Driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics is a crime in virtually all states of the country. This goes to show that Greenville, South Carolina is not exempted. As a matter of fact, the Driving under the Influence (DUI) laws are quite strict, hence the increasing need for DUI defense attorneys. The bill passed by the State of Carolina increases the criminal penalties and administrative sanctions against those arrested and convicted of DUI.
Remember, you are presumed innocent until you are proven guilty in the court of law. While a DUI can have a massive impact on your life, it is important to know the choices that you have even as an offender, whether first time or recurring. This is where the need for DUI defense lawyers come in.
When Should You Hire A DUI Lawyer
When is the perfect time to hire a DUI attorney? Discard the notion that first-time Greenville DUI offenders do not need an attorney because they do! In Greenville, your driver’s license will be suspended for six months even if you are a first time offender. There is zero-tolerance especially for minors who are first-time offenders. Getting arrested with a DUI charge can be quite devastating. This is because of the loss of privileges, fines, and penalties involved, including possible jail time too!
According to Greenville laws, anyone operating a motor vehicle with blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.08% may be arrested for DUI. For underage drivers, under 21 years of age with a BAC of 0.02%, there is an immediate suspension of driving license.
Let us face it; the legal system is complex, and you need the steady hand of a learned lawyer to help you navigate through it. DUI charge is no respecter of person, and anyone can be charged with it under the criminal justice system. You should hire a defense lawyer when faced with a DUI charge.
Guide To Hiring A DUI Defense Attorney In Greenville SC?
There is a certain anxiety one faces as a result of a DUI arrest, and this can be quite overwhelming. Without a right balance, this can negatively affect your relationship with others. However tempting hiring the first DUI attorney you think of is, care should be taken to ensure that you make the best decision on the choice attorney.
Hiring the best DUI attorney in Greenville SC is definitely an important decision you must make. Hiring a lawyer helps in informing and preparing you. He or she is the best person to help you understand the charges that are against you and map out a winning strategy that can help your case, even if you are guilty.
First things first! Write a list of all potential attorneys that have experience with DUI charges. Google is your friend, and there are so many sources to help you add names to your list. Sources like the National College of DUI Defense, The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), among others are some organizations that can provide a directory of attorneys who can make it to your list.
Go a step further and get personal recommendations from friends and people you trust.
Sometimes, friends recommend the best attorneys from their experience with them.
Check the ethical records of these selected lawyers. You would not want a lawyer with a history of malpractice to represent you. Investigate whether the lawyer has had disciplinary action taken against him by the State in the past. This can also saliently impact on your case.
Consult with different attorneys to have an idea of the fair price for a good representation and factor it into your budget. It is better to hire a licensed attorney because they are the only ones that can represent you in the court of law.
Finally, when looking to hire a defense attorney for your DUI charge, it is better to hire one that has extensive knowledge and experience in DUI cases. Talk to your top choices and make a decision based on whom you feel is a right fit to represent you in court.
A DUI charge is a serious issue that will affect your life. At the end of the day, the best option is not to test your legal skills. Rather, it is to ensure that you have competent representation and is why you need a reliable defense attorney team.
Our team at Brumback and Langley is highly respected, experienced and a good fit for your specific DUI charge.