Berkeley County SC DWI Lawyers

The offense for drunk driving in South Carolina is called DUI, though it is commonly called DWI or driving while intoxicated in other areas of the United States. The offenses are similar in that both are generally filed as a criminal act and come with potentially severe financial, legal and social consequences.

Drunk driving is never condoned but an arrest for DUI/DWI in South Carolina does not mean you are guilty. There is no per se law in South Carolina establishing a specific threshold for intoxication. An arrest for driving while intoxicated in Berkeley County can be initiated solely on an officer's suspicion of impairment.

People do make mistakes, and then there are those who engaged in responsible social drinking only to experience an arrest for SC DWI after a simple traffic stop. It is important to realize two points. You still have rights under the law, and experienced legal counsel can help you.

Berkeley County SC DWI Lawyers Olson & Good practice criminal law with a focus on building complete drunk driving defense strategies for their clients. They will use their knowledge of South Carolina DWI laws, extensive experience with the legal system and commitment to implementing an aggressive and effective defense to get you the best possible result.

Berkeley DWI Attorneys Olson & Good offer a free consultation where they will review the specifics of your case and ask about your needs and goals. They will then be able to outline your legal options and discuss their fee. The initial consultation is free and there is no obligation, so contact Olson & Good now by filling out the form to the left or calling (843) 412-1401. It is highly recommended that you have legal guidance before your first court appearance, so call now.

Following an arrest for suspicion of drunk driving in Berkeley County, two different cases will be filed against you, each with a unique set of penalties.

The criminal DWI case is resolved in the courts. If you are found guilty you could be fined, sent to jail, sentenced to community service, lose your auto insurance and be required to enroll in a mandatory substance abuse treatment. If you have any prior DWI arrests, the penalties will escalate in severity.

A conviction for driving while intoxicated in South Carolina would also result in a criminal record. That could make it difficult to find or keep a job, keep you from renting a car and even prohibit you from traveling to some countries.

The second case is a civil action brought by the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you refused to be tested for blood alcohol content or you registered a BAC of .15% or higher at the time of your arrest, the DMV will seek to suspend your driver's license. As this is a separate case form the DWI charge, you could win your criminal case and still lose your privilege to drive.

You can request an Administrative Hearing with the DMV and try to save your driving privileges, though you must do so within 30 days of your arrest. If you do not, you waive all rights to an appeal and your license will be automatically suspended.

Berkeley County DWI Lawyers Olson & Good offers complete DWI defense, including helping with the DMV hearing and representing you in the courtroom.

Protect your future, your livelihood and your rights by contacting Olson & Good.

Berkeley DWI Lawyers Olson & Good know that an arrest for suspicion of drinking and driving in Berkeley County can have a dramatic impact on a person's life. They will work to provide peace of mind and make every effort to minimize the consequences of a DWI.

During their defense, Olson & Good will file motions on your behalf, challenge any evidence, question whether there was probable cause for a traffic stop, review the arrest record for errors in police procedure and study the maintenance and calibration records of breath or blood testing equipment. The goal is to force the prosecuting attorney to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If not, there is a chance your charges could be reduced or your case dismissed. The details of each case are different, though Olson & Good use the law and their experience to fight for the best outcome.

The fees for legal services at Olson & Good are competitive and reasonable. For your convenience, all major credit cards are accepted for payment.

Joe Good III, lead DWI defense lawyer and principal with Berkeley County DWI Attorneys Olson & Good, graduated from the University of South Carolina and received a law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He graduated from the local citizens' police academy, giving him unique insight to an officer's role during a DWI arrest. Joe Good has represented hundreds of clients accused of criminal acts throughout South Carolina. Attorney Joe Good is a member of the Charleston Bar Association, the South Carolina Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

Having legal representation during your first court appearance will let the prosecutor know that you are serious about challenging your arrest for DWI. Contact Berkeley South Carolina DWI Attorneys Olson & Good now to get the help you deserve. To schedule a free and confidential meeting, call (843) 412-1401 or fill out the consultation request form to the left.