Manning DUI Lawyer

Manning DUI Attorney

Being pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence is a frightening experience in South Carolina. The penalties that can follow a criminal conviction are severe. They can see you facing lengthy jail periods, fines, community service, and a permanent criminal record. Whether you’ve been pulled over while coming home along North Brooks Street or stopped in a traffic stop on East Boyce Street, a Manning DUI lawyer can safeguard your rights and freedom.

Work With the Trusted Team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

Since 1996, the team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has been representing individuals just like yourself against DUI charges. We can offer your case the attention and advocacy it needs for successful legal representation. We have years of experience in handling DUI cases at the Manning Municipal Court on North Brooks Street in Manning, and we can put this experience to good use in your criminal defense case. Trust our team to fight for you throughout your case.

Defining a DUI in Manning, South Carolina

In a single year, nearly 11% of all criminal arrests nationwide are for drunk driving. In South Carolina, it is illegal to operate a motorized vehicle on public roadways with a BAC, or blood alcohol content, level of 0.08% or higher. When faced with a DUI in South Carolina, it is wise to be aware of the nature of your charge. A DUI can take several different forms under the state’s DUI laws, each with its own varying degrees of punishment. These include:

First DUI

If this is your first time being charged with a DUI in Manning, you might think the prosecution will not punish you too severely. They won’t. You still need to hire a lawyer who can explain the charges and then fight them for you. You could still face hundreds of dollars in fines, jail time, and having your driver’s license suspended.

Second DUI

If this is the second time you have been charged with a DUI and you have a previous DUI conviction on your record, the penalties you can face will only increase. You could lose your driving privileges for a much longer period, spend several years in jail, and have an Ignition Interlock Device installed in your car. These devices have been proven to reduce repeat offenses by 70%.

Third DUI

If this is your third DUI charge, the penalties are even more severe. Depending on how much alcohol is allegedly in your bloodstream, you could be incarcerated for several years and face tens of thousands of dollars in legal fines. You will also lose your driver’s license for a set period and be required to install an IID in your car.

Fourth DUI

Being arrested for a fourth DUI is one of the most serious crimes you can be charged with. This is typically classified as a felony, and you could risk having your driver’s license permanently revoked. Depending on your BAC, you could also face nearly a decade of prison time. If this is your fourth DUI charge, we cannot stress enough how vital it is that you contact an attorney.

Felony DUI

If someone suffered serious bodily injury or was killed due to your alleged drunk driving, you will face felony DUI charges in addition to other possible charges. It is crucial that, when facing a felony DUI charge, you hire a Manning DUI attorney as quickly as possible. They can begin working right away on asserting your rights and saving your future.

FAQs About Manning, SC DUI Laws

How Can an Attorney Help Me in a DUI Case?

Though it is not legally required that you hire an attorney in a DUI case, having one on your side can be crucial for successfully defeating your DUI charges. Your attorney can:

• Review the full details of your case.
• Investigate what happened.
• Determine whether the police violated your rights during your arrest or any booking procedures.
• Identify any evidence that could support your innocence.
• Work to reduce your charges or have your case dismissed.
• Defend you before a judge.

What Are My Rights in a DUI Case?

Remember that you have several rights, even following an arrest in a DUI case. First, it is your right to remain silent, meaning that you do not need to answer any questions the police officers or prosecution might pose to you until you have spoken to your attorney. You also have the right to legal representation. They can advise you during all interactions with the police and prosecutors.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in SC?

In South Carolina, an individual might face several penalties if they are convicted of a DUI. First, depending on whether this is your first DUI, if certain factors are present, you could face prison time. You can also face hefty fines, community service, and mandatory alcohol treatment programs. In addition to these legal penalties, you will also be assigned a criminal record. Individuals with criminal records face a 30% unemployment rate across the country.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for a DUI?

How much it might cost to hire a lawyer in a DUI case will vary. Every case is different, and so is the way in which each attorney structures their fees. However, most DUI lawyer costs will hinge on certain factors involved in your case. These include the complexity and duration of your case, along with the experience and skill level of your attorney.

Hire a DUI Lawyer Serving Manning Residents

If you or someone you love has been arrested for a DUI in Manning, it is essential that you hire a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. There is too much at stake for you to waste any time. Trust the team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III. We have the experience necessary to successfully represent you and protect your future. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation, and let us answer any of your questions.