How a South Carolina DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help
If a police officer suspects you of driving under the influence of alcohol, then they may pull you over and request that you perform some field sobriety tests. These tests are designed to gather evidence to support an arrest; they are not pass-or-fail tests. It is important for you to know that you may refuse to perform these field sobriety tests without incurring any additional penalties. If the police officer has probable cause, they will most likely arrest you right away; however, if they do not have probable cause, they may try to gather evidence by conducting a field sobriety test.
If you are convicted of a DUI offense, you could face penalties such as a jail sentence of up to 30 days, fines up to $400, and a driver’s license suspension of up to 6 months. These penalties are applied to cases of people whose blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% – 0.09%. If your BAC is between 0.10% and 0.15%, you may face penalties including jail time of up to 30 days, fines up to $500 plus court fees, and a driver’s license suspension of up to 6 months. If your BAC is above 0.16%, you could face up to 90 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000. One issue to be aware of in a first DUI conviction is that any jail time may be waived by the judge; you may be given a community service sentence instead.
Defending the Criminally Accused in Columbia, SC
Have you been arrested and charged with your first DUI offense? Attorney Michael Laubshire has been representing criminally charged residents throughout Columbia, SC, for a number of years, and he can provide you with the defense representation that you need in your case. With an office in Columbia, he serves people facing DUI charges in Lexington and Richland counties. He understands there are many difficulties associated with your situation and can provide you with the representation you need. He has 10 years of experience as a law enforcement officer and understands how the DUI process works better than most lawyers. The Laubshire Law Firm, LLC, also offers a free case evaluation so you may obtain advice and information regarding your case before making any financial commitment.
Seek our representation in your case today by dialing 803-708-4755 or completing our online contact form.