In 2019, 48 percent of total fatal car accidents in South Carolina involved an impaired driver with a BAC of .08+ g/dL or higher, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2020, South Carolina ranked in the top 5 most dangerous states for drunk driving in the US. Our DUI lawyers have seen first-hand the tragic effect that accidents involving drunk driving can have on both the impaired driver and the other driver(s) involved.

At Cavanaugh & Thickens, we believe that the worst mistake of your life does not have to define your future. DUI charges not only affect the life of the person charged but their loved ones as well. Here are five reasons that you should hire a DUI lawyer if you’ve been convicted of a DUI in South Carolina.

Reason 1: Dui Arrests Can Have Serious Consequences.

Depending on the specifics of your case and whether or not you have any prior DUI convictions, the penalty for a DUI in South Carolina can be up to 5 years in prison and fines upwards of $10,000. Also, depending on the number of prior convictions you have, post-conviction license suspensions can start at six months and extend for life. The DMV may also impose immediate pre-conviction license suspensions. With the help of a DUI lawyer, you may be able to challenge pre-conviction suspensions by requesting a hearing.

Not only can a DUI in South Carolina result in potential jail time and expensive fines, but a DUI has the ability to create a permanent criminal record attached to your name. There is a lot at stake following a DUI charge, which is why it’s critical that you hire a lawyer who will protect your rights and fight to get you the best possible outcome.

Reason 2: You Will Be Up Against an Experienced Prosecuting Attorney.

It’s important to keep in mind that an experienced prosecutor will be on the other side of your case. Following a criminal charge, you have the right to an attorney. An experienced DUI lawyer can help you fight for the best possible outcome regardless of who’s fighting against you.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in South Carolina, our experienced DUI lawyers can help you. Your first consultation with a DUI lawyer at our office is completely free, and we will walk you through your options, explain the process, and go over the specifics of your case. After the consultation, we can get you set up as a client and begin fighting on your behalf immediately.

Reason 3: South Carolina Has Complex Dui Laws.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, it’s likely that this is your introduction to the criminal justice system. You are probably overwhelmed with the charges against you and looking for help understanding what your next steps are. We are here to help.

We understand that SC DUI laws are complicated for those without an in-depth understanding of criminal law. Even the administrative processes following a DUI can seem overwhelming. From requesting an Administrative Law Hearing and negotiating with the prosecutor’s office, to filing motions and sending necessary paperwork, our award-winning DUI lawyers are here to guide you through the process every step of the way.

With years of experience representing people who have been charged with DUIs, we will fight to get you the best possible outcome for your case.

Reason 4: Hiring a Dui Lawyer Can Save You Money.

First-offense DUIs are expensive in South Carolina. You may have to pay:

  • Court-ordered fines
  • DMV fees
  • Alcohol/driver safety programs
  • Ignition Interlock Devices
  • Increased car insurance rates
  • Bail fees

In addition, the cost of many of these fines/services will go up depending on how many DUI convictions you’ve had. With the help of a lawyer, you may be able to get your first-offense charges reduced or dismissed. If this is the case, you can certainly save time and money by hiring a DUI lawyer to represent your DUI case.

Reason 5: a Lawyer Can Help You Get the Best Possible Outcome.

There’s a lot at stake after a DUI in South Carolina. Whether it’s your first or third offense, our experienced DUI lawyers will fight to get you the best possible outcome. We will examine every detail of your case: the arrest report, video footage, words exchanged during the traffic stop, the administration of the field sobriety test, breathalyzer procedure and results, and more to put together the best possible case on your behalf.

To schedule your free consultation with an award-winning DUI lawyer at Cavanaugh & Thickens, please call (803) 888-2200 ASAP or schedule your free consultation online. The quicker you reach out to our team, the quicker we can protect your rights and begin fighting to get you the best possible outcome for your case.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Columbia office.

Disclaimer: The opinions and ideas in this article are for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. Each case is different and must be evaluated based on its own particular facts and merits.

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About Cavanaugh & Thickens, Llc

Eric Cavanaugh and Joseph Thickens founded Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC in 2017 with the mission of providing excellent legal representation to residents and visitors of South Carolina while supporting the Columbia community. With over 60 years of combined experience, the lawyers at Cavanaugh & Thickens focus on personal injury, workers’ compensation, and criminal defense cases across South Carolina with a satellite office in Charleston. To schedule a free consultation with an award-winning attorney or to learn more about C&T, call (803) 888-2200 or visit www.ctlawsc.com.