Pawleys Island DUI Lawyer

If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you need experienced legal help from a team that knows how to handle serious cases with skill and care.

At Hopkins Law Firm, our Pawleys Island DUI lawyer is here to protect your rights and guide you through every step of the legal process. With years of real courtroom experience and a commitment to keeping our clients informed, we approach each case with the personalized attention it deserves.

As a Pawleys Island criminal defense lawyer, we’re familiar with the local courts, procedures, and challenges our clients face when navigating DUI charges.

We don’t believe in shortcuts or pushing for quick plea deals. We build strategic, trial-ready defenses aimed at reaching the best possible outcome for your situation.

Local Representation After a DUI Arrest

A DUI arrest can lead to immediate and lasting consequences—from losing your license to facing jail time, steep fines, or a permanent criminal record. It’s not just a traffic violation; it’s a criminal charge with real implications for your future.

We take a hands-on approach to defending DUI cases in Pawleys Island. As a local law firm, we’re here when you need us—offering clear communication, thorough case preparation, and a deep understanding of how to move forward effectively.

What to Expect After a DUI Arrest

After being arrested for DUI, things can move quickly. Here’s what typically happens:

1. License suspension: You may face an immediate suspension if you refused a breath test or had a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit.
   
2. Initial court appearance: You’ll be scheduled for a court date, often within a few weeks of the arrest.
   
3. Administrative hearing: You have a limited time to request a hearing to challenge the suspension of your license.
   
4. Criminal charges: Your DUI case will proceed through the criminal courts, where penalties increase based on prior history and BAC level.

We’re here to walk you through every stage—so you know what to expect, what your rights are, and how we’ll defend you.

Our DUI Defense Services

We don’t approach DUI cases with a one-size-fits-all mindset. We look closely at every part of the case, from the reason for the traffic stop to how field sobriety and breathalyzer tests were handled.

Our team may:

• Analyze police reports and arrest procedures
  
• Identify errors in breath or blood test administration
  
• Challenge probable cause for the initial stop
  
• Work to suppress improperly obtained evidence
  
• Negotiate for reduced charges or diversion programs
  
• Prepare a full trial defense when needed

We’re focused on building a strategy that fits your unique situation—not just moving your case along.

Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form today!

Understanding South Carolina DUI Penalties

In South Carolina, DUI penalties are serious—even for a first offense. These can include:

1. Fines and fees: Starting at several hundred dollars and increasing significantly with each offense
   
2. Jail time: Possible even on a first offense, especially with a high BAC or aggravating factors
   
3. Driver’s license suspension: Length of suspension depends on your BAC and prior record
   
4. Ignition interlock requirement: Often required by South Carolina law for repeat offenders or those with elevated BAC levels
   
5. Permanent record: A DUI conviction stays with you and cannot be expunged

We know what’s at risk. That’s why we’re committed to preparing a strong defense that accounts for every detail.

Why Work with Our Pawleys Island DUI Law Firm?

We’ve built our firm on a commitment to real, trial-ready representation and strong communication. We don’t treat clients like case numbers, and we don’t rush to settle. When you hire our team, you’re getting a defense that’s designed to protect your rights and your future.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

• Direct access to your attorney from start to finish
  
• Courtroom experience that informs every decision we make
  
• Personalized legal strategies based on your case and your goals
  
• Clear updates and communication so you’re never left in the dark

Our focus is always on delivering legal support that reflects your unique circumstances, not just checking boxes.

Aggravating Factors that May Affect Your DUI Case

Some DUI cases involve circumstances that can increase the severity of the charges and the penalties involved. These aggravating factors are taken seriously in South Carolina courts, and they require an equally serious legal defense.

When these elements are present, we take extra care to evaluate how they may affect your case and build a defense accordingly.

Common aggravating factors include:

• High BAC levels: A blood alcohol content well above the legal limit can lead to harsher fines, longer jail sentences, and mandatory license suspensions.
  
• Refusal to take a breath or blood test: Refusing chemical testing can result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license and may be used as evidence in court.
  
• Accidents or injuries: If your DUI charge involves a crash—especially one that caused injury—you may be facing more serious consequences, including felony charges.
  
• Prior DUI convictions: Repeat offenses carry steeper penalties. A second or third DUI often involves mandatory jail time and longer ignition interlock requirements.
  
• Child passengers: Driving under the influence with a minor in the car can lead to additional charges and increased penalties.

These factors can significantly affect the direction of your case, and they’re often what make the difference between a standard charge and a more serious legal battle. We focus on identifying the issues that matter most and developing a strategy that gives you a fair opportunity to defend yourself.

Talk to a Pawleys Island DUI Attorney Today

If you’re facing a DUI charge in Pawleys Island, don’t wait to get help. Early legal action can make a significant difference, especially when it comes to challenging license suspensions or addressing procedural issues in your case.

At Hopkins Law Firm, we bring practical experience and a personal approach to every DUI case we take on. We’ll take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and develop a strategy focused on protecting your future.

Don’t Delay, Call Clay.

Contact OUR dui lawyer in Pawleys Island