It’s always worthwhile to consider fighting a DUI
If you’ve been involved in an accident or pulled over for any reason, it can be easy to raise the officer’s suspicions that you are guilty of DUI. Frequently all it takes is an honest admission of having a glass of wine with dinner or a beer with friends after work.
Although it can seem easiest just to go to court and plead guilty, there are serious consequences even for a first-time DUI. These consequences include:
- 6-12 month license suspension
- A lifetime criminal record (DUI is the only criminal offense at the “traffic court” level in South Carolina that can never be removed from your record).
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Fines of between $992-$2,400
- 3 Years of SR-22 Insurance
- Court-ordered alcohol treatment course (ADSAP)
Additionally, if you refused a breath test, or scored a 0.15 or higher, you will also be required to install (at your expense) an ignition interlock device. This is a box you have to blow into to start your car. You’ll be required to keep this installed for a minimum of 6 months.
It can be possible to obtain a dismissal or favorable reduction in nearly every DUI situation. No situation is ever hopeless. This even includes DUI’s after accidents, or with high breath test results. Even in situations with extreme evidence of guilt, it can be possible to obtain significant help.
Why do you need a DUI attorney?
If you are seeking the best possible result for your case, then you need to make sure that you're represented by an attorney who is knowledgeable regarding the legal and factual issues involved in DUI defense and experienced in representing clients charged with DUI.
For example, attorney James R. Snell, Jr., has:
- Represented hundreds of drivers throughout South Carolina charged with DUI
- Is a published author on the topic of DUI defense
- Has presented on the topic of DUI law and DUI defense to South Carolina magistrate judges and lawyers
- Has undergone training in police DUI investigation techniques, and in methods to challenge breath test results
What kind of results have we obtained for our DUI clients?
Every case is different, and no attorney can legally or ethically promise or guarantee any specific outcome for a DUI. We have though developed a track record of significant accomplishment in the area of DUI defense since 2004. For example:
- We obtained a dismissal for a driver arrested for DUI after being involved in a traffic accident in rural Lexington County. Blood alcohol level was 0.18.
- We obtained a not-guilty verdict in the Lexington County DUI Court after a jury trial where our client was arrested after his car was stuck in a ditch.
- We obtained a dismissal for a client charged with felony DUI in Saluda County.
- We obtained a not-guilty verdict for a client charged with DUI in the City of Columbia Municipal Court where our client was arrested after striking a tree in the Shandon neighborhood and admitting to police he had been drinking in 5 points.
- We obtained a significant appellate court opinion creating a precedent mandating DUI dismissals in cases where police inexcusably violated required arrest procedures
- We have obtained reductions in hundreds of other DUI cases to reckless driving or even further reduced charges.
Our rule for all clients is that DUI charges must be dismissed, or reduced to a level our client feels is in their best interests, or we want to fully contest the charge in court.
Any result The Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.
What’s the first step for you?
Call us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a DUI defense attorney. During that consultation, you’ll be able to explain your exact situation to the attorney and ask any questions that you may have. We’ll review with you what your legal rights are, your options to fight the case, and what the process will look like for your specific case. You can reach us at 1-888-301-3532.
When you come to the appointment, please bring a copy of your ticket (s) and other paperwork you were given about your case.