If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, you need reliable legal guidance—fast. The Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC has over 20 years of experience defending DUI charges in Batesburg Municipal Court. We know how local cases are handled and how to fight for favorable outcomes like dismissal or reduction.
Arrested in Batesburg-Leesville? Here's What Happens
Batesburg-Leesville has its own police department and municipal court. If you're arrested by their officers, your case will be handled internally, and the procedures here may differ from other jurisdictions.
We represent clients charged with:
DUI (alcohol or drug-related)
Driving Under Suspension
Open Container
Drug Possession
Child Endangerment
Arrests can result from checkpoints, accidents, speeding stops, or single-car incidents. No matter the situation, our team is ready to defend your rights.
Understanding DUI in South Carolina
South Carolina law defines DUI as operating a motor vehicle while materially and appreciably impaired. There is no legal limit in South Carolina. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to blow over 0.08 to be convicted, and blowing under 0.08 doesn't guarantee a not-guilty verdict.
In fact, South Carolina law specifically states that a driver cannot be convicted based solely on the results of a breath test. The law requires evidence of actual impairment, and this determination must be made on a case-by-case basis.
Impairment can be caused by alcohol, drugs, or a combination. DUI charges can even be brought against individuals who are taking medications exactly as prescribed.
Quick Action Can Save Your License
If you refused the breath test or blew 0.15 or higher, the police may have taken your license and issued a suspension. But you have rights. We can help challenge a DUI license suspension.
We act fast—often filing paperwork within hours of being hired—to request a hearing with the DMV. This challenge can prevent a permanent license suspension and allow you to request a Temporary Alcohol License from the DMV, usually within two business days. This allows you to drive without an ignition interlock device, restricted license, or SR-22 insurance.
Even if you're from out of state, we can help you obtain a legal South Carolina driving credential through one of the designated DMV branches.
DUI Defense is Not One-Size-Fits-All
DUI cases in South Carolina come with technical defenses—unique legal protections not found in other criminal charges. These include:
Mandatory Miranda advisements captured on video
Legal challenges to checkpoints and traffic stops
Compliance with South Carolina’s mandatory video recording laws
Improper procedures by law enforcement can result in charges being reduced or dismissed, regardless of any test results.
Field Sobriety & Breath Tests: Know Your Rights
Field sobriety tests are voluntary. Many drivers do not realize they can decline these tests. The three standard tests—Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand—must be administered correctly, and our attorneys carefully review every detail to challenge their validity in court.
Breath tests are also voluntary. Refusing the test can lead to a temporary license suspension under South Carolina’s implied consent law, but it does not carry criminal penalties. We routinely assist clients in challenging these suspensions and restoring their ability to drive legally within a few days.
Proven Experience in DUI Defense
Attorney James Snell is a certified instructor in the DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Testing curriculum used by law enforcement across South Carolina, including the Batesburg-Leesville Police Department. He is also the author of South Carolina DUI Defense: The Law and Practice and a member of the National College for DUI Defense.
We have represented hundreds of DUI clients, and bring courtroom-tested strategies to every case. In Lexington County, we also represent clients in the Lexington County DUI Court, where we navigate both administrative and criminal processes on our clients’ behalf.
What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI?
If convicted, penalties may include:
Jail time (30–90 days, depending on circumstances)
Fines of up to $2,400
Driver’s license suspension
Mandatory SR-22 insurance
Enrollment in ADSAP (Alcohol & Drug Safety Action Program)
Ignition Interlock Device ("blow and go")
Permanent criminal record that cannot be expunged
But these penalties only apply if you are convicted. We help clients pursue every available opportunity for dismissal, acquittal, or a negotiated reduction—often to reckless driving, which avoids many of the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction.
Serving Batesburg, Lexington & Beyond
We provide DUI defense for clients throughout the Midlands, including:
Batesburg-Leesville
Lexington County DUI Court
Cayce
Columbia
Saluda
Aiken
And surrounding areas
Free Consultations – Start Your Defense Today
If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI in Batesburg or anywhere in South Carolina, the most important step you can take is to get legal advice immediately. We offer free consultations and move fast to protect your license and build your defense.
Call the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC today at (803) 359-3301 to schedule your consultation. Same-day appointments are usually available.