DUI Charge Attorney in Lexington, SC

DUI convictions are life-changing offenses impacting everything from your freedom, education, child custody rights, employment, and driving privileges. Unlike certain criminal offenses that qualify for alternative sentencing programs and eventual expungement, South Carolina drunk driving convictions stay on your record for life.

Working with an experienced Lexington DUI defense lawyer at Kinard Law Group is the best way to protect yourself from the devastating direct and collateral consequences of a drunk driving conviction. With over a decade of experience aggressively defending clients against South Carolina drunk driving charges, discuss defeating or minimizing the impact of a DUI arrest with their criminal defense team.

Understanding South Carolina’s DUI Statutes

Drunk driving charges are generally brought under S.C. Code §§ 56-5-2930 or 56-5-2933, which also cover driving under the influence of controlled substances and illegal drugs. It is illegal to operate a vehicle in South Carolina if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or above, but it is also illegal to drive if your ability is impaired by even small amounts of any substance, including alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs. Even returning from the hospital after surgery could result in Lexington DUI charges.

Penalties Associated with S.C. DUI Convictions

The penalties associated with a Lexington DUI conviction depend on your drunk driving history, blood alcohol concentration, and aggravating factors. Most offenders have their licenses temporarily suspended and must participate in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program. They also face costly fines and even jail time for second and subsequent offenses. Some offenders must also pay restitution to victims harmed in drunk driving accidents and install an ignition interlock device (IID). Additionally, DUI convictions stay on your record and drastically impact your car insurance rates and even employment opportunities.

Defending Against Lexington Drunk Driving Charges

Do not plead guilty to a DUI before speaking with our dedicated Lexington criminal defense lawyers about the specific statutory defenses contained in S.C. Code § 56-5-2930(I). We might be able to negotiate a reduction in charges or defeat DUI charges altogether if the police conducted an illegal traffic stop or failed to follow specific procedures, including:

• Conducting the blood or breath alcohol test within two hours of the arrest
• Ensuring reasonable suspicion existed for the traffic stop and arrest
• Reading and providing a written copy of your rights under S.C. Code § 56-5-2950
• Obtaining consent for testing, if applicable
• Using a qualified individual to perform the blood test

Additionally, qualified DUI defense lawyers in Lexington are permitted to introduce evidence contradicting your blood alcohol test or questioning the accuracy of field sobriety tests. This could result in the dismissal of all DUI charges or a favorable plea deal that reduces the overall fines and penalties associated with the offense.

Experienced Lexington, S.C., Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys

Many offenders who plead guilty to South Carolina DUIs don’t realize they have specific legal defenses to drunk driving charges. Always speak with an experienced Lexington DUI criminal defense lawyer at Kinard Law Group about getting your charges dismissed or reduced. Call (803) 359-1003 or connect with our criminal defense team online today to schedule a case review.