Author: Aaron De Bruin

What to Expect During and Immediately After a DUI Arrest in South Carolina

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What to Expect During and Immediately After a DUI Arrest in South Carolina If you are driving home from a sports bar or gathering of friends after a night of drinking, the sudden reflection of red flashing lights in the rearview mirror can be alarming.  While this scenario offers the potential of severe penalties and a murky future, a driver’s contact with law enforcement after a night of drinking will not necessarily lead to a DUI conviction.  The way you handle the interaction with the officer and a prompt decision to retain an experienced Greenville DUI defense lawyer can improve your chances of a positive outcome.  In this blog, we examine the initial stop and arrest process, field sobriety and chemical testing, and the driver’s license consequences of a DUI arrest.   The Initial Stop A roadside traffic stop constitutes an inherently disturbing situation for people who have had little experience with law enforcement because the officer has the advantage of standing over you with a gun and the power of arrest.  The first priority for any motorist in this situation is not to panic because a level head and the full exercise of your rights can allow you to impact the way the encounter turns out.  The officer usually will have stopped your vehicle because of a traffic violation or perceived erratic driving. [DUI checkpoints that involve random...

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Greenville DUI Attorneys Provide Overview of DUI Laws, Penalties & Charges

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South Carolina has tough DUI laws that carry harsh penalties and potentially devastating long-term consequences.  When you are arrested for an alcohol-related driving offense, the precise charges that you face will depend on your unique circumstances.  Some of the factors that might affect the charge include the refusal of a breath test, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), any accident involvement, and injuries or deaths caused by the drunk driving.  In this blog, we provide an overview of DUI laws, offenses, and penalties in South Carolina. SOUTH CAROLINA DUI LAWS DUI [Section 56.5-2930] The basic charge that will be faced by an adult will either be DUI under Section 56.5-2930 or DUAC under Section 56.5-2933.  Although a motorist only can be convicted of one of these offenses, which are subject to the same penalties, the charges apply to different circumstances.  DUI will be charged when the police officer gathers evidence that a driver’s physical or mental driving abilities are impaired by drugs, alcohol, or both. This evidence might include a traffic violation, field sobriety tests, observations during a stop, or so-called erratic driving.  This form of DUI will usually be charged when the police do not acquire any BAC chemical testing results.  The lack of breath (blood or urine) results might be because of a refusal to comply with the informed consent law or the failure to blow an adequate amount...

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Greenville DUI Lawyer

Greenville DUI Lawyer

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Greenville DUI Defense Lawyer A DUI charge has the potential to wreak havoc on your life. A DUI can cost you your job, your relationships, and your reputation. At the De Bruin Law Firm, our Greenville DUI defense lawyers are experienced in criminal matters and take pride in building strong defenses for our clients. An arrest does not necessarily have to result in a conviction, and our lawyers will work hard to protect your legal rights.   South Carolina DUI laws In South Carolina, a driver may be arrested for driving under the influence if the driver’s blood alcohol...

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Important Issues Involving South Carolina DUI Driver’s License Issues

Important Issues Involving South Carolina DUI Driver’s License Issues

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Drunk driving is an activity to be avoided because of the risk of a tragic accident, but millions of people are arrested for DUI annually.  The prospect of losing your driver’s license, paying significant fines and other costs, and spending time in custody can be frightening.  Suspension of your driver’s license also might make obtaining employment, or keeping your job, extremely difficult.  The damage to your personal and professional reputation could affect career prospects and rental housing options.  While the best way to protect your rights and future is to retain an experienced Greenville DUI defense lawyer, this blog...

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Do I have to tell my employer if I get a DUI?

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Getting a DUI can be extremely embarrassing whereas most people want to move on after such an unpleasant experience. However, you might be wondering whether your DUI will end up impacting your professional life. One thing that might cross your mind, and could cause you to lose sleep, is whether you have to tell your employer about your DUI. The answer is that it depends. There are certain situations where you might have to tell your employer, but in many cases, disclosing this information is not required. When would I have to tell my employer about my DUI? If you signed a contract with your current employer, take a look at it. Does it state that you have to disclose anything like a DUI, arrest, or conviction? If the contract requires your disclosure under the circumstances, then you should abide by its terms. Remember though, that if you are required to inform your employer of a conviction, and you were arrested, but not convicted, then disclosure would not be necessary. If you fail to notify your employer despite a contractual obligation to do so, you will be considered in breach of your employment contract. This could cause you to lose your job. Another scenario when you might have to disclose your DUI is if your job includes driving. For one thing, there is a greater chance that your contract...

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