When you are facing a DUI charge in South Carolina, you need to ensure that you are making smart choices. Working with an experienced DUI lawyer is critical, and your first step is to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible after your DUI arrest.
A free consultation is your opportunity to gather as much information as possible. This includes information about your charges, what you can expect in court, and what you can expect if you get convicted. It also includes information about the lawyer you have chosen to contact. Simply put, some lawyers are better than others, and you need to be confident that you have chosen the right lawyer for you.
What to Ask During Your Free Consultation with a DUI Lawyer
How can you make sure you have the information you need to make smart choices about your South Carolina DUI case? Here are 10 questions you should feel free to ask when you sit down with a lawyer:
1. How Much Experience Do You Have Handling DUI Cases?
When facing a DUI charge in South Carolina, it is important to put experience on your side. You will want to choose a lawyer who has several years—if not several decades—of experience representing individuals who have been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. A lawyer who only has limited experience handling DUI cases might be good in general, but he or she might not be the right choice to represent you.
2. Have You Handled DUI Cases in the Court Where My Case is Pending?
Different courts have different rules, procedures, and tendencies. As a result, when facing a DUI charge, it is also a good idea to look for a lawyer who has specific experience representing clients in the court where your DUI case is pending. For example, an experienced DUI lawyer with offices in Rock Hill should be very familiar with the courts in York County, whereas a lawyer located upstate or in the Lowcountry might not have the local knowledge you need.
3. What Penalties Am I Facing?
One of the most important things you need to know when facing a DUI charge is what is at stake in your case. In South Carolina, all types of DUI charges carry serious penalties, and even first-time offenders can face jail time. An experienced South Carolina DUI lawyer will be able to walk you through everything that is on the table so that you can make informed decisions about how to approach your defense.
4. How Can You Defend Me in Court?
While your lawyer will need to gain a thorough understanding of the facts surrounding your arrest to provide a full case assessment, an experienced DUI lawyer should be able to provide a general overview of the defenses you may have available. While there are several potential defenses to DUI charges in South Carolina, not all defenses are available in all circumstances.
5. What If I Believe the Police Profiled Me or Violated My Rights?
If the police profiled you or violated your constitutional rights during your arrest, this could provide you with a defense in court. The police must follow the law at all times; and, when they don’t, this can render any evidence they obtain in violation of suspects’ rights inadmissible at trial. If the state’s evidence against you is inadmissible, prosecutors won’t be able to secure a conviction.
6. What If I Was Driving Drunk?
Let’s say the police caught you driving drunk. If you are guilty and you know it, does this mean that you should plead guilty in court?
The short answer is, “No.” Even if you were driving under the influence, you may still have several defenses available. If you find yourself in this situation, we encourage you to read: How To Handle a South Carolina DUI Case When You Were Driving Drunk.
7. Should I Consider a Plea Bargain?
If you got caught driving drunk and prosecutors have the evidence they need to win a conviction in court, negotiating a plea bargain could be your best option. But, this isn’t necessarily the case, and you will want to discuss this option with your DUI lawyer to ensure that you are making an informed decision.
8. Is My DUI Case Eligible for Diversion?
If this is your first time facing a DUI charge in South Carolina, you may be able to avoid the consequences of a conviction by entering into one of the state’s diversion programs. If you enter into a diversion program and meet all of the program’s requirements, your arrest will be wiped from your record and you won’t have to go to trial. However, completing a diversion program requires time and effort—and there are financial costs involved—so it is critical to ensure that you are making an informed decision here as well.
9. How Can I Get in Touch with You During My Case?
When you have a DUI case pending in South Carolina, you must be able to get in touch with your lawyer when you have questions. During your initial consultation with a DUI lawyer, you should feel free to ask about the lawyer’s availability and whether you will be able to get in touch by phone, text, or email.
10. How Much Do You Charge for DUI Cases?
Finally, when you hire a DUI lawyer to represent you, your legal fees should be completely transparent. You should be able to find out exactly how much you will pay for your lawyer’s services. This way, you can weigh the costs and benefits of legal representation against the risks of trying to handle your case on your own.
Request a Free Consultation with a Rock Hill, SC DUI Lawyer
Are you facing a DUI charge in South Carolina? If so, we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. To speak with an experienced DUI lawyer in Rock Hill, SC in confidence, please call 803-328-8822 or send us a message online today.