When someone is charged with a DUI for the first time, it can turn into a very overwhelming experience fast. Once realization hits them regarding what has happened over the past 24-hours, the driver begins to wonder about what their charges will be, how they can avoid jail time, and how the offense will affect their driving privileges.
Drivers accused of a DUI in Greenville, SC have the right to build a convincing case for themselves to lessen their punishment and return to their normal lives as soon as they can. The first step that they should take once arrested for a DUI is to hire a DUI defense lawyer to handle their case. Hiring a lawyer can help the defendant with plea bargains and settlements so that they don’t have to endure the maximum punishment.
What are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI Offender in South Carolina?
A first-time offender of driving under the influence in the state of South Carolina can face various penalties including license suspension, monetary fines, or up to 90 days in jail. They may be required to take an alcohol and drug safety class, and if convicted, the driver will have the charge placed on their criminal record, which can be seen with any background check. The driver’s auto insurance rates will likely increase as well. Sometimes the driver may have to install an interlock ignition device on their car to prevent them from making the same mistake twice.
In South Carolina, those convicted of a DUI can have their driver’s license revoked or suspended. Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most common reasons for license suspension in the area. And if you choose to drive with a suspended license, you could be arrested and charged with driving under suspension.
A DUI offense can have a significant impact on a driver’s life, and therefore it is best to avoid these situations. However, we all make mistakes, and no one is perfect. That is why there are experienced and understanding DUI defense lawyers in Greenville, SC available to help drivers just like you in your time of need.
Working with your DUI Defense Lawyer to Build Your Case
Your DUI Defense lawyer can help you put together a compelling case that can help lessen your punishment. It is important that you work along with your lawyer and provide them with all the information you have regarding the case. If an officer administered a BAC test and it did not reveal any positive results, you could use this information to support your case. To convict you of a DUI charge, the prosecuting attorney must be able to prove that you were driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, or that your ability to drive safely was impaired, or you could have your charges dropped. Therefore, giving your lawyer as much information as possible can sometimes make a major change in your case.
Accepting or Not Accepting the Plea Bargain?
In most DUI cases, the DA offers a plea bargain to the defendant where if they choose to plead guilty to the crime, they will receive a lesser sentence and will not have to go to trial. It is best to have a lawyer discuss plea bargains with the prosecutor instead of the defendant talking to the DA on their own and deciding what to do themselves. An experienced DUI defense attorney has the negotiating skills needed to get their client the best possible outcome, and there is no need for the defendant to speak with the prosecutor at all. If you are involved in a DUI case, you should not agree to any plea bargain without talking to your lawyer first. They will help to ensure that your rights are protected and will look out for your best interest.
Were You Involved in an Accident While Driving Impaired in Greenville?
Getting pulled over by an officer and receiving a DUI charge is difficult enough, but if you were involved in an accident with another vehicle while allegedly driving drunk, you could end up with stricter charges against you including for property damage, physical injuries or even fatalities. Make sure that your rights are protected at all times by hiring a DUI defense lawyer in South Carolina to build a strong case for you. They can compromise with the prosecutor and make sure that you have the best possible outcome for your situation.
If you were driving drunk and caused someone else to become injured due to negligence on your part, you would have to either serve time in jail, pay a monetary fine, or endure some other form of punishment. No one should expect to go into a DUI trial and walk away without any charges against them. However, if you hire a DUI defense lawyer that has years of experience working on drunk driving cases, you can improve your odds and ensure that you will spend less time behind bars or pay a smaller fine.
Contact Bateman Law in Greenville, SC for DUI Defense Assistance
The Bateman Law Firm in Greenville, SC can help you get the desired results from your DUI case. If you are wrongly accused of driving under the influence, or if you admit to your crime and want help lessening your sentence, you need to give our firm a call today. We have an experienced defense team that can guide you along the complicated court proceedings and will help you decide what your best chances are for a better outcome.
At the Bateman Law Firm, we understand that you are only human and everyone makes mistakes. We want to help our clients receive a second chance at life by offering them help with lessening their punishment. While we may not be able to prevent you from receiving any punishment at all, we can help make the process much easier for you.
If you need to build a strong DUI Defense in Greenville, SC we are here to help. Contact the Bateman Law Firm today by giving us a call at 864-406-6036 or chat with one of our legal representatives right here on our website.