Serious DUI and DUAC Attorneys in Rock Hill, SC
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our DUAC and DUI attorneys in Rock Hill know many factors that determine how alcohol consumption affects each person, including their weight, biology, and the amount consumed, which may make it difficult to tell when you over the legal limit to drive your vehicle.
Unfortunately, there is no way to tell what your blood alcohol content may be before getting behind the wheel. Even if you felt okay to drive, a breathalyzer may say differently, and surpassing the .08 BAC limit in South Carolina, or failing to submit to the test at all, will land you in jail for the night.
From there, the consequences of a DUI or DUAC conviction can challenge your livelihood, jeopardize your ability to drive, and cause significant personal and professional hardships.
If you have been arrested for DUAC or DUI in York County, contact our experienced Rock Hill criminal defense attorneys to learn more about your rights and legal options, so together we can pursue the best outcome for your unique circumstances.
What is the Difference Between a DUAC and DUI Arrest in South Carolina?
South Carolina divides alcohol-impaired arrests and charges into two initial categories.
- A DUAC is driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration, which only requires proof that the driver was operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher to be charged with the offense.
- A DUI is driving under the influence of alcohol, which requires proof that the driver was materially and appreciably impaired by drugs, alcohol, or both to be charged with the offense.
Although a DUI or DUAC in South Carolina is two different charges, the penalties for both are nearly the same, and neither charge is eligible to be expunged from your criminal record, which could have far-reaching consequences, especially for someone whose livelihood involves driving.
Will I Lose My Driver’s License After a DUAC or DUI Arrest in Rock Hill, South Carolina?
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our DUI and DUAC lawyers in Rock Hill review each of our client’s cases individually and assess the evidence that the solicitor’s office has on file and plans to use to strengthen their case before designing the necessary legal solutions.
The overall goal is to find the weaknesses in their case, so we can request a dismissal of the charges. When that is not possible, we will seek the best outcome available for each unique case, based on the overall circumstances of the arrest.
The biggest concern most of our clients have is whether they will lose their license after a DUAC or DUI arrest in South Carolina.
The answer is, it depends on your unique case.
- If you refuse the breathalyzer or blood test — which is completely within your rights — your license will automatically be suspended as a result.
- If you consent to a breathalyzer and the result is a BAC of .15% or higher — your license will automatically be suspended as a result.
Partnering with an experienced DUI or DUAC attorney in Rock Hill will provide the solution to obtain a Temporary Alcohol License after your arrest, which is accomplished during an administrative hearing, where we will challenge your license suspension, so you may legally drive, to avoid any further issues at work, school, or in your family.
What are the Additional Consequences of a DUI or DUAC Charge in South Carolina?
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in South Carolina, our Rock Hill DUAC and DUI attorneys will investigate your arrest and the charges the solicitor’s office has filed as a result.
While each of our clients’ circumstances is different, and may include other charges, first-time DUI offenses are based on the BAC results at the time of the arrest.
For first-time DUI arrests, the penalties are as follows:
- BAC over .08%, but less than.10%: 48 hours of community service or jail time from 48 hours up to 30 days, and a fine up to $400 (plus additional fees and court costs)
- BAC between .10% and .15%: 72 hours of community service, or jail time from 72 hours up to 30 days, and/or a fine up to $500 (plus additional fees and court costs)
- BAC of.16% or greater: 30 days of community service, or jail time from 30 to 90 days, and/or a fine up to $1,000 (plus additional fees and court costs)
Other penalties may include mandatory drug and alcohol education, assessment, and treatment or installment of an ignition interlock device on the individual’s vehicle. If you have been arrested for DUAC or DUI in York County, contact our Rock Hill criminal defense attorneys today to learn the extent of your charges and how we can counter them with customized legal solutions.
Will I Serve Jail Time if I Already Have One or More South Carolina DUAC or DUI Convictions and Am Arrested Again?
If you have previously been convicted of a DUI in South Carolina, being arrested for the same charge an additional time is going to lead to harsher penalties, including potentially mandatory jail or prison time.
Each person’s DUI arrest is unique, but the standard penalties for additional DUAC or DUI charges in South Carolina include:
Second DUI or DUAC Offense
- Five days to three years in jail
- Indefinite license suspension until Ignition Interlock device is installed
- Ignition Interlock installation for two years
- Up to $6,500 in fines (plus additional fees and court costs)
Third DUI or DUAC Offense
- 60 days up to five years in jail
- Indefinite license suspension until Ignition Interlock device is installed
- Ignition Interlock installation for at least three years
- Up to $10,000 in fines (plus additional fees and court costs)
Fourth DUI or DUAC Offense
- One to seven years in jail
- Indefinite license suspension until Ignition Interlock device is installed
- Ignition Interlock installation for life
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our DUAC or DUI lawyers in Rock Hill have successfully handled all types of alcohol-related cases, including those with multiple DUAC or DUI arrests, and clients who have been charged with multiple offenses during a DUI or DUAC arrest, including drug charges or being involved in an accident while intoxicated.
If you have been arrested for DUI or DUAC, whether it is your first time and the charges are straightforward, or if your case is complex and involves multiple charges, our criminal defense attorneys in Rock Hill will provide a customized legal strategy to pursue the best results.
We can help for:
- Felony & Violent Crimes
- Possession of Marijuana and Cocaine
- Attempted Murder and Murder Defense
- Driver’s License Suspension
- Domestic Violence
Contact Our Very Experienced DUI and DUAC Attorneys in Rock Hill at the David W. Martin Law Group for a consultation Today
If you have arrested for DUI or DUAC contact our experienced DUI and DUAC lawyers in Rock Hill, South Carolina at the David W. Martin Law Group today by calling (803) 985-9200 to review your case with our skilled criminal defense team before you appear your first court date, so you will be fully prepared to face the solicitor with confidence.
