Camden DUI Lawyer

Camden DUI Attorney

Being accused and arrested for driving under the influence is a terrifying and overwhelming experience. Even if you are a first-time offender, you can still face steep consequences under the state’s DUI laws, like license suspension, fines, and even prison time. Whether you’ve been arrested coming home to Windsor Heights from a bar downtown or pulled over on Highway 601 North, you need to hire a Camden DUI lawyer who can fight to protect your rights, future, and freedoms.

Trust the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III for Your Camden DUI Case

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has spent decades defending individuals who have been charged and arrested for drunk or drugged driving in and around Camden, South Carolina. Our defense team understands how difficult these criminal cases can be, along with the stress they can place on you and your loved ones. Whether you are hoping for reduced charges or a complete case dismissal, you can place your trust in us as we pursue your interests.

Defining DUI Charges in Camden

In the United States, nearly 11% of all criminal arrests every year involve drunk drivers. Across South Carolina, the law makes it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content, or BAC, level of 0.08% or higher. However, if you drive a commercial vehicle for a living, this limit drops to 0.04%. If you are under the legal drinking age of 21, the limit drops even lower to 0.02%.

In addition to alcohol, South Carolina operates under a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of drugs or controlled substances. If a police officer has pulled you over and believes you have consumed some form of drug, including marijuana or even some over-the-counter or prescription medications, you can be charged with a DUI.

For first-time offenders, the penalties can be severe. However, if this is your second, third, or subsequent DUI, you could face years of prison time and thousands of dollars in fines. Nearly 30% of all DUI arrests nationwide involve repeat offenders.

The more DUI convictions there are on your record, the harsher the penalties will be. No matter if this is your first DUI or your fifth, it is crucial that you have a lawyer on your side; otherwise, your chances of being convicted increase exponentially. For this reason, you need to hire a DUI attorney as quickly as possible. The team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can fight for you now.

Defending You Against DUI Charges

When you find yourself facing DUI charges in Camden, hiring a DUI lawyer is essential. Your attorney from the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can review your case and determine what defense strategy works to your greatest advantage. The most common defense strategies for DUI cases include:

• Challenging the accuracy of the BAC test. If there is any evidence to prove that the results of the BAC test were not correct, it could destroy the prosecution’s case against you. This might happen if the device is not correctly calibrated or the test is improperly administered.
• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop. A law enforcement officer needs a valid reason to pull you over. If we can demonstrate that they did not have any real cause for pulling you over, we could argue that any evidence gathered at the traffic stop is now inadmissible.
• Proving that your rights were violated. If any of your constitutional rights were violated during your arrest, we could use this as part of your defense strategy.

FAQs About Camden, SC DUI Laws

Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in SC?

If you choose to decline a breathalyzer test once you have been pulled over for suspicion of drunk or drugged driving, it can automatically cause you to suffer certain penalties. Declining a breathalyzer test actually raises suspicion of guilt, and you could have your license suspended for a lengthy period. The act of refusing the test can also be used against you, as it could be interpreted as evidence suggesting your guilt in a DUI case.

What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI Offense in Camden?

If this is your first time being arrested and charged with a DUI in Camden, you might think the courts will be lenient. This is not always the case. Depending on the factors of your arrest, you could still face severe penalties if convicted. These can include jail time, fines, community service, and being assigned a permanent criminal record. Those with criminal records can additionally face a 30% unemployment rate.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a DUI in South Carolina?

While it is not legally required to hire a lawyer when facing DUI charges in South Carolina, having one on your side can be vital for achieving a favorable case outcome. Your attorney is there to listen to your side of the story, collect evidence to support your defense, negotiate with the prosecution to reach a positive outcome, or take your case to trial.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a DUI Lawyer in SC?

There are several factors involved with the final costs of hiring a DUI lawyer in South Carolina. Typically, the cost of a lawyer’s defense services will hinge on the complexity and duration of your case, along with how much experience that attorney has. Additional costs may apply if more time is needed to negotiate the case, collect evidence, and take part in any trials.

Hire a DUI Lawyer Serving Camden Residents Today

If you or a loved one has been charged with drunk or drugged driving in South Carolina, you need to hire a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. These cases are serious, and the potential penalties you could suffer can ruin the rest of your life. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we can protect you. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and learn why so many others have placed their trust in us.