Columbia  DUI Defense Lawyers

Our DUI defense lawyers want you to know that in South Carolina, it is not illegal to have a drink of alcohol and drive. However, according to state criminal law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle if the person’s faculties to drive are materially and appreciably impaired. Because a DUI conviction can have lasting implications to your private and professional life, it is important to involve our DUI defense lawyers early on and protect your rights.

Need a  DUI Defense Lawyer?  803-252-4800

The Strom Law Firm, L.L.C. Experienced Columbia DUI Lawyers handle the following types of DUI charges:

• DUI first, second, third and subsequent

• Felony DUI

• Boating under the influence

• DUI – under age drinking:  under 21

• Military base DUI

• Driving Under the Influence od Drugs

Only an experienced DUI Defense Lawyer can thoroughly evaluate and challenge your DUI arrest. Immediately after you hire us, we will begin preparing your DUI Defense.

Pleading guilty to a DUI charge without the advice of a lawyer can have lasting personal and professional consequences including:

• Loss of your ability to maintain your current employment or to obtain future employment,
• the expense of SR-22 insurance,
• possible prison time,
• hefty fines (which can double when you add court costs), &
• the loss of your license.

Was your DUI arrest legal?

In preparing for the defense of your DUI charge, many questions need to be addressed:

• Was the police officer’s video camera recording as soon as the officer turns the blue lights on?
• Prior to administering the breath test, was the implied consent notice read, which states the consequences of a refusal to submit to a blood test, urine test, or breath test? Learn more about challenging breath tests.
• Were field sobriety tests (FSTs) properly administered? Inaccuracies with FSTs are widespread and commonly challenged. Learn more about challenging field sobriety tests.
• Did the officer have a legitimate reason, known as reasonable suspicion, to pull you over in the first place?
• Did the officer read you your Miranda rights?

DUI Penalties in South Carolina

Your Punishment for drunk driving is based upon:

• the charge of a first DUI, second DUI, third DUI, or subsequent offense;
• your blood alcohol level (the higher your BAC, the stiffer the penalties);
• your agreement or refusal to take a chemical test, such as a breath test;
• whether there was a minor in your vehicle; and
• whether anyone was injured or killed as a result.