South Carolina Traffic Lawyer

A citation for serious traffic offenses can lead to consequences that extend well beyond a fine. Depending on the alleged violation, you may be facing points on your license, a suspension, fines, or criminal charges with the potential for jail time. A South Carolina traffic lawyer represents clients facing serious criminal charges arising from the operation of a motor vehicle. 

An experienced defense attorney can help resolve your case with your best interests in mind. If you have been cited or arrested in connection with your operation of a motor vehicle, contact our office to discuss your legal rights and options during a free case evaluation.

Defending Against Traffic Citations

Law enforcement issues traffic citations under the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways, codified in South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-10. The range of conduct covered is broad, and officers can issue citations for violations including:

• Speeding
• Running stop signs or red lights
• Aggressive driving
• Tailgating
• Failing to yield to traffic or pedestrians
• Improper cell phone use while driving
• Operating an unsafe or non-compliant vehicle

Most of these violations are misdemeanors under S.C. Code § 56-5-730. They can result in a civil fine and points added to your driver’s license, which can lead to suspension. Accumulating 12 or more points may result in license suspension or revocation under S.C. Code § 56-1-740.

The sentencing discretion available to a judge is an important consideration for navigating your case. How you choose to present your case can affect the severity of potential penalties. An attorney in South Carolina can help you respond to driving offense charges by evaluating your plea, identifying mitigating circumstances, and making strong arguments for a reduced penalty. Contesting a citation outright may also be an option. Officers can make mistakes when assessing a ticket. They may lack the evidence necessary to support the traffic citation, or you may have a legitimate defense to the alleged violation under the circumstances.

Which Traffic Violations Can Result in Criminal Charges?

Fines and driver’s license points are not the only penalties that can apply in a traffic citation case. Violations that cause injury, death, or pose a serious risk to public safety can allow for prosecution of more serious crimes under the South Carolina Motor Vehicle Code. The most common scenario involves driving under the influence in violation of S.C. Code § 56-5-2930. When a DUI involves negligent conduct that causes great bodily injury to another person, it becomes a felony under S.C. Code § 56-5-2945, carrying a sentence of up to 15 years. If a death occurs, the potential sentence increases to up to 25 years.

How you respond to a motor vehicle accident or a law enforcement encounter can also lead to criminal charges for a traffic violation. S.C. Code § 56-5-1210 requires drivers to stop immediately after any accident. Leaving the scene can result in serious penalties depending on the extent of property damage, injuries, or death that occurs. Similarly, failing to stop when signaled by law enforcement is a separate misdemeanor offense under S.C. Code § 56-5-750, which has a penalty of either a $500 fine or up to a three-year jail sentence. The penalties for serious traffic violations can also increase based on other circumstances in your case, such as endangerment to minors or a history of prior criminal offenses. It is critical to enlist the help of a lawyer with experience in South Carolina traffic cases to protect your rights.

Contact an Attorney About South Carolina Traffic Charges Today

When you are dealing with serious charges that can result in real consequences, having experienced defense counsel matters from the start. A South Carolina traffic lawyer from South Carolina Criminal Law can provide an honest case evaluation and work to protect your license, your record, and your future. Contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation.