Goose Creek DUI Lawyer

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges can have a devastating impact on your life. You may have to participate in drug or alcohol treatment and driving classes, and a conviction could mean the loss of your driver’s license, high fines, and jail time.

Whether you are charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you have the right to combat these allegations. To understand your rights and build the strongest possible defense, work with a dedicated Goose Creek DUI lawyer. An experienced criminal defense attorney is prepared to begin working on your behalf now.

When Can Someone Be Charged With a DUI

In general, someone can be charged with a DUI if they are operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance such as marijuana. Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-2930, DUI charges encompass a wide range of vehicles and circumstances. Someone may be charged with driving under the influence while operating a car, boat, or plane.

Any DUI charge can have lasting consequences on a person’s life and freedom. An experienced DUI lawyer knows how these cases are treated in Goose Creek courts and can help those facing charges navigate the legal process of combatting them.

Evidence Used in DUI Cases

When law enforcement makes a DUI arrest, they typically conduct a field sobriety test. These tests include the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg-stand test. Each of these tests looks for signs of intoxication like slurred speech, confusion, bloodshot eyes, and the inability to follow directions. These observations may be used at trial to prove intoxication.

Law enforcement may also use chemical tests, such as blood or urine tests, to detect the presence of alcohol or drugs in a person’s body. The police may use this evidence to try and prove the defendant was under the influence. When someone in Goose Creek is arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence, they should call on a capable attorney who could explain their rights regarding these tests and how they are used in court.

DUI Penalties in Goose Creek

The penalties associated with driving under the influence depend on the circumstances of a particular case. If someone is convicted of a DUI, they could face penalties such as, but not limited to:

• Required participation in driving safety or addiction classes
• Required purchase of SR-22 high-risk insurance
• Fines
• Revocation or suspension of their driver’s license
• Incarceration

Factors that could affect the penalties someone faces include the driver’s DUI history, high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) during arrest, or whether someone causes damage to property during the offense. Legal minors could also face unique penalties. If an accident caused serious bodily harm or death, the defendant could be charged with a felony DUI.

While one defendant may face a few days in jail, another could face years in prison. Understanding the potential penalties for driving under the influence and how to defend against them is crucial to have any chance of reducing charges. A local DUI attorney could explain how these charges and penalties apply to a specific case.

Consult a Goose Creek DUI Attorney Today

DUI charges are serious and can come with significant penalties. However, you have the right to legal counsel that could guide you through this difficult time. An attorney could help fight for you at every stage of the legal proceedings.

An experienced Goose Creek DUI lawyer is ready to examine your case and begin building a defense. Contact us today to get started.