Whether it’s a first offense or if you’ve been charged (and convicted) before, getting a DUI charge can be highly disruptive to your life. In such situations, the best you can do is to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case with the assistance of a DUI defense lawyer.
Qualified criminal defense attorneys in Greenville, South Carolina can provide you with legal counsel, skilled representation in court, and knowledgeable advice on the best strategies for protecting your constitutional rights.
Let’s explore what your lawyer can do for you, from pre-trial strategies to courtroom proceedings.
Read on to learn more about how the best Greenville, South Carolina DUI lawyer from the Bateman Law Firm can help you secure the best outcome possible.
Your Rights Under the Constitution
The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land and guarantees certain rights and protections to all citizens. The Constitution’s Bill of Rights outlines specific individual protections, including “protection against unreasonable searches and seizures” among other rights.
This is to safeguard individual liberties and ensure due process and equal protection under the law. Even if you are facing a criminal charge, you still have rights and it’s in your best interests to exercise them.
If, at any stage, you believe that your rights have been violated, let your attorney know, so they can pursue legal remedies if necessary. By upholding your constitutional rights, your lawyer can ensure that you are treated fairly and equally under the law.
Here are some of the most important rights concerning your DUI arrest.
Due Process
The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee due process of law, which means that individuals are entitled to fair treatment by the legal system, including the right to a fair trial, legal counsel, and protection from self-incrimination.
You may feel that being charged with a crime is the end of the world, especially if it is the first time, but that’s not the case. In fact, you’re innocent until proven guilty and will be given a fair chance to present your defense before the court.
Your lawyer will handle this part but what you can do is keep quiet and not say anything that may be held against you in a court of law. When the arresting officer asks any questions, don’t feel compelled to answer. Ask to speak to your lawyer first.
Equal Protection
The Fourteenth Amendment also guarantees equal protection under the law, which means that individuals are entitled to equal treatment regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or other protected characteristics.
Racial profiling is becoming increasingly prevalent, and if you feel that the charges leveled against you are because of the color of your skin, let your lawyer know. Also, if you were mistreated in any way, your attorney should know about it.
Right to Privacy
The Fourth Amendment protects the right to privacy, which includes the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. You don’t have to consent to any searches, even if you’re arrested for DUI and if the police officer does so without your consent, tell your lawyer.
How a DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help
A DUI defense lawyer can help you avoid some of the most serious consequences associated with a DUI conviction in South Carolina. A DUI conviction can result in jail time, the loss of your driver’s license, and high fines.
A DUI defense lawyer can help you avoid these consequences by challenging the evidence against you and raising defenses to the charges.
And, of course, if your constitutional rights were violated at any stage of the process, your lawyer can bring that up before the court as well.
When you’re accused of driving under the influence (DUI), you may feel like you are automatically guilty. However, you have constitutional rights that protect you from an unfair trial. A DUI defense lawyer can help you by:
- Ensuring that the field sobriety tests were administered correctly;
- Making sure that the breathalyzer test was calibrated correctly;
- Investigate whether other mitigating factors could have influenced your test results (e.g., mouthwash, cold medicine).
The police must have probable cause to stop you before they can arrest you for DUI. If the police did not have probable cause, your attorney can challenge the stop and get the charges against you dismissed.
Even if the police had probable cause to stop you, they still must follow proper procedure when arresting you for DUI. If the police did not follow proper procedure, your attorney can challenge the arrest and get the charges against you dismissed.
Here’s what the best Greenville, South Carolina DUI lawyer can do for you.
A Thorough Review of Your Case
A good lawyer will take the time to review the details of your arrest and the evidence against you. They will identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a strong defense strategy.
An Explanation of the Charges
A qualified DUI lawyer will explain the charges against you and help you understand what you are facing. They will also advise you on the best course of action to take.
A Strong Defense
A good lawyer will develop a strong defense strategy based on the facts of your case. They will work tirelessly to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
Peace of Mind
Hiring a qualified DUI lawyer will give you peace of mind knowing that someone is on your side who knows how to protect your rights and interests.
Choose the Best Greenville, South Carolina DUI Lawyer
When facing DUI charges, make the smart move and hire a capable DUI lawyer from the Bateman Law Firm. The consequences of a conviction can be very serious: you may face jail time, lose your driver’s license, and pay steep fines.
A DUI conviction can also have a negative impact on your employment and insurance rates.
When arrested for DUI, contact qualified DUI defense attorneys in Greenville, South Carolina right away. Your lawyer will review the facts of your case, help you understand the charges against you, and develop a strong defense strategy for you.
Delay will cost you; contact us now to protect your constitutional rights!