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When a police officer stops you in South Carolina and discovers an open can of beer or any other alcoholic beverage in your car, you could be subject to severe penalties under the state's Open Container Law. The law is designed to discourage driving under the influence of alcohol by imposing strict regulations on alcohol...

South Carolina is a "stand-your-ground" state, but people who use lethal force in self-defense may still face criminal charges. As a result, the answer to the question, "Can you be charged if you shoot someone in self-defense in South Carolina?" is yes. At Matt Bodman, P.A., we have years of experience fighting for the rights...

Knowing your rights and options can lead to smart decisions. Having a warrant out for your arrest in South Carolina can be stressful and may feel overwhelming. But to avoid additional penalties, arrest warrants should be dealt with right away. For people wanted by the police, understanding your rights and potential legal options can lead...

Learn how police try to get confessions. If you have been arrested, the police might try everything they can to get you to confess to the crime. Some of these tactics are subtle. Others are more blunt. That's why you need to be careful and know what to expect: they may even try to trick...

If your rights were violated during the traffic stop or arrest, an attorney can help Driving under the influence is a serious crime that carries significant penalties if you're convicted. That's why the police have to follow protocol and respect each suspect's rights under the Fourth Amendment and other state and federal protections. Unfortunately, that's...

Understanding the legal implications of prescription drug-related DUI Drivers in South Carolina are often charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or other drugs. But what about prescription medication? Can drivers be charged in South Carolina with DUI while operating a vehicle under the influence of legal prescription drugs? And if so, what...

How can you get arrested if your BAC is under .08? In South Carolina, if a police officer suspects you of driving under the influence of alcohol, you may be asked to take a breath test. This test is designed to determine blood alcohol content (BAC) by measuring the amount of alcohol in a person’s...

A DUI defense attorney can help defend against false positive results in South Carolina. Police departments across South Carolina use breathalyzers to test whether someone is too intoxicated to drive - even though the tests are unreliable. There are many things that can lead a breathalyzer to produce a false positive result - a blood...

The holidays are a time to celebrate, but a DUI can have long-term consequences. If you plan to partake in holiday festivities that involve alcohol this winter, it's important to do so responsibly and be mindful of South Carolina's DUI laws. DUI defense attorney Matt Bodman has put together a list of 5 tips to...

You Have a Right to Remain Silent - Here's How to Use It Miranda rights are regularly depicted in movies and shows but often leave viewers with an inaccurate understanding of the law. To protect your freedom, it is critical that you know what Miranda rights are and when they apply if South Carolina police...