Your Trusted DUI Defense Attorney in North Charleston, South Carolina
If you’ve been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in North Charleston, South Carolina, you may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and unsure of your next steps.
The consequences of a DUI conviction can be life-altering. A DUI conviction can impact your driving privileges, finances, and even your future employment opportunities.
At Seaton & Duncan, we understand the gravity of your situation and are here to help you navigate the complex legal system.
With decades of combined experience in criminal defense, our DUI attorneys, Beau Seaton and Remington Duncan, are committed to providing personalized and aggressive representation for individuals facing DUI charges.
We focus on protecting your rights, minimizing the impact of the DUI charges, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case.
The DUI lawyers at the Seaton & Duncan care about their clients and take DUI defense seriously.
Primary Consequences of a
DUI Conviction in South Carolina
Being convicted of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in South Carolina
can result in severe legal, financial, and personal consequences.
The penalties increase based on prior offenses and case specifics, including your
blood alcohol content (BAC) level and any resulting injuries or property damage.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
- First Offense (BAC of 0.15% or higher): Mandatory IID for six months.
- Subsequent Offenses: IID may be required for longer periods, potentially several years.
South Carolina may require the installation of an ignition interlock device after a DUI conviction. This device prevents you from starting your vehicle unless you pass a breathalyzer test.
Fines and Penalties
- First Offense: Fines ranging from $400 to $1,000, depending on your BAC level.
- Second Offense: Fines between $2,100 and $6,500.
- Third Offense: Fines between $3,800 and $10,000.
Higher fines may apply if aggravating factors, like a high BAC or involvement in an accident, are present.
Jail Time
- First Offense: 48 hours to 30 days in jail.
- Second Offense: Five days to three years.
- Third Offense: 60 days to five years.
- Fourth & Subsequent Offenses: Up to 7 years.
Jail time can increase based on your BAC and the number of prior convictions.
Driver’s License Suspension
- First Offense: Suspension for six months.
- Second Offense: Suspension for one year.
- Third Offense: Suspension for two years.
- Fourth & Subsequent Offenses: Permanent license revocation.
Refusing to take a breathalyzer test can also result in automatic license suspension under South Carolina’s implied consent law.
Community Service and Alcohol Education
- First Offense: Judges may order community service in addition to jail time.
- Alcohol Education and Treatment: Completion of a state-approved Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) is mandatory for all DUI offenders. Failing to complete this program can lead to additional penalties or longer license suspensions.
Impact on Car Insurance
- A DUI conviction will significantly raise your car insurance premiums. You will likely be required to file an SR-22, a certificate of financial responsibility, to prove that you carry enough insurance coverage.
- This filing requirement typically lasts for three years.
Criminal Record
- A DUI conviction will result in a permanent criminal record. South Carolina does not allow for the expungement of DUI convictions, which means it could have long-term consequences for employment, housing, and professional opportunities.
Long-Term Personal and Professional Impact
- A DUI conviction can damage your reputation and impact your relationships. It may also affect your ability to secure certain jobs, particularly those requiring a clean driving record or involving sensitive information.
Because the consequences of a DUI in South Carolina are so severe, it’s crucial to have skilled legal representation to help you fight the charges or minimize their impact.
Worry Free
They are very good at what they do! Go see them today and be worry free!
– Kipp Cavadias
Great Lawyer
Great Lawyer, will definitely use again when needed. Thank You Beau!
– Charles McGee
Wonderful Lawyer
He truly cares about his clients!! A wonderful lawyer!!
– Lamarr Richardson
5 Compelling Reasons to Choose
our DUI Attorneys for Your Defense
1. Comprehensive Understanding of DUI Laws
The attorneys at Seaton & Duncan have extensive experience handling DUI cases throughout South Carolina, particularly in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties.
Beau Seaton, a member of the National College of DUI Defense Attorneys, has dedicated a significant portion of his practice to defending DUI clients, which gives him a deep understanding of the nuances of South Carolina’s DUI laws.
Remington Duncan brings a unique strategic approach to each case, ensuring that every legal angle is explored to help you achieve the best outcome.
2. Personalized Legal Strategies
No two DUI cases are alike, and at Seaton & Duncan, we tailor our defense strategies to fit the specific circumstances of your case.
Whether your case involves complex legal issues or a straightforward DUI charge, our North Charleston DUI attorneys will craft a defense plan that considers your individual situation and goals.
We don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach, and we’re dedicated to delivering legal solutions that work for you.
3. Proven Track Record in Criminal Defense
The DUI attorneys at Seaton & Duncan have successfully defended a wide range of criminal cases, including DUI charges, and have a reputation for delivering results in the courtroom.
Their experience in defending serious felony cases gives them the courtroom prowess needed to challenge DUI charges effectively.
Remington Duncan’s background as a private investigator offers added experience, allowing him to meticulously examine every detail of the case, uncovering potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
4. Commitment to Client Communication and Transparency
Adopting a special needs child can be a beautiful and rewarding experience, but not every family is equipped to handle the experience.
Consider whether you and your family are emotionally and financially equipped to handle the challenges of caring for a special needs child, and take some time to talk to other families who have taken special needs children into their homes.
We understand that facing a DUI charge in North Charleston, South Carolina is a stressful experience, and having access to your attorney can make all the difference. At Seaton & Duncan, we pride ourselves on being approachable and responsive.
We make it a priority to keep you informed about your case’s progress and are available to answer your questions at every stage of the legal process.
5. Local Knowledge and Courtroom Experience
The DUI attorneys at Seaton & Duncan have successfully defended a wide range of criminal cases, including DUI charges, and have a reputation for delivering results in the courtroom.
Their experience in defending serious felony cases gives them the courtroom prowess needed to challenge DUI charges effectively.
Remington Duncan’s background as a private investigator offers added experience, allowing him to meticulously examine every detail of the case, uncovering potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
As North Charleston natives, we have strong ties to the local legal community and are familiar with the local court systems in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties.
Our local knowledge allows us to navigate the legal landscape more effectively, giving you the advantage of attorneys who know the area, the judges, and the prosecutors.
Contact the DUI Attorneys at Seaton & Duncan Today
A DUI charge in North Charleston doesn’t have to define your future. With the right legal representation, you can fight back and protect your rights. At Seaton & Duncan, we are here to provide you with the personalized attention and assertive defense you deserve.
Don’t wait—your defense begins now.
Call us today at (843)761-3840 to schedule a free consultation, or contact us online to discuss your case. Let us help you take the next step toward safeguarding your future and getting your life back on track.
3 Common Questions
About DUI in South Carolina
1. Is it possible to get a DUI charge reduced or dismissed?
It may be possible to have a DUI charge reduced to a lesser offense or even dismissed, depending on the circumstances of your case. This could involve challenging the validity of the traffic stop, the accuracy of the breathalyzer test, or other aspects of the prosecution’s case.
An experienced North Charleston DUI defense attorney will investigate every aspect of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and build a strong defense.
2. Can I refuse to take a breathalyzer or field sobriety test?
In South Carolina, you have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test; however, doing so can result in an automatic six-month suspension of your driver’s license under the state’s implied consent law.
It’s important to understand that even if you refuse, the state can still prosecute you using other evidence.
If you’ve refused a test, you must immediately speak with a DUI attorney to explore your legal options.
3. Can I get a temporary license for a DUI charge in South Carolina?
Temporary Alcohol License (TAL)
If your license is suspended after a DUI arrest due to implied consent refusal (refusing to take a breathalyzer test) or a BAC of 0.15% or higher, you can apply for a Temporary Alcohol License (TAL).
This license allows you to continue driving while your administrative hearing regarding the license suspension is pending. You must request this hearing within 30 days of your arrest.
During this period, the suspension is lifted if you have a TAL until the hearing is concluded, allowing you to drive without restrictions.
Provisional License
If this is your first DUI offense and you have completed or are enrolled in the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP), you may be eligible for a Provisional License.
A Provisional License allows you to drive for the duration of your suspension, but only for specific purposes such as work, school, medical appointments, or ADSAP attendance.
You will also need to provide proof of SR-22 insurance, which is a high-risk insurance policy required for DUI offenders.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Restricted License
If you are required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) due to high BAC (.15% or above) or multiple offenses, you may be eligible for an IID-restricted license. This allows you to drive, but only in a vehicle equipped with the IID, which measures your BAC before allowing the car to start.
Ready To Speak With A DUI Attorney?
Let’s discuss the details of your case and see if we can help.