Hilton Head, South Carolina DWI / DUI Criminal Defense Attorney

Being arrested for DUI in Hilton Head, South Carolina can have major repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is crucial that anyone facing a South Carolina DUI understand what challenges they will encounter. It is important you seek the legal advice of a competent and skilled DUI defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a professional and free consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Hilton Head?

Under South Carolina law, once you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the South Carolina DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). While both actions can result in the suspension of your South Carolina driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

Administrative Hearing in South Carolina

According to South Carolina law, an individual has 10 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the South Carolina DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). If you fail to request a hearing within 10 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your driver's license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is important that you submit your request to the Department of Motor Vehicles in South Carolina within 10 days. Contact an accomplished and experienced DUI lawyer to help, but do not delay.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a BAC level of 0.04. A first time DUI conviction will result in the loss of the CDL (commercial driver's license) for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DWI / DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Monetary Fines - In Hilton Head, South Carolina, fines for a first time DUI are up to $400.00.
• South Carolina Driving Privileges and DUI - In Hilton Head, South Carolina, a first time DUI conviction results in the revocation of South Carolina driving privileges for 6 months.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the automatic suspension of driving privileges for 90 days.
• Jail Time - In Hilton Head, South Carolina, a first time DUI offender faces imprisonment of 48 hours, up to 30 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a drug and alcohol program is required for reinstatement of South Carolina driving privileges.

Subsequent DUI Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations. Because of the complexity of DUI laws in South Carolina, you may not be aware of rights and options. This is why an accomplished and experienced defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a South Carolina DWI / DUI defense lawyer for a quick and easy consultation.

DUI Cost

Costs for DUI go beyond what you pay in fines. Here are other ways you may pay...

• Fines/Penalties
• Tow/Impound Fee
• DUI Treatment Program
• Insurance Increase
• Restitution Fund
• DMV Reissue Fee

Implied Consent:

According to South Carolina Code, SECTION 56-5-2950 there is Implied consent to testing for alcohol or drugs; procedures; inference of DUI.

(A) A person who drives a motor vehicle in this State is considered to have given consent to chemical tests of his breath, blood, or urine for the purpose of determining the presence of alcohol or drugs or the combination of alcohol and drugs if arrested for an offense arising out of acts alleged to have been committed while the person was driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs. A breath test must be administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer who has arrested a person for driving a motor vehicle in this State while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs. ...

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.