DUI Lawyer Greenville, SC
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Schedule a Consultation With an Experienced Greenville DUI Defense Lawyer
A DUI charge can disrupt your life in ways you may not expect, which is why support from an experienced DUI attorney is so important. As a Greenville DUI defense lawyer serving all of Upstate South Carolina, AnneMarie Odom understands how criminal defense strategies must adapt to the unique facts of DUI cases. South Carolina law sets strict rules for blood alcohol limits, chemical testing, and penalties, so the details of your arrest play a major role in what happens next.
The court looks at several factors when determining potential consequences, including your blood alcohol level, whether you have any prior DUI cases, whether a crash occurred, and whether anyone suffered serious injuries. These elements influence possible fines, jail time, and the length of any license suspension. Beyond the criminal penalties, a DUI can also affect your reputation, career options, and future plans. You may face judgment from others, workplace challenges, and long-term damage to your record.
Having a dedicated advocate helps you address these risks and protect your life. With focused guidance and an understanding of how South Carolina handles DUI charges, you gain a stronger path forward during a difficult time. Tell us about your case online or call (864) 775-5833 to set up your initial consultation today.
What Constitutes a DUI Charge in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s criminal justice system treats impaired driving as a serious matter, and criminal charges apply when a driver operates a vehicle while affected by alcohol, drugs, or any substance that reduces the ability to drive safely. Impairment can result from alcohol, illegal narcotics, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter drugs that alter judgment, coordination, or reaction time.
A DUI arrest typically occurs when a driver’s blood alcohol content reaches the .08 BAC limit established under South Carolina law. However, a driver may still face criminal charges even below .08 if an officer observes impairment that affects safe operation. The law states that a motorist is considered to be driving under the influence when any substance hinders the ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Because impairment can take many forms, officers evaluate behavior, performance on field tests, and other indicators in addition to BAC levels.
South Carolina DUI Laws
The primary statutes governing drunk driving offenses in South Carolina include:
- S.C. Code of Laws §56-5-2930, which makes it unlawful to drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that affects the ability to drive safely
- S.C. Code of Laws §56-5-2933, which covers driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration, typically a BAC of .08 or higher
- S.C. Code of Laws §56-5-2950, which outlines chemical testing requirements for suspected impaired drivers
These laws apply even when a driver’s BAC is below .08 if officers determine the person is still appreciably impaired.
Implied Consent Law
As in other states, just by driving on the state’s roads, drivers in South Carolina give permission to field sobriety tests or breath, blood, or urine testing to check for alcohol and/or narcotics. While you have the right to refuse, doing so often results in further penalties, including the suspension of your driver’s license.
Driving With an Unlawful Alcohol Concentration (DUAC)
Though it sounds similar, a DUI charge is not the same as a DUAC charge in South Carolina. This is because, unlike a DUI, no evidence of “impairment” is required for a conviction under the “per se” DUAC statute. The consequences for DUAC convictions are comparable to those for DUI convictions. Depending on prior convictions and the amount of alcohol in the driver’s system, the penalties for a DUAC may escalate significantly.
South Carolina DUI Penalties
In South Carolina, DUI penalties vary based on whether the charges are treated as misdemeanor or felony offenses, the driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration, and the number of prior convictions within the past ten years. Out-of-state DUI convictions also count toward the total, which can increase punishment and elevate charges to felony DUI in certain situations.
First DUI Offense in South Carolina
A first offense brings misdemeanor penalties that include a minimum of 48 hours and up to 90 days in prison. Fines range from $400 to $1,092, depending on the BAC level and case circumstances.
Second and Third DUI Offenses in South Carolina
- Second Offense DUI or DUAC: Punishment ranges from a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 3 years in prison. Fines range from $2,100 to $6,500.
- Third Offense DUI or DUAC: Punishment increases to a minimum of 60 days and up to 5 years in prison, with fines ranging from $3,800 to $10,000.
Fourth or Subsequent Offense DUI or DUAC in South Carolina
A fourth or later DUI or DUAC conviction is treated more severely and can become a felony offense. Penalties include a minimum of 1 year and up to 7 years in prison. Fines range from $3,800 to $10,000.
When a driver completes a license suspension, an ignition interlock device may also be required before driving privileges are restored.
DUI License Suspension in South Carolina
A DUI or DUAC conviction leads to an automatic license suspension in South Carolina. The length of the suspension depends on your Blood Alcohol Concentration and the number of prior convictions within the past ten years. Out-of-state convictions count toward your record, which can increase the suspension period.
Suspension lengths include:
- 1st DUI Offense: 6 months
- 2nd DUI Offense: 2 years
- 3rd DUI Offense: 4 years
- 4th DUI Offense: 4 years
These administrative penalties can affect work, family responsibilities, and daily life, making early legal guidance important when facing a potential suspension.
Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in South Carolina?
A DUI is a serious crime in South Carolina, and if convicted, one that stays on your record for life. The court does not remove a driving under the influence conviction, which means it can affect future charges, insurance rates, and employment opportunities. An attorney can explain how a conviction may impact your life and what steps you can take to protect yourself, your constitutional rights, and your future opportunities.
If you are facing a DUI charge, seeking legal counsel early gives you the best defense and helps you make informed decisions about your case.
How To Fight DUI Charges in South Carolina
After a DUI arrest, your next steps matter. Hiring an an aggressive Greenville criminal defense attorney like AnneMarie Odom gives you the strongest chance at the best results because the legal process can move quickly. Your lawyer reviews the evidence, evaluates whether testing errors or improper procedures occurred, and determines whether the state can prove you guilty. Some cases benefit from negotiation, while others require a trial where your team can challenge the evidence and present a strong defense.
An experienced attorney works to protect your rights, address any failures in the state’s case, and represent you when you are facing jail or long-term consequences. Strong legal support helps you respond effectively and pursue the best possible outcome.
Why Trust a Greenville DUI Defense Lawyer at AnneMarie Odom Law To Help With Your Charges?
Criminal charges involving driving under the influence can reshape your future, which is why you need a defense strategy built around your specific circumstances. At AnneMarie Odom Law, our team has a deep understanding of how DUI cases are handled in the Greenville, SC area and how the courts evaluate evidence, BAC levels, and driver conduct. This knowledge allows our law firm to develop the best defense for your situation and guide you through the entire process with clarity and support.
A DUI conviction can affect your career, future employment, insurance rates, and reputation. Having a lawyer who helps you make informed decisions and stands beside you in the courtroom strengthens your position. With focused representation at every step, you gain a stronger path forward when your future is at risk.
Potential Defenses Our Greenville DUI Attorneys May Employ
There are several ways to challenge a DUI charge in South Carolina, even when the prosecutor suggests the case is straightforward. As your Greenville, SC DUI lawyer, AnneMarie Odom will evaluate every detail because the strength of your defense depends on the facts, the officer’s actions, and the reliability of the evidence.
Possible defenses may include:
No probable cause for the traffic stop
Not enough evidence to prove impairment
Poorly administered blood or breathalyzer tests
Arrest made without proper authority
Violation of your Miranda rights
With a focused approach and a commitment to protecting your rights, our firm fights tirelessly to defend you.
Arrested for Drunk Driving in Upstate South Carolina? Contact Greenville DUI Lawyer AnneMarie Odom Today
If you were arrested for drunk driving in Upstate South Carolina, you need a legal team that understands how DUI cases unfold and how the state builds evidence against you. At AnneMarie Odom Law, we are very familiar with South Carolina’s DUI legislation, and the experience of our Greenville, SC criminal defense lawyers in defending clients accused of DUI can be incredibly beneficial.
To speak with an experienced DUI attorney regarding your case, give us a call at (864) 775-5833 or reach out online as soon as possible.
At AnneMarie Odom Law, we are prepared to help you or your loved one plan a successful DUI defense strategy. Call (864) 775-5833 today to schedule a free consultation to go over your legal options, or simply fill out our online intake form to get started.
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