Murrells Inlet DUI Lawyer

Murrells Inlet DUI Attorney

With lively restaurants on the MarshWalk like Dead Dog Saloon and Drunken Jack’s, taking in a few adult beverages is a nightly tradition for locals and tourists in Murrells Inlet. Even if you believed you were good to drive, all it takes is a bit of bad luck to find yourself being arrested and booked at Georgetown County Detention Center at 2394 Browns Ferry Road. By hiring a Murrells Inlet DUI lawyer, you can secure legal representation who can fight your charges.

Trusted Legal Representation When It Matters Most

Being arrested for a DUI can be an unsettling moment. The criminal defense attorneys at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., understand what you are going through because we’ve guided defendants through similar charges and helped them secure favorable outcomes to their cases that allowed them to avoid the harshest penalties under the law.

Beating DUI charges requires a strategic approach and an exhaustive examination of the evidence that is being used against you. From the moment you secure representation from our esteemed law firm, you’ll gain the benefit of over 100 years of collective legal experience. We fight for our clients because everyone deserves fair treatment under the justice system.

Potential Consequences of a DUI Conviction

Drunk driving collisions resulted in 13,524 deaths across South Carolina in 2022. Murrells Inlet’s criminal courts take DUIs seriously, and anyone convicted of committing this type of crime faces the possibility of heavy fines, jail time, and the loss of driving privileges.

While first-time offenders facing lighter crimes may not have to worry about jail time, even first-time offenders could be heavily penalized if they are convicted of driving under the influence in South Carolina.

The loss of driving privileges could leave you relying on public transportation to get to work, and employers may see you as someone they can no longer rely on. With a DUI on your record, you may struggle to find employment, especially with jobs in transportation.

Criminal Defense Strategies for Fighting a DUI in Murrells Inlet

Facing a DUI charge in Murrells Inlet does not automatically lead to a conviction. Prosecutors must prove that you were impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time of your arrest, and their evidence is not always reliable.

A skilled defense attorney can assess whether law enforcement followed proper procedures. If a breathalyzer test was used, your lawyer may investigate whether the device was calibrated correctly.

If you were stopped after leaving a popular spot like Wahoo’s Fish House, video footage from the area could help determine if officers had a valid reason to pull you over. If you were arrested following a field sobriety test, your attorney may analyze body cam footage to see if the test was administered fairly.
If you were pulled over along Highway 17 without reasonable suspicion, your lawyer may challenge the legality of the stop. Any procedural errors could lead to reduced charges or case dismissal.

Why You Need Legal Representation to Beat DUI Charges

With a population of 62,680, surrounding Georgetown County has plenty of law firms to choose from for your DUI defense. Having legal representation can greatly improve your odds of a favorable outcome to your case. Criminal defense attorneys defend clients against criminal charges day in and day out, so they know what it takes to chip away at the prosecution’s case.

Criminal defense attorneys are skilled litigators, negotiators, and counselors of the law who can develop strategies that can potentially lead to reduced or dropped charges. If the prosecution lacks credible evidence to support your charges, your attorney can push to have them reduced or dropped.
In some cases, securing a favorable plea bargain settlement can help you resolve your case on favorable grounds that allow you to put the entire ordeal behind you. If needed, your attorney can represent you in court, where they argue before a jury or judge that you did not commit the crime that you are charged with.

FAQs About Murrells Inlet, SC DUI Laws

How Do You Beat a DUI in South Carolina?

Successfully defending against a DUI often involves challenging the legality of the traffic stop, disputing breath or field sobriety test accuracy, or proving a medical condition affected results. Other defenses include improper police procedures or insufficient probable cause. An experienced attorney can analyze the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a strategy to fight the charges.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in South Carolina?

A DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently in South Carolina. It stays on your driving record for 10 years, impacting insurance rates and future penalties. Expungement is not possible for a DUI conviction, but dismissals and acquittals may qualify for removal from your record.

Is Your License Suspended Immediately After a DUI in South Carolina?

A DUI arrest can trigger immediate license suspension if you refuse a breath test or register a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or higher. You may request an administrative hearing to challenge the suspension. Depending on eligibility, you could obtain a temporary or restricted license while your case is pending.

Is a DUI a Felony in South Carolina?

DUI is usually a misdemeanor, but it becomes a felony if it involves great bodily injury, death, or is a third or subsequent offense. Felony DUI convictions carry severe consequences, including large fines, license revocation, and years of imprisonment. Penalties increase significantly with prior convictions or aggravating factors, such as excessive speed, a high blood alcohol concentration, or having a minor in the vehicle.

Schedule Your Murrells Inlet DUI Consultation Today

Surrounding Georgetown County is sprawling at 813.55 square miles, and there are many ways that a fun night out in our large county could lead to unexpected criminal charges. A DUI charge in Murrells Inlet can lead to severe penalties, including license suspension, heavy fines, and possible jail time.

At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., we are dedicated to defending those accused of DUI offenses. Our legal team can analyze the details of your case, challenge evidence, and pursue the most favorable outcome possible. Contact our office today to schedule your initial no-cost consultation.