Very Experienced DUAC and DUI Attorneys in Fort Mill, South Carolina
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our DUI and DUAC lawyers in Fort Mill know that last year alone there were nearly 15,500 arrests for drunk driving in South Carolina.
We also know, being arrested for DUI or DUAC does not mean you are guilty of the charge, which is why it is important to partner with an experienced criminal defense attorney in York County immediately after you are released, so we can get started on your case and pursue the best outcome available for your unique circumstances.
We will provide the straightforward legal guidance you need to face the charges filed against you, so your arrest does not define your future.
Are South Carolina DUAC and DUI Charges the Same Thing?
South Carolina has two different charges for those who are caught operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol.
The first is Driving with an Unlawful Alcohol Concentration, or DUAC. A DUAC charge only requires proof that the driver was operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher.
The second is Driving Under the Influence, or DUI, which carries a different burden of proof, requiring that the driver was materially and appreciably impaired by drugs, alcohol, or both at the time of driving, leading to their stop and arrest.
While the language is different, the penalties are quite nearly the same, and both come with severe penalties that can immediately affect your personal and professional life, especially if your livelihood depends on your ability to drive.
Different Rules for South Carolina Residents Who Drive Commercial Vehicles
When your life depends on having a valid driver’s license, being convicted of DUAC or DUI can be devastating.
In South Carolina, a commercial driver’s license holder is disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for one year if the driver is convicted of either a DUI or DUAC while driving any type of vehicle.
When the individual is driving their personal vehicle, the BAC limit of .08% in South Carolina still applies. However, if he or she is driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the stop, the arresting BAC threshold is .04%. If a commercial vehicle driver refuses to submit to a blood, urine, or breath test, he or she will also be arrested and charged.
Partnering with an experienced DUI or DUAC attorney in Fort Mill could mean the difference in keeping or losing your job because of a conviction. Allow our experienced York County criminal lawyers to review your case during a consultation today, so you can make informed decisions about your future.
What are the Consequences of a DUI or DUAC Conviction in South Carolina?
Besides spending the night in jail, and possibly missing work the next day — which could be a justifiable cause for termination — there are many consequences and penalties associated with even a first-time DUI or DUAC charge in South Carolina.
Each person’s DUAC or DUI circumstances is unique, and will be assessed based on their criminal history, prior DUAC or DUI charges, or any additional charges associated with their arrest.
Some of the penalties for a DUI or DUAC in York County include:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Community service
- Fines, fees, and court costs
- Ignition interlock device
- Mandatory drug and alcohol education, assessment, and treatment
- Expensive SR-22 insurance will be required for reinstatement of your license
- Vehicle confiscation
- Jail time
What’s more, DUI and DUAC convictions cannot be expunged from your record, which means they may be visible on background checks going forward.
You do not have to let these charges define your future. Contact our experienced DUI and DUAC attorneys in Fort Mill today to learn how we can help you pursue the best outcome for your unique case, starting with a consultation.
Will I Lose My Driver’s License After a DUAC or DUI Arrest in Fort Mill, South Carolina?
Losing your driving privileges is typically the first consequence of being arrested and charged with DUI or DUAC in South Carolina.
That is absolutely true if you refused the breathalyzer or blood test, or if you consented to a breathalyzer and the result was a BAC of .15% or higher. Both are automatic causes for driver’s license suspension.
While anyone who is arrested and charged with DUI or DUAC is in jeopardy of losing their driver’s license, our Fort Mill attorneys will walk you through the process of obtaining a Temporary Alcohol License after your arrest, which is accomplished during an administrative hearing, where we will challenge your license suspension, so you may travel to and from work, school, and court-ordered appointments.
What if I Caused a Traffic Collision While Intoxicated in South Carolina?
A person who drives with alcohol or drugs in their system may lose their ability to judge distances, causing reaction times to slow, which can lead to a collision without notice.
Depending on the driver’s BAC, their judgment and coordination can lead to poor decisions that cause:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end crashes
- Pedestrian injuries
- Wrong-way wrecks
If you caused a collision after drinking and driving that resulted in property damage, physical injuries, or death, you are going to face harsh penalties from the solicitor’s office, and will need an experienced Fort Mill DUI and DUAC attorney to pursue the best outcome for your case.
Contact Our Serious DUI and DUAC Attorneys in Fort Mill at the David W. Martin Law Group for a consultation Today
If you have been arrested for DUI or DUAC contact our experienced DUI and DUAC lawyers in Fort Mill, South Carolina at the David W. Martin Law Group today by calling (803) 548-2468 to review your case, so you will be well prepared for your first court date.
