Myrtle Beach DUI Lawyer

A DUI conviction can be life-changing. If you’re facing DUI charges, a Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyer can help you fight them.

In South Carolina, a DUI conviction can lead to fines, license suspension, and even jail time. When the stakes are this high, it’s crucial to seek legal support.

The attorneys at Hopkins Law Firm have over two decades of combined experience. If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), a Myrtle Beach DUI lawyer can take on your case and defend your rights.

Why Hire a Myrtle Beach DUI Attorney?

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, a lawyer can help by:

• Evaluating evidence: An attorney can review the breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and police reports for errors or inconsistencies.
• Negotiating with prosecutors: A lawyer can work to reduce your charges or penalties through effective negotiation.
• Representing you in court: An attorney can present a strong defense on your behalf in court.
• Providing guidance: A lawyer can offer legal guidance throughout the legal process.

Above all, a DUI lawyer in Myrtle Beach can serve as your legal advocate.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI in South Carolina?

For a first-time DUI conviction in South Carolina, you may face:

• Fines: You can be fined up to $1,000, depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
• License suspension: Your license may be suspended for up to six months.
• Jail time: You may be sentenced to anywhere from 48 hours to 30 days in jail.
• Mandatory alcohol education programs: You may be required to attend an alcohol education or treatment program.
• Ignition interlock device: For higher BAC levels or repeat offenses, you may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

Repeat offenders or those with an exceptionally high BAC may face even stiffer penalties, including longer license suspensions and extended jail time. A DUI attorney in Myrtle Beach can work to minimize the consequences of your conviction.

What Is the Best Defense for a DUI?

There is no one-size-fits-all defense for a DUI charge. That said, common strategies include:

• Challenging the traffic stop: If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over, the stop may be deemed unlawful.
• Questioning breathalyzer accuracy: Faulty equipment or improper calibration can lead to inaccurate BAC readings.
• Disputing field sobriety tests: Factors such as medical conditions, poor weather, or uneven road surfaces can affect test results.
• Proving chain of custody errors: Mishandling of evidence can compromise its validity in court.
• Demonstrating innocence: Depending on the evidence and the circumstances of your arrest, your lawyer may be able to prove that you were not impaired while driving.

Is It Hard to Beat a DUI Charge?

Beating a DUI charge can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Your ability to do so will depend on the evidence against you, which can include breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and police reports. A skilled attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and work to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

What Are the Chances of a DUI Being Dismissed?

Your odds of getting your charges dismissed will depend on various factors, including the strength of the prosecution’s evidence and the effectiveness of your defense. Cases are more likely to be dismissed when:

• Evidence was obtained unlawfully
• Police procedures were not followed correctly
• Breathalyzer or field sobriety tests were inaccurate
• The prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

While no outcome is guaranteed, a Myrtle Beach DUI attorney can significantly improve your odds of a favorable outcome.

What Is the Best Possible Outcome for a DUI?

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, the best possible outcome for you will depend on the specifics of your case. In many instances, the ideal outcome is getting the charges dismissed due to a lack of evidence or procedural errors. Other favorable outcomes may include reduced probation, community service, or alcohol education programs.

What Happens if You Lose a DUI Trial?

If you lose a DUI trial, you’ll face the penalties associated with a conviction, which may include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, installation of an ignition interlock device, increased insurance premiums, and, in some cases, jail time. Additionally, the conviction will remain on your criminal record, which can affect future employment opportunities. 

That said, even after losing a trial, you may have the option to appeal the verdict or negotiate an alternative sentence.

What Is a DUI in South Carolina?

Under South Carolina law, a DUI occurs when:

• A person drives a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher
• A person’s faculties to drive are materially impaired due to alcohol or drugs

The law applies to both private vehicles and commercial vehicles, with stricter BAC limits for commercial drivers (0.04%) and drivers under 21 (0.02%).

Speak With a DUI Lawyer in Myrtle Beach

A DUI charge can be scary, but you don’t have to fight it alone. A Myrtle Beach DUI lawyer from Hopkins Law Firm can provide the support and advocacy you need to secure a favorable outcome.

Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case.