If the police arrest you for driving under the influence (DUI), you need a skilled Charleston DUI lawyer who can help navigate the complexities of your case. At Hopkins Law Firm, our experienced attorneys provide aggressive legal representation to protect your rights, challenge charges, and work toward a positive outcome for your case.
You can rely on a Charleston criminal defense lawyer from our team to provide the dedicated support you need after an arrest for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We can help with misdemeanor or felony charges, so reach out now.
Why Hire a DUI Attorney in Charleston, SC?
A skilled defense lawyer in Charleston can assist with all your legal needs after an arrest. Hiring a defense attorney means you’ll have someone who puts you first, so you do not have to try to navigate the legal system alone. Our team can:
Provide a Free Case Evaluation
The first step is a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding your arrest, including the results of field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and any police reports.
Challenge Evidence
Our team works to challenge any evidence that may be flawed, such as incorrect breathalyzer readings or improper police procedures during your arrest.
Strive to Reduce Your Charges
In some cases, we can negotiate a reduced sentence or plea deal to minimize the consequences you face.
Take Steps to Have Your Charges Dismissed
An experienced criminal defense attorney may push the court to dismiss your DUI charges in some cases. For example, the court may dismiss these allegations if we can prove that law enforcement officers stopped you without due cause or violated your rights.
Represent You in Court
If your case goes to trial, our attorneys provide robust defense strategies to fight the criminal charges against you and work toward an acquittal.
Myths and Misconceptions About South Carolina DUI Charges
Myths and false information about drunk-driving charges can add to your confusion after an arrest. Fortunately, our team in Charleston County can clarify your situation and provide detailed legal information.
Examples of common myths include:
- You cannot get a DUI in the daytime. In fact, you can face an arrest for a DUI any time of day.
- You can avoid a DUI by refusing a breathalyzer test. In fact, refusing a BAC test will not stop the police from arresting you, and it can add to the penalties you face due to South Carolina’s implied consent laws.
- You will only get a DUI if your BAC is over 0.08%. In fact, the police can charge you with a DUI any time they believe you are impaired by alcohol, even if you have a BAC below the legal limit.
Our team can provide more information about myths related to this criminal offense as we work to construct a strong defense against your charges.
We Know How to Handle Felony DUI Charges
South Carolina typically prosecutes DUIs as misdemeanor-level offenses. However, you can face felony charges if the police accuse you of causing someone a great bodily injury while driving under the influence.
You can also face felony allegations if the police claim that you caused a fatal accident while impaired by alcohol.
The legal system will treat felony-level offenses more seriously. A conviction will result in harsher penalties. Fortunately, a criminal defense attorney can help you face these charges.
Why Choose Hopkins Law Firm for Your Charleston DUI Defense Lawyer?
Being charged with DUI in Charleston can have severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. With so much at stake, having a knowledgeable and aggressive DUI attorney by your side is crucial. At Hopkins Law Firm, we offer:
DUI Defense Strategies
Our team uses proven legal strategies to fight DUI charges, from challenging breathalyzer results to disputing the circumstances of the traffic stop.
Knowledge of Local Laws
As Charleston DUI attorneys, we are familiar with the local courts, judges, and prosecutors, which allows us to tailor our defense to your specific case.
Personalized Service
We understand that every DUI case is different, and we work closely with our clients to listen to all of their concerns and protect their interests.
Whether you’re facing charges for a DUI accident or a DUI with an enhanced BAC, we provide top-notch legal representation and aggressive defense strategies.
DUI Penalties in Charleston, SC
If convicted of DUI in South Carolina, the penalties can be severe, especially for repeat offenders or those with a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The possible penalties include:
- License suspension
- Fines
- Jail time
- Community service
- Mandatory DUI education programs
Additionally, drivers convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol may have to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on any vehicle they operate.
IIDs serve as personal breathalyzer devices and will measure your blood alcohol content (BAC) each time you start your vehicle.
Does South Carolina Offer a Provisional License?
South Carolina no longer offers provisional licenses to individuals convicted of drunk driving. The state changed the laws related to these licenses in 2024. Fortunately, a DUI lawyer can take steps to protect your driving privileges.
What to Do After a DUI Arrest in Charleston
After a DUI arrest in Charleston, it’s essential to take immediate action:
- Remain Calm: Cooperate with the police, but do not answer any questions without your lawyer present.
- Contact a DUI Lawyer: Reach out to a DUI attorney immediately to begin building your defense.
- Understand Your Rights: Your attorney will inform you about your rights and guide you through the legal process.
- Prepare for the DMV Hearing: In South Carolina, you have 30 days to request a hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license.
You can turn to our criminal defense law firm for help today. We’re ready to offer our legal services to assist after an arrest.
Turn to Us for Trusted Legal Counsel After a DUI Arrest
When you need a Charleston DUI lawyer, turn to Hopkins Law Firm. Our legal team has successfully handled numerous DUI cases and has a track record of getting favorable results for our clients. We understand the stress and consequences of a DUI charge and focus on protecting your rights.
Don’t wait to get legal help if you’re facing DUI charges. The earlier you contact a DUI lawyer, the sooner we can begin working on your defense. Schedule a free consultation with our professional legal team.