How to challenge a DUI charge in South Carolina
Were you recently arrested under suspicion of drunk driving? Are you facing a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving with an unlawful concentration (DUAC)? It is important to fight back in order to keep a conviction off of your permanent record.
Avoid the consequences of a conviction
Depending on the circumstances in your case and your past record, you may be convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony. A drunk driving conviction can carry life-long consequences, such as:
- Public stigma: Since arrest records, charges and convictions are of public record, you may have to battle the stigma that can come with drunk driving allegations. This can be especially harmful if you are a well-known person in your community, such as a medical professional, politician or businessperson.
- Employment: Some careers require clean driving records, and the loss of your driver’s license can greatly impede your ability to get to work each day and do your job. Not only can your existing position be affected, a conviction can impair future employment opportunities, even decades from now.
- Professional licensing: Many, if not most, professional license applications in South Carolina require background checks and periodic information updates. A criminal allegation is often an instance of professional misconduct, thus subjecting you to a loss of license or a suspension. Your license is your livelihood and well worth protecting.
- Other issues: The ability to obtain housing and financial aid for college is impaired if you have a misdemeanor or felony conviction on your record.
Tactics used for challenging a DUI
In South Carolina, law enforcement agents must adhere to strict requirements in order to obtain a conviction. Every step — from the arrest and throughout the prosecution process — must comply with state laws, or your case may be thrown out. Did you know that South Carolina laws require that all aspects of a DUI arrest be videotaped?
An experienced DUI defense lawyer will know how search for and challenge mistakes made in your case. Some of the steps include:
- Having sufficient probable cause for stopping you
- Executing proper search and seizure technics
- Administering field sobriety tests
- Taking breath and blood samples
- Maintaining the required chain of evidence
Challenging the charges against you may not only help you stay out of jail, but save your career, your marriage and other important relationships in your life. Don’t handle your case on your own.