Now What?

Helpful Videos About DUI In South Carolina

At Steve Sumner Law Firm, we provide legal assistance to many individuals who are facing the loss of their driving privileges in the state of South Carolina. There are many common questions that our clients ask, and we have answered some of those questions in the video segments below. Remember, these questions pertain to the laws of SC, and if you have been charged with DUI or DWI in another state, you should consult a legal resource in your own state to ensure that you receive accurate information. If you have been charged in South Carolina with an offense that may result in the loss of your drivers license, and have questions that are not addressed below, feel free to contact Steve Sumner Law Firm, located in Greenville, SC, and we will be happy to discuss your situation with you.

"I've been arrested for DUI. Now what?"

You've been arrested for DUI, and now you aren't really sure where to turn. This video discusses important steps that you should consider immediately following your arrest in order to ensure that you have the best opportunity to defend yourself against DUI charges South Carolina.

"Felony DUI in South Carolina"

There are different levels of Felony DUI in the State of South Carolina. Attorney Steve Sumner explains the differences in this video segment.

"If I'm pulled for DUI, what are my rights?"

Getting pulled over for suspicion of DUI can be a traumatic experience. It can easy to forget what your rights are. This video reminds you of those rights so that you can understand what you should or shouldn't do when placed in the situation of being suspected of driving under the influence.

"They took my drivers license. Now what can I do?"

When charged with Driving Under The Influence, one of the first things that will happen in South Carolina is the loss of your driving privileges. There is, however, some options available to you to regain the ability to legally drive.

"Verbal Judo"

When pulled over for DUI, an officer's job is to find out as much information as possible about what may have happened earlier in the day that has led to evaluating you for possible impaired driving. During this process, many questions may be asked that do not have a "correct" answer. These questions and your answers are usually being recorded, and they can be used as evidence against you in a court of law in South Carolina.

"The importance of transcribed testimony"

Under South Carolina law, when an individual is charged with driving under the influence, you have the right to obtain a transcribed copy of the arresting officers testimony. During any preliminary hearing and implied consent hearing, it provides invaluable opportunities for your attorney to place the arresting officer under oath, and to obtain a transcribed copy of his/her testimony in order to better evaluate the case against you.

"What is an implied consent hearing?"

An implied consent hearing requires both the arresting officer and the officer who administered the breath test to be present, and takes place in the presence of a Department of Motor Vehicle Hearing Officer. The purpose is to determine whether all procedures were followed correctly during the DUI arrest and administration of the breath test.

"What is a preliminary hearing?"

A preliminary hearing in a DUI case is a court hearing available to a person charged with DUI in South Carolina where the prosecuting attorney and the arresting officer are present. The officer testifies, in general terms, what led to an individuals arrest for driving under the influence. You also have the opportunity to have a defense attorney present, and they can place the officer under oath and ask questions that pertain to your DUI case. As a result, a transcription of what is said is obtained, which can be a valuable tool as your case proceeds, as it gives insight into the case against a defendant.