Drunk driving charges can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may be facing hefty fines, a suspended license, skyrocketing insurance rates, and even jail time. At Hellams Law, our Greenville DUI lawyer provides the skilled legal representation you need to protect your rights, reputation, and future.
We leverage this background to build strong defense strategies for each client we represent. When you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Greenville, you get an aggressive advocate who will challenge the evidence against you and fight for the best possible outcome.
South Carolina’s Tough DUI Laws
Make no mistake, South Carolina cracks down hard on drunk driving. Even for a first offense, you could face:
- Fines of $400 to $1000
- 48 hours to 90 days in jail
- A 6-month license suspension
- Mandatory alcohol education classes
- Community service hours
- 3 years with an ignition interlock device
The penalties only get more severe for repeat offenders or cases involving injuries or property damage. A felony DUI conviction for causing a death can result in up to 25 years behind bars. This means that a DUI arrest jeopardizes your freedom, finances, and future opportunities. You need a skilled Greenville DUI lawyer to limit the fallout and get your life back on track.
Investigating All Aspects of Your DUI Arrest
Many people assume there is no way to beat a DUI charge, especially if they failed a breath test or made incriminating statements to the police. However, an arrest does not automatically equal a conviction.
Law enforcement must follow strict protocol during traffic stops, field sobriety tests, breath/blood tests and interrogations. Any missteps can potentially get key evidence tossed out.
At Hellams Law, our Greenville DUI attorney digs deep to scrutinize every aspect of your arrest, looking for holes in the case against you. Questions we investigate include:
- Did the officer have probable cause to pull you over?
- Were field sobriety tests administered properly?
- Was the breath test machine calibrated and used correctly?
- Were you read your Miranda rights?
- Did the officer have a valid reason to request a blood draw?
- Was the blood sample handled appropriately to avoid contamination?
If any of your constitutional rights were violated, we can file motions to suppress evidence. Without proof of intoxication, the prosecution’s case becomes much more difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defending Against the Day of Your Arrest
In addition to examining the details of your traffic stop and arrest, our Greenville DUI lawyer takes a comprehensive look at events leading up to that day. Outside factors that may have impacted your physical appearance and performance on sobriety tests include:
- Lack of sleep
- Unusual work hours are impacting your circadian rhythm
- Dietary changes, such as low-carb or keto diets, can cause bad breath
- Medical conditions like acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD
- Neurological conditions affecting balance and coordination
- Medications with side effects like drowsiness or dizziness
These issues could make you seem drunk even if you were not over the legal limit. We work with medical experts to evaluate your health history and identify any relevant conditions that may have contributed to the appearance of intoxication without the presence of high blood alcohol levels.
Fighting to Keep Your Driving Privileges
After a DUI arrest, you only have a limited time to request an administrative hearing to save your driver’s license from suspension. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to fight the suspension. At Hellams Law, our Greenville DUI attorney springs into action quickly for clients, ensuring the necessary paperwork is filed to preserve your ability to drive.
Protecting your license is crucial, as a suspension creates major disruptions to your daily life and your ability to work. We present strong arguments to the hearing officer demonstrating the necessity of your driving privileges and any issues with your traffic stop that make the suspension unjustified.
Exploring All Potential Legal Options
While we are always prepared for trial, our Greenville DUI lawyer also looks for opportunities to resolve cases favorably without the expense and stress of courtroom battles. Depending on the facts of your case, we may be able to:
- Negotiate a plea to a lesser offense, like reckless driving
- Argue for reduced charges based on completion of alcohol treatment programs
- Secure your admission into a pretrial diversion program
- Obtain a hardship license so you can drive to work and essential appointments
Of course, if a beneficial agreement cannot be reached, we will not hesitate to take your case to court and fight for an acquittal. With extensive trial experience, our DUI lawyer in Greenville can compellingly present your side of the story to skeptical judges and juries.
Standing By You Every Step of the Way
At Hellams Law, we know the immense stress and anxiety a DUI arrest causes. Concerns about your future, finances, and reputation can feel all-consuming. Our Greenville DUI attorney is here to shoulder those burdens for you, handling all the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on moving forward with your life.
We pride ourselves on providing compassionate, client-focused representation. When you work with us, you will always receive:
- Honest answers about your case and legal options
- Regular updates on the status of your case
- Prompt responses to emails, calls, and texts
- A tireless advocate who keeps your best interests at heart
A DUI charge does not have to derail your life. Our Greenville DUI lawyer is ready to guide you to a brighter tomorrow. Call today for a free and confidential consultation.
Personalized Attention from an Experienced Attorney
Hellams Law is not a DUI defense mill that shuffles clients through with little personal interaction.
We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and craft a defense strategy tailored to your unique needs. You will work directly with your lawyer throughout your case, not a paralegal or case manager. This direct contact allows us to understand your goals and priorities beyond just the legal aspects of your case. Depending on your age and occupation, you may have pressing concerns about:
- Scholarships and college admissions
- Professional licensing and certifications
- Security clearances
- Job applications and background checks
- Child custody arrangements
- Reputational harm in your community
Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. However, our DUI lawyer serving Greenville has the skills and dedication to tirelessly pursue the most favorable conclusion for your case, too. You can trust that your future is in good hands with us.
Besides, our Greenville DUI attorney factors these issues into your overall defense plan, looking for creative ways to mitigate any long-term negative impacts. We explore all potential legal options to secure the most positive outcome possible for your circumstances.
Don’t Let a DUI Arrest Derail Your Life
If you have been charged with drunk driving, the decisions you make now will impact your life for years to come. Do not leave your fate to chance. You need a Greenville DUI lawyer who will protect your constitutional rights and driving privileges at every stage of the legal process.
At Hellams Law, we are committed to providing you with the smart, strategic defense representation necessary to overcome a DUI charge and move on with your life.
We offer free and confidential consultations to all potential clients. Do not let one mistake jeopardize your relationships, career, and freedom. Take action now to explore your legal options with a skilled Greenville DUI attorney. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building your defense and pursuing a positive outcome for your case.
Contact Hellams Law today to schedule your free consultation with a knowledgeable Greenville DUI lawyer who will fight for your future. We look forward to discussing how we can help you get your life back on track.
