A DUI in Greenville is a common offense. They can happen to anyone at any point in their life. People charged with DUIs come from different backgrounds and are accused of the offense if they are found under the influence of controlled substances like drugs or alcohol.
However, a DUI charge should not be taken lightly. If you or your loved ones have been charged with DUI in Greenville, then this article is for you. We will cover everything there is to know about DUIs in South Carolina.
What Are The Consequences Involved In Being Charged With DUI In South Carolina?
There are two main consequences involved when it comes to DUI charges in Greenville. They are:
Suspension Of Driver’s License
A DUI in Greenville leads to immediate suspension of your driver’s license. You can appeal against the decision at an administrative hearing. This generally happens when the driver does not consent to a breath sample or provide a sample, with the result being .15% or higher.
South Carolina has a law that states that all those who drive motor vehicles within its jurisdiction accept and consent to chemical tests of their breath, blood or urine for testing the presence of alcohol or illegal substances. Based on this law, all those who test positive for these substances are liable to have their driver’s licenses revoked for a set duration, anywhere between one month to more than a year. The duration is based on whether you consent to the test and the results of the test.
Criminal Offenses
The South Carolina law on DUI states that it is ‘unlawful to drive under the influence of alcohol in the state. According to the law, you are defying norms if your BAC levels are 0.8% or higher. Convictions are based on your history, criminal history, and the breathalyzer results.
If you refuse to take the test and are successfully convicted for the DUI in Greenville, you can expect a six-to-fifteen-month suspension of your driver’s license. If you are a first-time offender, you are likely to be served with a fine, jail time, or community service based on your BAC. Repeat offenders are served stricter sentences
What Can You Do If You Are Charged With a DUI in South Carolina?
Getting charged with a DUI can get serious if you do not take adequate steps. If you find yourself with a DUI charge, here is what you need to do:
Get a Ride Home
Firstly, make it a priority to get yourself home safely so that you can sober up and review your situation. Arrange for a friend or a family. Remember to get you out of jail and pay your bail. The immediate circumstance of a DUI is revocation of your driver’s license- in this case, you will require someone to drive you back home safely.
Know Your Case
Before leaving the police station, be sure to get your case details, along with your court date. As soon as you reach home, be sure to record all details of the night with a trusted friend or family member. This includes where you got drunk, the location, and the officer involved in charging you with the offense.
Consult a Lawyer
If you have been charged with a DUI, it is imperative that you immediately consult a lawyer. A lawyer can direct you with all the legal procedures required for your court case. Lawyers will help you keep track of your court date and keep you appraised of your legal journey.
Having a lawyer is vital if you believe that you have been wrongly implicated or charged with a DUI. If you are convinced that the breathalyzer used by the police was faulty, then it is best to hire a lawyer who can successfully plead your case.
Plan for Alternative Transportation
If you have been charged with a DUI in Greenville, you will be stripped of your driver’s license for a set duration. This means that you won’t be able to move around as you usually would. Therefore, you need to figure alternative arrangements like cabs or having someone drive you to places. In some cases, the court may grant you a hardship license to drive to essential places like work and school.
Based on the factors mentioned above, it is essential to determine the facts of your case and take appropriate actions to ensure your safety. That said, if you are charged with a DUI in Greenville, contact our expert attorneys today.