Rock Hill Aggravated DUI Attorneys

Aggravated DUI Charges in South Carolina

Aggravated DUI is a more serious charge than a standard DUI. It is a felony, and a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, among other severe penalties. If you have been charged with aggravated DUI, it is crucial that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

At the Bruce Law Firm, our Rock Hill aggravated DUI defense lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of the accused. We understand the serious nature of these charges and the potential consequences you face. Our team is prepared to fight aggressively for you, both in and out of the courtroom.

For a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call us today at (803) 336-7189 or contact us online. We serve clients in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and the surrounding areas.

Understanding Aggravated DUI

In South Carolina, a person can be charged with aggravated DUI if they are accused of driving under the influence and have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.16% or higher. This is twice the legal limit of 0.08%. Aggravated DUI is also known as “felony DUI” because it is a felony offense.

There are several ways in which a person can be charged with aggravated DUI in South Carolina. These include:

• Driving under the influence and causing great bodily injury or death to another person
• Driving under the influence and having a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle
• Driving under the influence and having a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years

It is important to note that, in South Carolina, a person can be charged with DUI if they are driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two. If you are facing DUI charges, it is crucial that you contact an attorney who understands the complexities of these cases and can help you build a strong defense.

Aggravated DUI vs. DUI

Aggravated DUI is a more serious charge than a standard DUI. In South Carolina, a first-time DUI is a misdemeanor offense. A conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to 90 days, a fine of up to $1,000, and a six-month driver’s license suspension. A second DUI is also a misdemeanor, but the penalties are more severe. A conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to three years, a fine of up to $6,500, and a one-year driver’s license suspension.

Aggravated DUI, on the other hand, is a felony. A conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years, a fine of up to $10,000, and a driver’s license suspension of at least one year. The penalties are even more severe if the aggravated DUI resulted in great bodily injury or death to another person. In these cases, a conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 25 years.

Aggravated DUI Consequences

Aggravated DUI is a felony offense, and a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence. However, the consequences of an aggravated DUI conviction do not end there. A conviction can also result in a permanent criminal record, which can make it difficult to find employment, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses. You may also lose your driving privileges for an extended period of time, which can make it difficult to get to work, school, or other important places.

Other potential consequences of an aggravated DUI conviction include:

• Increased auto insurance rates
• Difficulty obtaining auto insurance
• Required installation of an ignition interlock device
• Required completion of an alcohol and drug safety action program
• Required completion of community service
• Required payment of restitution to the victim

Given the serious nature of these charges and the potential consequences you face, it is crucial that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At the Bruce Law Firm, our Rock Hill aggravated DUI defense lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of the accused. We will fight aggressively for you, both in and out of the courtroom.

How to Fight Aggravated DUI Charges

There are several defenses that can be used to fight aggravated DUI charges in South Carolina. The best defense strategy will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. When you turn to the Bruce Law Firm, our Rock Hill aggravated DUI defense attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against you. We will review the police report, interview witnesses, and gather any other available evidence. We will then use this information to build a strong defense on your behalf.

Some of the most common defenses to aggravated DUI charges include:

• Challenging the traffic stop: In order to pull you over, the police must have had reasonable suspicion that you were engaged in criminal activity. If the traffic stop was illegal, any evidence obtained as a result of the stop may be inadmissible in court.
• Challenging the field sobriety tests: Field sobriety tests are not always accurate. There are many factors that can cause a person to fail these tests, including poor weather conditions, uneven pavement, and the presence of other vehicles. If the field sobriety tests were not administered properly, the results may be inaccurate.
• Challenging the breathalyzer test: Breathalyzer tests are not always accurate, either. There are many factors that can cause a breathalyzer to produce a false positive, including certain medical conditions and the presence of certain substances in the mouth. If the breathalyzer test was not administered properly, the results may be inaccurate.
• Challenging the blood test: Blood tests are generally more accurate than breathalyzer tests, but they are not infallible. There are many factors that can cause a blood test to produce a false positive, including improper storage of the blood sample and contamination of the blood sample. If the blood test was not administered properly, the results may be inaccurate.
• Challenging the BAC: In order to be convicted of aggravated DUI, the prosecution must prove that your BAC was 0.16% or higher. There are many factors that can cause a person’s BAC to rise between the time they were pulled over and the time the blood test was administered. If the blood test was administered several hours after you were pulled over, the results may not be accurate.
• Challenging the chain of custody: In order to be admissible in court, the blood sample must be properly stored and transported. The prosecution must be able to prove that the blood sample was not tampered with. If the chain of custody was broken, the blood sample may be inadmissible in court.

These are just a few of the many defenses that can be used to fight aggravated DUI charges in South Carolina. When you turn to the Bruce Law Firm, our Rock Hill aggravated DUI lawyers will carefully review the specific circumstances of your case and help you determine the best defense strategy.

Penalties for Aggravated DUI

Aggravated DUI is a felony offense, and a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence. However, the penalties for an aggravated DUI conviction in South Carolina are not limited to prison time. A conviction can also result in a fine of up to $10,000 and a driver’s license suspension of at least one year. The penalties are even more severe if the aggravated DUI resulted in great bodily injury or death to another person. In these cases, a conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 25 years.

Given the serious nature of these charges and the potential consequences you face, it is crucial that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At the Bruce Law Firm, our Rock Hill aggravated DUI defense lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of the accused. We will fight aggressively for you, both in and out of the courtroom.

Aggravated DUI Defense Strategies

There are several defenses that can be used to fight aggravated DUI charges in South Carolina. The best defense strategy will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. When you turn to the Bruce Law Firm, our Rock Hill aggravated DUI defense attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against you. We will review the police report, interview witnesses, and gather any other available evidence. We will then use this information to build a strong defense on your behalf.

Get the Legal Help You Need Today

If you have been charged with aggravated DUI, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. At the Bruce Law Firm, our Rock Hill aggravated DUI defense lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of the accused. We will fight aggressively for you, both in and out of the courtroom. Our team will work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

For a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call us today at (803) 336-7189 or contact us online.