DUI BLUFFTON, SC

Bluffton DUI Attorneys

DUI Defense in the South Carolina Lowcountry

In South Carolina, you can be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) if a police officer believes that your ability to safely drive a motor vehicle is in any way impaired. This is true even if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit of 0.08%. 

If charged with DUI in South Carolina, you face significant criminal and administrative penalties, including jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, and mandatory driver’s license suspension. Working with a DUI defense attorney is the best way to not only protect your rights but also improve your chances of avoiding the harsh, life-changing penalties of a DUI conviction. 

At Bauer & Metro, P.C., our experienced team of Bluffton DUI attorneys is committed to protecting your rights, ensuring a fair legal process, and fighting to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Thanks to our decades of experience practicing criminal defense in the area, we are extremely familiar with local laws, courts, judges, juries, and prosecutors. We understand how the process works, and we are prepared to aggressively defend your rights.

Arrested for DUI in Bluffton or the surrounding areas? Contact us now at (843) 920-2844 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with our team.

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South Carolina DUI Laws: Understanding the Basics

In South Carolina, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that carries severe consequences. The state has set a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and older. For drivers under the age of 21, the BAC limit is reduced to 0.02%, but a minor can be charged with DUI if they are found to be operating a motor vehicle with any detectable alcohol in their system. 

Additionally, a driver who is 21 or over can also be charged with DUI, regardless of their BAC, if the arresting officer believes that their ability to safely drive is negatively impacted. Because the state has an implied consent law, you cannot refuse a breathalyzer or chemical BAC test without facing significant consequences, including the immediate suspension of your driver’s license for anywhere from six months to one year. 

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The Short-Term & Long-Term Effects of a DUI Conviction

In the short-term, a DUI arrest can disrupt your life and affect your financial stability. Fines can strain your budget, while jail time can impact your personal and professional life. Mandatory substance abuse treatment aims to address underlying issues and promote rehabilitation, but it can be costly, time-consuming, and difficult to complete when your license has been suspended. 

Long-term penalties, such as a criminal record and increased insurance premiums, can have lasting effects on your future. A DUI conviction can negatively affect your reputation, make it difficult to get a job, and make it extremely hard to simply get around. Additionally, the installation of an IID can restrict your freedom and add inconvenience to your daily routine.

License Suspension for DUI Offenses in South Carolina

In South Carolina, a DUI conviction will almost always result in the suspension of your driver's license. The length of suspension varies depending on the offense. 

Below are the typical suspension periods for various DUI convictions: 

  • First offense: Six-month suspension
  • Second offense: Nine-month suspension
  • Third offense: One-year suspension

Note that your driver’s license could be suspended for longer if you are found to have a BAC of 1.5% or above at the time of your arrest. Refusing a breathalyzer or chemical test can also result in the automatic suspension of your driver’s license for varying periods of time. You may be eligible for a temporary provisional license after a first-time DUI conviction, but you will need to meet all the applicable requirements. 

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Reinstating Your Driver's License After a DUI Conviction

After completing your suspension period, you must take specific steps to reinstate your driver's license. 

These steps may include:

  • Paying a reinstatement fee
  • Completing an alcohol and drug safety action program
  • Providing proof of insurance coverage
  • Passing a knowledge test and a road skills test

It is crucial to follow these steps accurately and meet all requirements to ensure a smooth reinstatement process. Note that your license will not be automatically reinstated after the suspension period ends. To lawfully drive after a DUI conviction in South Carolina, you will need to actively reinstate your driver’s license. 

Preventing or Appealing a Driver's License Suspension

If you are facing a DUI arrest and want to prevent or appeal a driver's license suspension, it is critical to act quickly. You only have 30 days from the date of your arrest to appeal your driver’s license suspension. While it is possible in many cases to appeal your license suspension, it is important that you work with a knowledgeable attorney. Contacting an experienced DUI defense attorney in Bluffton, like those at Bauer & Metro, P.C., can greatly increase your chances of success.

Our skilled attorneys can analyze the specifics of your case, identify potential defenses, and guide you through the process. We work tirelessly to protect your rights and are ready to help you navigate the legal system effectively.

Take Your Case Seriously

what sets us apart
  • Legal Expertise
    Bauer & Metro are recognized in the legal community for their knowledge in their specialized fields.
  • Educators

    As frequent lecturers for legal education, Bauer & Metro are dedicated to educating both lawyers and judges. 

  • Local
    Local favorite & locally focused, Bauer & Metro are proud to serve the community in which they live.

We Are Your Trusted DUI Defense Attorneys

At Bauer & Metro, P.C., our team of dedicated DUI defense attorneys has a proven track record of success in representing clients throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry. We understand the complexities of DUI laws and have the knowledge and experience necessary to build strong defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.

We pride ourselves on providing personalized, dedicated legal representation. We are prepared to fight relentlessly to challenge the evidence against you, explore potential legal defenses, and negotiate with prosecutors in our effort to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

If you are facing DUI charges in South Carolina, you don't have to face them alone. Contact Bauer & Metro, P.C. today for a confidential consultation and let us protect your rights and freedom.

You can reach us online or by phone at (843) 920-2844.

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Contact Our Legal Team Today
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