carolina can use several forms of evidence to prove DUI charges. One of these forms of evidence is dash camera footage. But, sometimes, having your traffic stop and arrest caught on camera can work to your advantage.
Was your DUI stop caught on camera? If so, here’s what you need to know: How Can Dash Camera Footage Help (or Hurt) Your Defense in a South Carolina DUI Case?
Consequences of Taking (or Refusing) a Breath Test
Under South Carolina’s implied consent law, you are required to take a breath test during your DUI stop in most cases. But, there are exceptions—and if you refused the breath test, knowing whether any of these exceptions apply is extremely important.
Why? Because if you refused the breath test, you could face penalties for an “implied consent violation” even if you weren’t driving under the influence. Additionally, prosecutors may also be able to use your refusal against you in your DUI case. Learn more: Can You Get Convicted of DUI if You Refuse a Breath Test in South Carolina?
Consequences of Causing an Accident While Driving Drunk
While the consequences of a DUI can be substantial, they can be even more significant if you cause an accident while driving under the influence. South Carolina’s DUI laws impose enhanced penalties in cases involving “great bodily injury” or death.
As a result, if you are facing a DUI charge after an accident in South Carolina, you must discuss your case with a lawyer as soon as possible. To learn what you have at stake, you can read: Fighting a DUI Involving Great Bodily Injury (or Death) in South Carolina.
Don’t Fall for These South Carolina DUI Myths
As we said in the introduction, making informed decisions is critical for protecting yourself when you are facing a DUI. With this in mind, you need to avoid falling for any of the all-too-common myths that you will find online.
For example, while jail time isn’t a risk for first-time offenders in some states, it is a risk for first-time offenders in South Carolina. While you might be able to avoid jail time with experienced legal representation, there are no guarantees. If you are facing a DUI charge, we strongly encourage you to read: South Carolina DUI Myths: What You Really Need to Know After a Drunk Driving Arrest.
Protecting Yourself After a DUI Arrest
Making sure you don’t fall for common myths is just one of numerous steps you need to take to protect yourself after a DUI arrest in South Carolina. You need to take your case very seriously, and you need to make sure you do everything you possibly can to protect yourself.
What specifically do you need to do if you’ve been arrested for DUI? Find out here: 10 Steps to Protect Yourself After a DUI Arrest in South Carolina.
How Hard Is It to Fight a DUI?
So, you know that fighting your DUI is important. But, how realistic is it to fight your charge successfully?
While fighting a DUI charge isn’t easy, there are several potential defenses to drunk driving charges under South Carolina law. Although you will struggle to protect yourself if you try to handle your case on your own, you can significantly improve your chances of securing a favorable outcome by hiring an experienced defense attorney. Learn more: How Hard Is It to Fight a DUI Charge in South Carolina?
Are You Facing DUI Charges in South Carolina? Schedule a Free Consultation Today
We provide experienced legal representation for individuals who are facing DUI charges in South Carolina. If you are facing the consequences of a drunk driving arrest, we can use our experience to protect you by all means available. To learn more in a free and confidential consultation, call 803-328-8822 or tell us how we can reach you online today.