Florence DUI Lawyer

Florence DUI Attorney

When you are stopped and arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will likely wonder what your rights are and what to do next. This is a frightening and overwhelming time, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you were arrested for drunk driving along East Palmetto Street or stopped during a traffic stop on South Irby Street, a Florence DUI lawyer can protect your rights and future.

Consult the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

For nearly 30 years, the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has been protecting Florence residents in a wide range of DUI-related cases. These charges are serious, so you need to hire a DUI lawyer who knows how to pursue the most successful outcome possible in your case. Our firm can review your case, determine the correct defense strategy to use, and ultimately fight to protect you from the prosecution.

DUI Charges You Can Face in Florence

Every year, across the country, 11% of all criminal arrests are for drugged or drunk driving. In South Carolina, it is illegal to drive with a BAC, or blood alcohol content, level of 0.08% or higher. If you are arrested, you can face serious penalties. Even if this is your first DUI charge, the courts will not be lenient. You can still face prison time, large fines, community service requirements, and the assignment of a permanent criminal record.

In most DUI cases, the penalties will extend beyond the legal bounds and impact your personal life as well. Individuals with a criminal record can face a 30% unemployment rate. You may also find it difficult to secure housing options and educational opportunities, especially if you are an underage minor.

If this is your second, third, fourth, or subsequent DUI, the state’s DUI laws are even harsher. For each conviction on your record, the penalties will increase, and having a Florence DUI attorney on your side will prove to be increasingly essential.

In addition to alcohol-related DUI charges, you could also face charges for DUIs related to drug usage. If an individual is found to be driving with cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, or any other drug in their system that could affect their driving, including certain prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs, they could be charged with a DUI. Penalties for drug-related DUI charges include jail time, fines, and the suspension of your license.

How the Prosecution Works to Prove Your Charge in a DUI Case

To be successfully convicted of a DUI in South Carolina, the prosecutors who are assigned to your case must prove three elements. These include:

1. You were actually driving, not just sitting in your car or passed out while the car was not in motion or in gear.
2. While driving, you were under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
3. You were under the influence to the point where your ability to drive a vehicle was impaired.

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we can review your case and use any available evidence to disprove all these elements. If you have been charged with a DUI in Florence, it is crucial that you reach out to us immediately. The prosecution will begin working on their side of the case right away. If time is lost when building your defense, it may be easier for the prosecution to convince a jury of these elements.

When you hire the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we can investigate your DUI arrest, collect evidence to support your case, and aggressively defend you through pre-trial motions and courtroom advocacy.

FAQs About Florence, SC DUI Laws

What Evidence Can Be Used in a DUI Case?

Several forms of evidence could be used in a DUI case to pursue your desired outcome. Depending on the factors in your case and the circumstances, common forms of evidence include:

• Police reports
• Dashcam or bodycam footage
• Faulty breathalyzer or blood test records
• Proof of certain health conditions
• Device contamination
• Improper calibration of testing equipment
• Witness testimony

What Are the Common Defenses Against a DUI Charge?

Depending on your DUI case, several defenses could be used to prevent a successful conviction. First, your attorney could prove that the police officers involved lacked probable cause to pull you over. They may also argue against the accuracy of any breathalyzer test. Another method would be to prove that any field sobriety tests that were administered were conducted in an improper or incorrect manner.

What Counts as a Felony DUI in South Carolina?

Two main types of DUI charges can be classified as felonies in South Carolina. The first is that of a DUI in which great bodily injury is caused. If you drive under the influence and someone suffers an injury because of it, this is a felony. The other form of felony DUI occurs if your drunk or drugged driving causes the death of another. Nearly 32 people are killed every day from drunk driving.

Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in SC?

Though you can refuse a breathalyzer test in South Carolina, doing so will result in serious penalties. If you refuse a breathalyzer test, the first consequence will be the automatic suspension of your license for at least six months. There are no exceptions to this consequence. You may also be required to attend and complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program.

Hire a DUI Lawyer Serving Florence Residents Today

If you or someone close to you has been charged and arrested for a DUI in Florence, now is the time to hire a DUI lawyer. The sooner you get an attorney on your side, the quicker we can begin working to reduce your charges or have your case dismissed altogether. We are transparent about DUI lawyer costs and your legal options. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we don’t stop fighting for our clients until every possible option has been exhausted. Contact our offices today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.