If you were arrested for DUI in Mount Pleasant or elsewhere in Charleston County, the steps you take immediately after your arrest can have a lasting impact on your future. A DUI conviction can lead to license suspension, steep fines, increased insurance costs, and a permanent criminal record. Having an experienced Mount Pleasant DUI lawyer on your side is critical to protecting your rights and challenging the prosecution’s case.
Our DUI defense attorneys serving Charleston County carefully review every aspect of your arrest, including the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breath or blood testing procedures, and officer conduct. Identifying errors or constitutional violations can often lead to reduced charges or dismissal. Without skilled legal representation, you risk facing the full penalties allowed under South Carolina law.
Secure your defense with the help of our professional Mount Pleasant DUI defense lawyers. Call Joe Good at (843) 680-5544 or complete our contact form today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in South Carolina
After a DUI arrest in Mount Pleasant or Charleston, two separate processes begin simultaneously.
The first is the criminal case, which determines whether you face fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. This case moves through the Charleston County court system.
The second is the license suspension process handled by the South Carolina DMV. This can begin immediately, even before you ever go to court.
Missing deadlines or waiting too long to take action can reduce your options and weaken your defense.
Will You Lose Your License After a DUI?
License suspension is often one of the most immediate and stressful consequences of a DUI arrest.
You may lose your license if you fail a breath or blood test, refuse chemical testing, or are arrested for a repeat DUI offense. For many people in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, losing a license affects work, family responsibilities, and daily life.
An experienced DUI lawyer can help challenge the suspension and guide you through required steps such as ADSAP enrollment and SR-22 insurance filings.
Why Timing Matters in a DUI Case
DUI cases move quickly in Charleston County, and early decisions can make a major difference in the outcome.
Key evidence, such as breath test results, field sobriety tests, and dashcam or bodycam footage, must be reviewed as soon as possible. Delays can result in lost evidence, missed opportunities to challenge police procedures, and fewer options for reducing charges.
The sooner you act, the more leverage your defense may have.
South Carolina DUI Laws You Should Know
South Carolina has strict DUI laws, even for first-time offenders.
Drivers age 21 and older are considered legally impaired at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent. Enhanced penalties apply at higher BAC levels, especially at 0.16 percent or above.
Repeat DUI offenses carry increasingly severe consequences, including longer jail sentences and extended license suspensions.
DUI Penalties in South Carolina
DUI penalties depend on your BAC level and whether you have prior convictions.
A first offense may result in fines of up to $400, up to 30 days in jail or public service, and a six-month license suspension.
A second offense can lead to fines between $2,100 and $5,100, up to one year in jail, a one-year license suspension, and mandatory ignition interlock installation.
A third offense carries fines of $3,800 to $6,300, up to 3 years in prison, and a 2-year license suspension.
Administrative penalties may also apply, including immediate suspension for refusing or failing a chemical test and mandatory participation in the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program.
These penalties can affect your employment, insurance rates, and long-term opportunities.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in South Carolina?
A DUI sentence remains on your driving record permanently in South Carolina.
It also creates a criminal record that can impact employment, housing, professional licensing, and other areas of your life. Because of these long-term consequences, many people choose to fight DUI charges rather than plead guilty.
How Our DUI Lawyer in Charleston County Can Help
DUI attorney Joe Good carefully reviews every aspect of a DUI case, including traffic stops in Mount Pleasant and throughout Charleston County, field sobriety testing, breath or blood test results, and police procedures.
He works to identify errors, constitutional violations, or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that may lead to reduced charges or dismissal. He also assists with DMV hearings, license suspension challenges, ADSAP requirements, and license reinstatement issues.
Having an experienced advocate can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Talk to Our DUI Lawyer in Mount Pleasant
The initial consultation is free, and waiting can limit your legal options.
