Camden 2nd DUI Lawyer

Camden 2nd DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime under South Carolina law. One thing worse than being charged with DUI is being charged with a 2nd DUI. Facing repeat DUI charges can result in serious consequences, including time in jail or prison. It’s recommended that you contact a Camden 2nd DUI lawyer to represent you and protect your rights. The right legal representation can make all the difference when it comes to the outcome of your case.

Since 2004, Deas Law Firm has been representing South Carolinians through complex criminal cases, including those for repeat DUI offenses. As a local criminal defense firm, we’re committed to protecting our friends and neighbors through tough legal matters. We’re familiar with navigating DUI cases through the Camden Municipal Court, Kershaw County Magistrate Court, and Kershaw County General Sessions Court, depending on the jurisdiction of your arrest.

2nd DUI Laws and Penalties in South Carolina

South Carolina laws are tough on drunk driving. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) instituted a state-wide public awareness campaign called Sober or Slammer to deter drivers from getting behind the wheel when they’re under the influence. In a single year, South Carolina law enforcement agencies made more than 16,000 DUI arrests.

Even with strong DUI laws in place, South Carolina ranked in the top 10 worst states for drunk driving. It has the third-highest rate of people killed in alcohol-related crashes. Impaired drivers accounted for 43 percent of motor vehicle fatalities across the state in 2022.

South Carolina’s DUI penalties can vary depending on the details of your charges and whether or not you have prior DUI convictions on your record. In general, you can expect penalties to increase in severity with each subsequent offense. Second DUI penalties under Louisiana law include:

• Fines
• One-year license suspension
• Prison sentence ranging from five days to one year

It may be possible to have your charges lowered or dismissed. A Camden 2nd DUI attorney can help you form your defense and work toward a favorable outcome for your case. Common strategies for defending against DUI accusations in South Carolina include: 

• Assessing the administration of field sobriety tests
• Challenging the accuracy of chemical tests
• Examining the legality of the traffic stop
• Investigating the chain of custody for evidence

A Local Camden 2nd DUI Lawyer You Can Trust

Deas Law Firm has handled many complex DUI cases for clients in Camden and the surrounding area. Our team brings decades of criminal defense experience to the table that we’re ready to put to work for you. This includes extensive trial experience in the courtroom.

As a local law firm, we’re honored to serve our community. Our attorneys are passionate about protecting our clients’ freedoms and helping them through these trying times. You can count on us to provide the personalized attention your case deserves as well as aggressive representation when it’s needed.

FAQs About Camden, SC 2nd DUI Laws

Is a 2nd DUI a Misdemeanor or Felony Under South Carolina Law?

A 2nd DUI can be a misdemeanor or felony under South Carolina law. The level of charges you face for a DUI in Camden depends on the details of the case and your existing criminal record. A DUI can be elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony in South Carolina under specific circumstances. You can be charged with felony DUI if you:

• Accumulate four or more DUI convictions
• Cause serious bodily injury
• Cause the death of another party

Can I Avoid Jail Time for a 2nd DUI in Camden?

Yes, you may be able to avoid jail time for a 2nd DUI in Camden, but it can be challenging to accomplish. A 2nd DUI conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence that typically requires the offender to serve at least part of the sentence in actual incarceration.

It is possible to avoid incarceration by challenging the prosecution’s case against you, forming a strong enough defense against your charges, or negotiating a lesser charge like reckless driving.

What Are South Carolina’s Implied Consent Laws?

South Carolina’s implied consent laws state that every driver in the state is considered to have given consent for chemical testing if law enforcement has reason to suspect you’re operating a vehicle under the influence.

You can face an automatic 90-day suspension if you refuse a chemical test during a DUI arrest in Camden. This suspension increases to 180 days if you have a prior conviction or suspension on your record from the last 10 years.

What Is Administrative License Suspension in Camden?

Administrative License Suspension (ALS) in Camden is an automatic driver’s license suspension that is imposed for certain violations. You may have your license suspended this way if you refuse to submit to chemical testing or if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reading of 0.15 percent or higher.

For minors caught driving under the influence, their BAC only needs to be 0.02 percent. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) in Camden handles these suspensions.

Hire a 2nd DUI Lawyer to Help With Your Case in Camden

If you’re facing repeat DUI charges in Camden or throughout Kershaw County, hire a 2nd DUI lawyer from Deas Law Firm to help you through your case. Our team has been representing South Carolina residents in complex DUI cases for over 20 years. We’re familiar with both the administrative and criminal aspects of a DUI case.

You can count on us for sound legal advice and comprehensive representation through every phase of the process. From evaluating your charges and opening our own investigation to forming your defense and representing you throughout your case, we’ve got you covered.

Our local Camden 2nd DUI attorneys are prepared to advocate for you in and out of the courtroom. We work tirelessly for you and your freedom. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, our team is here to listen. Reach out to set up an initial consultation with an attorney you can trust to get started today.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

At Deas Law Firm, we work tirelessly for you to make sure you are fairly compensated on your personal injury case. From slip and fall cases or even catastrophic injury cases, Deas Law Firm is ready to fight for you and your rights. Call us today or fill out the online form to discuss your personal injury case.