Enforcement of Columbia DUIs

In a DUI case, the prosecutor has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused individual was under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle. Due to the high number of accidents that occur because of drinking and driving, law enforcement works hard to crack down on people who are driving while impaired. To learn more about the enforcement of Columbia DUIs, speak with a knowledgeable DUI lawyer today.

Blood Alcohol Content Laws

In South Carolina, if a person’s blood alcohol content is 0.08 percent or higher, they are considered impaired and unfit for driving. However, a person could still be arrested for a DUI if their blood alcohol level is lower than 0.08. There is no set limit that says a person is drunk. If the police offer smells the odor of alcohol, the likelihood of someone being arrested, whether they are impaired or not, is very high.

DUI laws are heavily enforced. Most law enforcement agencies have specific funding. They have been awarded special vehicles and have been given large amounts of money to crack down on drunk driving. When vehicles have the acronym HEAT on the side, they are part of the highway enforcement aggressive traffic. This means that they are enforcing traffic laws specifically focused on DUIs.

Why Law Enforcement Takes DUI Charges Seriously

South Carolina ranks as one of the states with the highest number of alcohol-related fatalities in the nation. Therefore, enforcement of Columbia DUIs is taken very seriously. Law enforcement works hard to ensure that the roads are clear of impaired drivers. This is why the penalties for a DUI charge is so severe. The state wants offenders to learn their lesson and never drive drunk again.

Where DUI Cases are Handled

If someone is arrested by the city of Columbia, that person will have a municipal court charge. If the individual is arrested by Richland County, they will have either a magistrate court charge or, if it is considered a felony, they have to deal with the general sessions court in Richland County. It is the same situation for Lexington County. It is important to remember that parts of Columbia are in both Lexington and Richland counties. To learn more about the hearing process for a DUI, consult with a knowledgeable attorney.

How a Columbia DUI Attorney Could Help

A person charged with a DUI may want to hire a lawyer because there are serious penalties that come with a DUI arrest. Not only do the DUI statutes carry potential jail time but they also have expensive fines and administrative costs. Depending on the circumstances, whether someone is convicted or whether they refused to blow into the DataMaster. their license could be suspended. Following a DUI conviction, a person’s insurance rates can rise dramatically. There are many collateral consequences associated with a DUI arrest, which is why someone facing charges needs an experienced Columbia DUI attorney to walk them through the legal process.

If you have been arrested for a DUI, call a lawyer who could stand by your side and inform you on your legal options. The enforcement of Columbia DUIs is serious, therefore, you should contact an attorney that could treat your case with the attention and seriousness that it deserves.