Florence DUI Lawyer

Florence DUI Attorney

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Florence, call a Florence DUI lawyer at Deas Law Firm to defend your rights. In South Carolina, a DUI conviction can result in large fines, jail time, loss of your driver’s license, and a permanent criminal record. You don’t have much time. Deadlines to fight license suspension and file challenges to evidence can come within days of your arrest.

A skilled DUI attorney can review police reports, challenge the accuracy of breath and blood tests, and work to devise a strategy that can help keep your penalties to a minimum. Whether you’ve never been charged with a DUI or have multiple prior convictions, the lawyers at Deas Law Firm can work to help protect your driving privileges.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

For Florence residents, Deas Law Firm offers proven DUI defense led by Attorney Garryl L. Deas, who has practiced law in South Carolina since 1996. He has handled a wide range of DUI matters, including those involving prior convictions and elevated BAC levels.

His approach combines in-depth knowledge of DUI statutes with local court insight, allowing him to anticipate procedural hurdles and prepare strong defenses. Clients value his responsive communication, thorough case analysis, and dedication to minimizing the long-term impact of DUI charges on their personal and professional lives.

What Constitutes a DUI in South Carolina

In South Carolina, a DUI is defined as the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that the driver’s faculties are impaired. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or greater may be used as evidence of a DUI for most drivers.

A BAC of 0.04% or greater may be used as evidence of a DUI for a commercial driver and 0.02% or greater for drivers under 21 as part of the state’s zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. If a suspect has not received a BAC reading, a prosecutor can still attempt to show a jury or judge that the driver was impaired based on the observations of the officer and field sobriety tests.

South Carolina also has an implied consent law. Upon reaching the station following a DUI arrest in South Carolina, drivers must agree to undergo a chemical test as required by law. A refusal to take the test will result in an immediate license suspension. In Florence, South Carolina, these charges are filed in Florence County.

The Reality of DUI in South Carolina

The DUI charges you may face in Florence, South Carolina, should be considered in the context of the state’s particularly severe impaired-driving issue. South Carolina has the highest DUI death rate in the country, with 8.97 DUI deaths per 100,000 residents.

The state also sees 206.8 DUI arrests per 100,000 residents, which is the 30th-highest arrest rate in the country. Even with the state’s active approach to DUI enforcement, impaired driving remains a major safety issue in the state.

A DUI charge in Florence can carry major consequences, from the penalties ordered by a court to the long-term impact on employment and insurance. Understanding these potential outcomes and how DUI charges are adjudicated in the state’s courts can help drivers make safer decisions and respond more effectively if they are charged.

FAQs About Florence, SC DUI Laws

Can a DUI Be Reduced to a Lesser Charge in South Carolina?

Yes, it is sometimes possible in South Carolina to get a DUI charge reduced to a lesser offense, like reckless driving. The possibility of reducing your DUI depends on the evidence, court rules, and the prosecutor’s willingness.

Reduction can help you avoid major consequences such as longer license suspension, ignition interlock device, and higher insurance rates. To pursue this option, it is important to have a solid defense strategy and good negotiation skills.

What Are Aggravating Factors in a DUI Case in South Carolina?

Aggravating factors in South Carolina DUI cases that can increase penalties include: a BAC of 0.16% or higher, prior DUI convictions, accidents involving injuries or death, having a minor in the vehicle at the time, or attempting to flee law enforcement. The presence of any aggravating factors during a DUI incident allows the court to evaluate higher fines and extended jail time or suspension period, which requires proper legal defense.

How Can a DUI Conviction Affect My Employment?

A DUI conviction in South Carolina can affect your job in numerous ways. You may be unable to drive as part of your employment, face increased insurance premiums on company vehicles, or even find your employer has a code of conduct violation policy. A DUI may need to be reported to your employer, such as for a professional license or commercial drivers, or could result in you losing your job

What Is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in South Carolina?

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breath-testing device that is installed in your vehicle and prevents it from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The state of South Carolina initiated the All-Offender Law, which mandates that all DUI or DUAC offenders install an IID in their vehicles beginning May 19, 2024.

Every vehicle driven by the offender needs an IID installed and must undergo inspection every two months. The IID applies to first-time offenders and repeat offenders.

Contact a Florence DUI Lawyer

Being charged with DUI in Florence can be confusing and intimidating. The laws are complicated, the deadlines are strict, and the consequences are extremely serious. If you represent yourself in a DUI case, you could end up losing your driver’s license while also facing financial penalties and damage to your reputation.

Deas Law Firm attorneys know how to challenge the evidence against you, stand by you during hearings, and fight relentlessly for an optimal outcome to your case. At Deas Law Firm, we understand South Carolina DUI laws and are dedicated to protecting your rights every step of the way. Call today for a no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and find out how we can help protect your future.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

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