Question 1

Do I have to take a field sobriety test?

Accepted Answer

South Carolina requires drivers arrested by police officers for driving under the influence of alcohol to take a breath, blood or urine test. That’s because South Carolina has an “implied consent” law. If you refuse to take one of these three tests, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended for six months. However, there is a way to get back on the road with a license.

If your driver’s license is suspended because you refused to take one of these tests, you have 30 days to request a hearing to challenge your license suspension. You will be able to obtain a temporary alcohol license to drive from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles if your license is suspended. You have 30 days to submit such a request to the DMV in South Carolina.

Question 2

Does a police officer have to read me my rights?

Accepted Answer

A Miranda warning refers to the statement police officers must read to anyone who is in police custody, before he is interrogated. According to a 1966 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, police officers must inform a suspect in police custody of his right to remain silent or to request an attorney before answering a police officer’s questions. If the Miranda rights are not read, the information provided by a person during police questioning cannot be used as evidence in court.

Question 3

What if I live in another state and I’m charged with DUI in South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Out-of-state drivers are sometimes arrested for drunk driving in South Carolina, especially in Columbia, the state capital and home of the University of South Carolina. If you are arrested DUI in South Carolina, the consequences of your arrest will likely follow you back to your home state due to “Interstate Compact” laws. As a result, you could have your driver’s license suspended, be fined hundreds or thousands of dollars or even sentenced to prison in South Carolina.

Question 4

What happens if this is my first DUI offense?

Accepted Answer

First-time DUI charges in South Carolina still carry harsh penalties. You could face fines, a license suspension, and mandatory alcohol and drug safety classes. In some cases, the court may also require installation of an Ignition Interlock Device. Even without prior convictions, a DUI will stay on your criminal record and can affect your job, education, and insurance.

Question 5

Can a DUI charge be reduced or dismissed?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the circumstances, a South Carolina DUI lawyer may be able to challenge the validity of the traffic stop, the accuracy of field sobriety or breath tests, or whether law enforcement followed proper procedures. If weaknesses are found in the prosecution’s case, charges can sometimes be reduced to a lesser offense (such as reckless driving) or even dismissed.

Question 6

Is it worth getting a lawyer for a DUI?

Accepted Answer

A DUI attorney can get your charges minimized, reduced, or dismissed, so it’s usually a good idea to speak with an experienced lawyer to go over the details of your case and talk about your legal options. If you’re convicted of drunk driving in South Carolina, it can have a dramatic impact on your life. Even if it’s your first offense, it can lead to a fine of hundreds of dollars, a six-month license suspension, and other serious DUI penalties. Those consequences escalate on subsequent offenses. You may have an Ignition Interlock Device installed on your vehicle or even have your license suspended.

• Drink Calculator

• FAQs About South Carolina DUI Charges

• Infographic About DUI in South Carolina

• Second Offense DUIs

• Types of DUI Cases

• Fatal DUI Accidents

• Myths About DUI

• Mistakes Drivers Make

• Mistakes Police Make

If you get convicted of drunk driving, having a criminal record can create obstacles. It could impact your ability to secure a job, a loan, and housing, and continue to hang over your head during other important moments of your life. That’s why it’s so critical to get someone in your corner who understands the significance of your case. Columbia DUI defense attorney Matt Bodman will aggressively and passionately fight for your rights and serve as a powerful advocate who is dedicated to getting you the best possible outcome to your case.

Question 7

What does a DUI lawyer do?

Accepted Answer

A drunk driving attorney can help you avoid paying costly fines and suffering severe penalties. A DUI lawyer can look for evidence that helps your case, go over your arrest report to look for errors or discrepancies, answer your questions, explain your legal options, file any necessary paperwork in a timely manner, consult with experts, and keep you informed throughout the entire process – every step of the way.

As a former Richland County assistant solicitor, Columbia drunk driving attorney Matt Bodman knows the tactics South Carolina prosecutors might use against you. He also knows that police officers sometimes make mistakes during a DUI arrest. That’s why he studies every detail of your case – from scrutinizing why the officer pulled you over to examining field tests or DataMaster procedures. No stone will be left unturned when it comes to your DUI defense.

Evidence builds a strong defense. Attorney Matt Bodman will relentlessly search for the facts to try to get your charges dismissed, reduced or minimized. Every case is different and no two DUI arrests are exactly alike. That’s why it’s important you contact our law firm right away. See how Attorney Matt Bodman can help you. Schedule your free consultation today at our office, which is conveniently located in downtown Columbia, S.C.

“Don’t underestimate the seriousness of your case,” Bodman said. “I have dedicated my career to fighting for the rights of people charged with drunk driving and other criminal offenses. I want to hear from you today if you need legal assistance.”

Charged With DUI? A Columbia Drunk Driving Lawyer Can Help You

DUI defense attorney Matt Bodman knows the laws in South Carolina

FAQs About Working With a South Carolina DUI Attorney