Camden DUI Lawyer

Camden DUI Attorney

Facing DUI charges in Camden, SC, can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of your life. A single mistake can lead to severe consequences—fines, jail time, license suspension, and a permanent mark on your record. But you don’t have to navigate this battle alone; a Camden DUI lawyer can help.

At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., we understand what is at stake, and we are ready to stand by your side to fiercely defend your rights and your future. When everything feels uncertain, the right criminal defense can make all the difference. Let us help you take control of your case.

Understanding DUI Charges in South Carolina

Being charged with a DUI is far more than just a legal issue. It’s a life-altering event that can impact your freedom, finances, and reputation. A conviction can lead to steep fines, suspension of your driver’s license, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time.

The extent of these penalties depends on factors like how high your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was when you were arrested, the existence of any prior offenses, and whether property damage or injuries occurred.

Beyond the courtroom, the consequences of a conviction can ripple through your personal and professional life. Losing the ability to drive can disrupt your daily routines, limit job opportunities, and strain relationships. The stigma of a DUI record can follow you for years, affecting everything from insurance rates to career prospects.

Understanding the gravity of these charges underscores the importance of building a strong defense to protect your future.

Types of DUI Charges We Handle

At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., we handle a wide variety of DUI-related cases, including:

• First-time DUI offenses. We help individuals navigate their first encounter with the legal system.
• Repeat DUI charges. We defend clients against enhanced penalties for multiple offenses.
• Felony DUIs. We address cases involving severe consequences, for example, injury or death.
• Drug-related DUIs. We represent individuals accused of driving under the influence of prescription drugs, illegal substances, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.

DUI and Drug Charges

Driving under the influence isn’t limited to alcohol. South Carolina also addresses driving while impaired by drugs, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illegal substances. These cases often involve additional challenges, like proving impairment levels and addressing drug charges that may arise alongside the DUI accusation.

If you are facing a combination of DUI and drug charges, the team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A. can examine every detail of your case in order to mount an effective defense.

Compensation and Civil Implications

While DUI charges are criminal, they can also intersect with civil matters. For example, if your DUI case involves an accident, you may face claims that seek compensation for damages or injuries. On the other hand, if you were wrongly accused or suffered damages because of another driver’s negligence, you might be entitled to seek compensation. At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., we help clients navigate the overlap of criminal and civil cases to fully protect their interests.

The DUI Legal Process

The process of defending against a DUI charge includes several stages:

1. Arraignment — this is where you formally hear the charges against you and enter a plea.
2. Discovery — this is when our lawyers can gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and test results.
3. Pre-trial motions — this is where we can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the case.
4. Negotiations — if circumstances allow, we can negotiate plea agreements, but only if it benefits the client.
5. Trial — if necessary, we can represent you before a judge or jury to fight for an acquittal.

Defenses Against DUI Charges in Camden

Defending against DUI charges in Camden involves a detailed and strategic approach that examines every aspect of the case. Our experienced lawyers begin by evaluating the legality of the initial traffic stop. Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to justify pulling over a driver.

If there is no clear evidence of a traffic violation, for example, swerving or speeding, our DUI defense attorneys can argue that the stop was unlawful, potentially leading to the suppression of evidence gathered during the stop.

The reliability of field sobriety tests is another avenue of defense. These tests are often used by officers to assess impairment, but they are far from foolproof. Many factors can influence the outcome, including improper administration by the officer, pre-existing physical or medical conditions, or environmental factors (like uneven road surfaces or poor lighting).

Our DUI attorneys might highlight how these elements could have unfairly affected the results and use this to undermine the prosecution’s claims.

Breathalyzer tests frequently used to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC) also present opportunities for challenge. Our DUI defense attorneys scrutinize the maintenance and calibration records of the device used to ensure its accuracy. We may also question whether the officer administering the test adhered to strict operational guidelines.

In some cases, physiological factors, like acid reflux, diabetes, or the recent use of alcohol-based products (for example, mouthwash), can produce misleading results. Raising these issues can cast doubt on the reliability of the BAC reading.

If a blood test was conducted, our defense team can shift focus to the handling and analysis of the sample. Any break in the chain of custody or deviation from standard testing protocols can compromise the integrity of the results. A contaminated or mishandled sample could lead to erroneous findings, providing a strong basis for challenging the prosecution’s evidence.

Examining police conduct during the arrest is another essential strategy. Officers are required to follow specific procedures, and any violation of these rights can weaken the prosecution’s case. For example, if the officer failed to read Miranda Rights or conducted an unlawful search, any resulting evidence might be inadmissible. By scrutinizing the officer’s actions, our defense attorneys can identify potential misconduct that could bolster your case.

Inconsistent evidence is often a focal point in DUI defenses. A thorough review of the evidence, including witness statements and video footage from dash cams or bodycams, can reveal discrepancies that challenge the officer’s version of events. For example, if video evidence contradicts the officer’s account of erratic driving, it can undermine the credibility of the entire case.

By leveraging a combination of legal challenges, procedural scrutiny, and negotiation, the experienced team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A. works to protect the rights of our clients and relentlessly pursues the most favorable outcome in an otherwise challenging situation.

Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest

If you have been arrested for DUI, taking immediate action can make a significant difference in your case. Here’s what to do:

1. Remain calm and respectful. Your behavior during the arrest can impact your case.
2. Document everything. Write down details of the stop and arrest while they are fresh in your mind.
3. Avoid self-incrimination. Refrain from discussing your case with anyone other than your DUI attorney.
4. Contact a DUI lawyer. Call Axelrod & Associates, P.A. to begin building your defense.

With our firm’s experience handling DUI cases in Camden, South Carolina, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the process. From the moment you contact us, you can expect compassionate support, clear communication, and relentless advocacy. Our goal is to minimize the impact of these charges on your life and help you move forward.

FAQs About Camden, SC DUI Laws

Is It Possible to Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in South Carolina?

You have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test in South Carolina, but under the state’s implied consent law, refusing a breathalyzer test can lead to serious consequences. These consequences can include immediate license suspension for a minimum of six months. The refusal of a breathalyzer test does not protect you from DUI charges. Police officers can get warrants to take your blood and can testify as to their impression at the traffic stop.

What Happens If I Fail to Appear in Court for My DUI Case?

Sometimes emergencies happen. However, failing to appear in court can result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest, additional charges, and a loss of bail/bond. If you have missed a court date, contact our DUI defense attorneys immediately. We can assess and address the situation and potentially resolve the issue before it escalates.

Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in South Carolina?

Yes. If DUI checkpoints are conducted according to strict guidelines, they are absolutely legal. However, any violation of your constitutional rights during a checkpoint stop could lead to a dismissal of charges. If your charge was the result of a DUI checkpoint stop, our attorneys can review your case and investigate the checkpoint procedures that led to your arrest.

Can I Contest a DUI If I Passed Field Sobriety Tests but Failed a Breathalyzer?

Yes. Any inconsistencies in your test results can become grounds for challenging your DUI charge. Field sobriety tests and breathalyzers are subject to errors, so when the results of those tests create opposing narratives, our DUI attorneys can scrutinize these discrepancies to build the foundation of your defense. We can better advise after a full review of your case.

Axelrod & Associates, P.A. Can Help

Don’t let a DUI destroy your future. Trust the experienced legal team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A. to fight for your rights and put antagonistic prosecutors in their place.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and together, we can explore your options.