If you’ve recently been pulled over for a traffic violation and charged with Driving Under the Influence in South Carolina, try not to panic. Every year, South Carolina rakes in billions of dollars from citizens in the form of traffic tickets and DUI’s. With the average DUI costing $10,000 or more in fines, court costs, and increased insurance premiums, not to mention lives lost; it’s really no surprise that law enforcement officers in South Carolina are diligent about busting people who have been drinking and driving.
DUI’s are most prevalent during weekends and holidays, when people decide it’s ok to have a few drinks and then drive. Most DUI’s are preventable, but even so there are always going to be folks who think it’s ok to drive a short distance with a buzz. Or those who get a DUI’s while trying to drive their more-drunk companions home. There are also people who get a DUI for being under the influence of medically prescribed treatments, being too tired to drive and other circumstances, which are misinterpreted by the police.
Whatever your case happens to be, you are better off consulting with a seasoned DUI defense attorney who can advise you on what to do to take care of this matter. If this is your first offense, there’s a good chance that you can successfully have the DUI charges dropped, or your fines reduced significantly. This can add up to thousands of dollars, so it’s actually worth it to fight in a court of law to have your DUI reduced to a misdemeanor. A vast majority of traffic and DUI offenders never bother to appear in court, which is really a poor way to handle this serious matter. Failing to obtain legal representation and protect your legal rights can cost you a lot more than just money. You’ll likely have to answer to future employers, creditors and acquaintances because a DUI is a felony that will stay on your permanent record for life. It’s not a good thing to just ignore a DUI or wish it will go away. Why live with the stigma of being a “criminal” when you can talk to a lawyer who cares about your situation? There are ways you can fight a DUI and win in a court of law when you hire the seasoned DUI defense lawyers at Bernstein and Bernstein, LLC. in Columbia, South Carolina. Remember, you are not guilty until it’s proven in court. Get the right legal advice when you talk to us!
