Greenville DUI Lawyer
Defending the DUI Accused Since 2000
Arrested for a DUI in South Carolina? When you contact Hisker Law Firm, PC, we will review your case and explain your options to you. Our Greenville DUI attorney is based in Duncan, SC and has been fighting DUI charges for more than 20 years and handled 1,000s of cases. He knows exactly how to prepare a strong defense and the right way to approach your investigations. Our services are also available 24/7 so we can help during your time of need.
Why Hire a Greenville DUI Lawyer?
The legal process can be extremely complex, even for the simplest or most straightforward DUI cases. An experienced attorney can help you fight DUI charges, reduce total court time, and answer all of your questions along the way. Our lawyers understand that the consequences associated with a DUI can be dire, and we wish to help you through the process.
Our Greenville DUI lawyer will review your case and help you explore your options. Schedule a FREE consultation.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our Firm is Here to Protect Your Rights
South Carolina DUI Laws & Penalties
What is Considered Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
Under South Carolina Law, driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or substances that cause impairment to the extent that the person's facilities are appreciably impaired. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is .08% in South Carolina, and registering a BAC over this limit can lead to up to 90 days in jail for your first offense, as well as up to 7 years in prison after multiple offenses. Not only are you facing jail or prison time, but you may even have your driver's license suspended for an extended period of time.
What are the Penalties for DUI in South Carolina?
Although it can still carry jail time, a misdemeanor is typically considered less serious than felonies. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or DUI for short, is a misdemeanor in all fifty US states including South Carolina. There are multiple reasons why a first time DUI charge can be considered a Felony DUI. These reasons fall under a situation when an individual in the accident suffers serious injuries or is killed as a result of the driver who was driving under the influence.
1st Offense DUI in SC
What happens the first time you get a DUI? The penalties for a 1st offense DUI in SC may include the following:
- Between 48 hours and 30 days in jail
- A $400 fine
- 6-month license suspension
- Mandatory alcohol and drug safety action program (ADSAP)
DUI 2nd Offense SC
A second-offense DUI in South Carolina may include the following penalties:
- Between 5 days and 1 year in jail
- Fines between $2,100 and $5,100
- Alcohol Drug and Safety Action Program (ADSAP)
- Installation of ignition interlock device (IID)
How long does a DUI stay on your record in SC?
A DUI stays on your driving record forever. Your insurance premium may also go up as a result of the DUI. If you don’t get another DUI, your driving record will no longer reflect the DUI after 10 years; however, it will still show up on your criminal background check.
Can I Get a DUI Expunged in South Carolina?
You cannot get a DUI expunged in South Carolina. The DUI will always be in your record; this could lead to a job loss, especially if your job requires you to drive. A DUI on your record could make it challenging for you to find a job - even decades later. If you are ever pulled over by a police officer in the future, they can also see the DUI on your record.
Types of Field Sobriety Tests in South Carolina
Police officers in South Carolina are trained in three sobriety tests. The tests are:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test - In this test the officer will observe the eyes of the person as they slowly move a pen back and forth to look for signs that the person is intoxicated.
- Walk-and-turn test - In this test, the officer instructs the person to take nine steps, touching heel-to-toe in a straight line. The officer is looking for indicators that the person is impaired such as not being able to keep their balance or not following the instructions properly.
- One-leg stand test - In this test, the officer instructs the person to stand with one foot off the ground and hold it until told to put it down. The officer looks for signs of impairment such as swaying, hoping or using their arms to balance.
Can you refuse a field sobriety test in South Carolina?
You can refuse to take a field sobriety test in South Carolina. Even if you refuse to take the field sobriety test, refusing does not constitute disobeying a police officer’s command and it does not mean that you are impaired; but the police officer that was already planning to arrest you can still do so. The difference between refusing to take a sobriety test and a breath test is that, if you refuse to take a breath test, there are additional penalties such as a driver’s license suspension. Refusing to take a sobriety test does not include additional penalties.
Cases We Have Handled
At Hisker Law Firm, PC, our DUI attorneys have handled various DUI cases resulting in dismissals and serve clients in Duncan, Greenville and the surrounding areas. Below are a couple examples of the types of cases our criminal law attorney handled in the past as examples. *Nothing provided should create an expectation that Steve Hisker can achieve similar results in any case.
DISMISSED - 7/3/2014
Original Charges: Driving Under the Influence 1st Offense
Result: DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE DISMISSED, new ticket written for Reckless Driving
DISMISSED - 1/11/2012
Original Charge: DUI 1st upgraded to DUI 2nd
Result: January 2012 - Dismissed
For more information pertaining to our results, view our case results page!
Do You Really Need a Lawyer for a DUI in Greenville?
If you or a loved one has been charged with this crime, the time to act is now! Law enforcement officials are not immune to making mistakes, particularly with respect to DUI cases. Even if you refused a breathalyzer test, you have the right to contest your suspension and the right to a jury trial. There are a variety of ways to attack DUI cases, and our Greenville DUI attorneys have helped many clients reduce their offenses, obtain not-guilty verdicts at trial, or have their case dismissed altogether.
Contact our office for a FREE consultation. We serve clients across Greenville and Spartanburg.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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Reduced 2nd Degree Harassment
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Reduced 2nd Offense Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
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Expunged 30 Year Old Conviction
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Dismissed Accessory A/F Murder
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Dismissed Accessory A/F Murder, Armed Robbery, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
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Reduced Accessory to Commit Burglary
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"I fully appreciate the work you do"I want to say that I fully appreciate the work you do for everyone who walks into your office.- Michelle M.
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"Thank you for your service!"I just wanted to say thank you for your service! I watched you on Accussed representing the young man Brandon on Accussed. Blessed my heart.- Varoneca L
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"I wish more people exhibited the humanity you did"Dear Mr. Hisker, I hope this message reaches you in good health. I am not looking for legal services but wanted to reach out to thank you for what you did for that young gentleman, Brandon, as documented on the A&E show. This is my first time ever doing this but I feel you deserve this message. I wish more people exhibited the humanity you did in your defense of this “gentle giant”. Unfortunately, everyday we witness people acting and reacting to others without empathy and understanding.- Fida K.
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"Thankful for good attorneys like yourself"
Dear attorney Hisker, I just watched the A&E show, and I am very thankful for good attorneys like yourself. Our system is good only when there is equality in defense, and you provided a great one. Before hearing the jury’s verdict, I almost assumed they’d say “he admitted he punched him, he’s hurt, therefore he is guilty”. I cheered when he was found not guilty and it gave me a moment of pride in our system. I am also so thankful Brandon didn’t fall into the plea trap where innocent individuals plea to lower charges due to the Pressure and overwhelming understanding that our system is unpredictable. I dream of a world where there are great defense attorneys like you for all defendants, and Where the system isn’t biased for convictions, but bias to obtain justice for all the humans that enter the system. As a Christian, I know just saving one is a blessing—so thanks for saving at least one- With great respect and thanks,
Disclaimer: This is a testimonial or endorsement that does not come from a client of Hisker Law Firm. No payment was made in exchange for this endorsement. Any result the Hisker Law Firm may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.
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"Thinks outside the box! "Great smart lawyer who thinks outside the box! Highly recommend.- Eleanor D. C.
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"Devotes his full attention to every case to get the best possible outcomes. "Steve is an excellent criminal attorney. I have witnessed him practicing law for sufficient years to justify my assessment of his abilities and talents. He brings a keen understanding of the law and devotes his full attention to every case to get the best possible outcomes. He is outstanding.- Michael D. M.
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"I would not hesitate to call."I hope I never ever need his services, but if I did I would not hesitate to call Steve.- Jenny R.
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"Gave me a sense of comfort that made the entire process much more smooth."I could not ask for a better experience than with Steve and his team at Hisker Law Firm. They were accommodating as well as driven to get the best results for my situation. Steve handled every detail of my case with minimal worry to myself which allowed me to carry on with my daily routine with out stress. They answered all of my questions and gave me a sense of comfort that made the entire process much more smooth. I have and would recommend him to any one of my friends and family. Thank you to Steve and everyone at Hisker Law Firm!- Walt B.
