subject: Three Reasons College Students Need A Dui Lawyer In Columbia Sc [print this page] If you are an out of state college student at USC or one of the other local colleges and have recently been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, you need to hire a DUI lawyer in Columbia SC right away. The laws surrounding a drunken driving offense are very extensive and different in every state. A conviction can impact your life for years to come. Here are three major reasons you are going to need an experienced, local attorney to represent you.
First, a local attorney who has been practicing for some time will be familiar with the local laws. In 2008 the House of Representatives passed additional legislation regarding DUI convictions. The aim was to establish stricter penalties in an effort to help reduce the number of automotive accidents and deaths related to alcohol consumption. These policies became effective in February 2009, so an out of state attorney who used to actively practice in South Carolina will not be as familiar with them as a local one. Local firms will be able to answer any questions you may have about the way the legal process works in this state, and what you can expect throughout each step of the way.
Although the charges are serious and the penalties can be steep, not knowing what might happen is much worse than the alternative. For instance, the state of South Carolina allows the court to temporarily suspend someones license for up to 60 days if they are charged with DUI, even before they are convicted of the offense. If you rely on your vehicle to get to work or class, your life will be significantly impacted by losing the privilege to drive. If you have no idea that this could happen, you would be blindsided and unprepared to deal with the repercussions. In a best case scenario, your lawyer in Columbia SC may be able to help mitigate any legal action taken against you prior to your trial. If nothing else, at least you will know what might happen and be able to prepare for it.
Second, the incidents surrounding each impaired driving arrest are unique to that particular situation. Because of this there are specific procedures that must be followed in each case. For example, this is the only state in the nation that requires the arresting officer to videotape the arrest and the chemical testing process. Also, if a breathalyzer or other test is administered, the driver must be notified by the officer that he or she has the right to refuse the test. Then the person administering the breathalyzer test must verbally advise the driver that they have the option of taking an alternative chemical test, such as a urine or blood test.
There are many procedures during the arresting and testing process that must be followed to protect your rights. Most people have no idea what they are, and as an out of state student, you are even less likely to know. If tests are administered incorrectly or have a particular margin of error, there may be reasonable doubt that you are guilty as charged. Additionally, the blood alcohol content thresholds are different for drivers that are under the age of 21, so if you are not yet of legal drinking age there are a number of other considerations that come into play.
Third, a local law firm can help you stay on top off all the procedural steps in the criminal process. From the time of your arrest to the date of your court hearing, there are a number of papers that need to be filed and evidence that needs to be gathered. There are recordings to view and people to talk to. It is a lot of information to keep track of, particularly if you are trying to stay on top of college coursework. An experienced, lawyer in Columbia SC knows what needs to be done and how to keep track of it because he has done it many times before. Do not take unnecessary risks with your future; contact someone to help you today.
