Have you ever felt that your independence on the broad road was compromised as you neared a DUI checkpoint? It’s a typical occurrence in and around Greenville, South Carolina, and it may be frightening. And are these DUI checkpoints even lawful in South Carolina?
Understanding the regulations surrounding DUI checkpoints might be beneficial whether you’ve been pulled over to have your license and registration checked or have an upcoming court appearance.
We’ll examine whether DUI checkpoints are legal in Greenville, SC, why they exist, and when are they set up. We’ll also explore how our qualified DUI defense attorneys in Greenville, South Carolina at the Bateman Law Firm can help if you’re arrested.
What Is a DUI Checkpoint?
A DUI checkpoint is essentially a police roadblock where officers look for indicators of intoxicated driving. Officers will require drivers to give their driver’s license and registration, and they may ask them to get out of the vehicle for further inspection.
Checkpoints are often held at predefined sites or times — often during peak DUI driving hours such as holidays or weekends — and any drivers who pass through are subjected to initial screening for symptoms of drunkenness.
The officers may use field sobriety tests or breathalyzer testing to check for signs of alcohol usage or drug consumption. Be sure not to have any suspicious items visible in your vehicle to avoid putting yourself in trouble.
DUI checkpoints help get inebriated drivers off the streets and help preserve public safety. But are they legal in Greenville, SC? The simple answer is yes, they are.
Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, DUI checkpoints are legal if they pass constitutional inspection, which is evaluated by the state’s court system on a case-by-case basis.
Perhaps you were stopped at one such checkpoint in South Carolina, leading to a DUI arrest. Checkpoints are put up by law enforcement for this exact purpose, but before they set it up, they must notify the public, broadcast it in the media, and post signs on the route indicating the presence of a checkpoint.
South Carolina has allowed the police to conduct these checkpoints and stop vehicles at random as part of ongoing criminal investigations into DUIs.
However, the authorities can only detain drivers for a short time before evaluating whether or not they are intoxicated.
What Should You Do If You Encounter a DUI Checkpoint in Greenville, SC?
If you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint in Greenville, SC, and are indeed drunk, remember that you have the right to stay quiet and not answer any questions. Since the police require reasonable suspicion or probable cause to search your vehicle, you don’t have to consent to that. If you were not drinking at all, you can follow the basic routine (Breathalyzer test and license check) and be on your way.
However, if you come across a DUI checkpoint in Greenville, SC, and have had something to drink, then this is what you should do.
- Do not submit to any car searches (unless the police have a warrant).
- Avoid any sudden moves that may appear suspicious.
- Make no confessions or implicate yourself.
- Never have a dispute with the officer, and always be compliant.
- Contact an attorney immediately if you are arrested for DUI.
- If you believe the officer violated your rights, file a complaint with the Office of Professional Responsibility.
Following these measures will help guarantee that any interaction with police at a DUI checkpoint in Greenville, SC, goes as smoothly as possible.
And later, you can fight the charges in court.
The Consequences of a DUI Arrest in South Carolina
You will face harsh penalties if you are arrested for DUI in South Carolina and proven guilty afterward. The consequences for a DUI conviction in South Carolina vary depending on the circumstances, but they often include the following:
- Loss of driving privileges – you might have your license suspended or revoked.
- Completion of an alcohol and drug treatment program is required.
- High fines – you might face a $5,000 fine.
- Risk jail terms might face up to three years in prison.
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) is required – this is a device fitted in your vehicle that requires you to produce breath samples before the automobile can start.
Finding the Best Greenville, South Carolina DUI Lawyer
If you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint in Greenville, SC, you should know where to go for legal assistance. Your DUI case is best handled by consulting with an expert attorney who can build a solid defense for you and ensure complete protection of your legal rights.
Thankfully, you can count on Bateman Law Firm’s highly capable DUI defense attorneys in Greenville for a strong legal defense.
But in any case, here are some tips to help you find the finest lawyer for your case:
Request Referrals
Consult with friends and relatives in similar situations for references to trustworthy attorneys, or inquire with local bar organizations.
Compare Credentials
Examine possible candidates’ qualifications, areas of specialization, and experience with DUI cases online. Check that they are local and have dealt with cases involving stops at police checkpoints in Greenville, SC.
Check Reviews
Examine online client evaluations to see if each attorney has received favorable feedback from prior clients.
Reporting Fees
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, discuss their services and pricing so you can decide which is best for you.
Hire the Best DUI Lawyer in Greenville, SC
If you are facing a DUI arrest, hiring experienced criminal defense attorneys in Greenville, South Carolina, from the Bateman Law Firm, is an absolute necessity.
And here’s why that’s the case.
Knowledgeable Representation
Our firm has the best Greenville, South Carolina DUI lawyers on board, all eager to defend your legal rights. We’ll help you comprehend what you’re up against. Furthermore, an experienced attorney is aware of the potential penalties for your specific conduct and knows how to defend your case successfully.
Experience in Negotiations
Our attorneys know your rights and have expertise fighting for those rights. We will also negotiate with prosecutors to get your charges withdrawn or lowered if feasible. This can be the difference between spending time in jail or not.
Legal Advice & Representation in Court
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Greenville, South Carolina can help you understand your rights when it comes to DUI checkpoints and other DUI-related offenses. We’ll also be prepared to provide compelling legal arguments in your favor, which might result in avoiding or decreasing conviction fines or having the charges withdrawn entirely.
Contact us today to start building a solid legal defense for yourself!