Manning DUI Lawyer

Manning DUI Attorney

A Manning DUI lawyer from Deas Law Firm can help protect your rights and your future when facing charges that carry serious consequences. A DUI conviction in South Carolina could mean substantial fines, jail time, loss of your license, and a criminal record that will stay with you for life. The process moves very quickly, and important deadlines, like the deadline to request an administrative hearing, can be due within days of your arrest.

An experienced DUI attorney can review the evidence, explore possible defenses, and help you minimize potential penalties. Deas Law Firm provides step-by-step guidance for first-time offenders or those with prior DUI convictions through DMV hearings and trials to protect your driving privileges and reputation while working for the most optimal result.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

Deas Law Firm provides trusted DUI defense for clients in Manning, backed by Attorney Garryl L. Deas’s decades of courtroom experience. Practicing in South Carolina since 1996, he has defended individuals against charges carrying penalties such as jail time, heavy fines, and license suspension. His defense strategies often include challenging traffic stops, field sobriety tests, and the accuracy of chemical testing.

Known for his attention to detail and strong advocacy, Attorney Deas helps clients navigate both the administrative and criminal sides of DUI cases with professionalism and confidence.

South Carolina DUI Laws and Your Rights

In South Carolina, it is illegal to operate or be in physical control of a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while under the influence to the extent that your ability to drive is materially and appreciably impaired. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, it is 0.02%.

Refusing the official chemical test (such as the DataMaster breath test at the station) results in an automatic license suspension under the state’s implied consent law. A DUI conviction can lead to fines, incarceration, license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements. Knowing these laws allows drivers in Manning to better understand their rights and responsibilities when accused of a DUI.

The Broader Impact of a DUI on Your Life

Legal penalties for DUI in South Carolina can include fines, jail time, license suspension, alcohol education, and ignition interlock devices. Beyond the courtroom, a conviction may increase insurance costs, affect career opportunities, jeopardize professional licensing, and create personal strain.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data show that 32% of all traffic fatalities nationwide involve a drunk driver. In South Carolina, 1,028 traffic deaths occurred in 2023, and 474 of those in 2022 were alcohol-related, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. These statistics highlight how DUI incidents have consequences for both individuals and the Manning community.

Filing a Contested Case Hearing With OMVH

If you are arrested for DUI in Manning and face a license suspension from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, you have 30 days from the date you receive actual notice of the DMV’s decision to request a contested case hearing with the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH).

Hearings for Clarendon County residents, including those in Manning, are assigned to OMVH officers serving this area. This hearing is your opportunity to dispute the suspension before it takes full effect. Failing to request a hearing within 30 days waives your right to contest, even if your criminal charges are later reduced or dismissed. Acting quickly preserves your ability to protect your driving privileges.

FAQs About Manning, SC DUI Laws

Do I Have to Take a Breath Test if Pulled Over for DUI in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you are not obligated to take the roadside breath test, and refusal to take that test does not subject you to license suspension. Refusing the official chemical test at the station, or the blood or urine test if correctly requested, results in an automatic license suspension for multiple months by the state’s implied consent law, despite any subsequent victory in your criminal case.

What Happens at an Administrative Hearing After a DUI Arrest?

An administrative hearing after a DUI arrest in South Carolina is a proceeding to decide if your license suspension should remain in place. It is separate from the criminal case. The hearing officer will consider BAC results, arrest procedures, and other evidence. If you win the administrative hearing in South Carolina, your driving privileges will be reinstated pending your criminal case.

Can I Get a Provisional License After a DUI?

South Carolina does not offer a provisional license for DUI/DUAC convictions starting May 19, 2024. You may qualify for a Temporary Alcohol License (TAL) if you request an administrative hearing in a timely manner. A TAL provides limited driving privileges during a license suspension. TAL eligibility and requirements vary based on offense level and hearing status.

Will a DUI Affect My Auto Insurance Rates?

A DUI conviction in South Carolina typically leads to significantly higher auto insurance premiums. Following a DUI offense, you will likely have to carry SR-22 insurance for a period to confirm your liability coverage. A DUI is viewed as high-risk by insurance companies, so expect more stringent underwriting and higher annual premiums.

The impact on your insurance rates after a DUI makes it essential to explore your legal defenses to prevent enduring financial effects.

Contact a Manning DUI Lawyer

Facing a DUI in Manning can be a life-altering experience, carrying both immediate and long-term consequences. Driving under the influence in South Carolina can lead to heavy fines, jail time, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, and even affect your employment, insurance rates, and reputation. It’s important to know your rights and the legal process so that you can build a strong defense.

Attorney Garryl L. Deas has nearly 30 years of experience defending clients in Clarendon County and throughout South Carolina and can review the evidence, hold the prosecution to their burden, and fight for you and your family. With the right representation, you can assert your rights during both administrative and criminal proceedings and protect your future. Book a consultation with our team 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.