Lexington Felony DUI Lawyer

Experienced Felony DUI Defense Attorney Serving Lexington, SC

Situations in which a driver of a vehicle is involved in a serious DUI accident are prosecuted under South Carolina's felony DUI statute. This statute creates substantially increased penalties for those determined to be driving impaired and involved in accidents with injuries or fatalities. There is no requirement that the defendant have any prior record of DUI arrests or convictions in order to be charged under the felony DUI statute.

If you or a loved one is facing charges or an arrest for a felony DUI or any other serious driving offense, contact our office to speak with a Lexington criminal lawyer from our law office. We work with individuals from Lexington, Columbia and other parts of South Carolina.

To speak with an experienced Lexington felony DUI attorney, give us a call at (803) 359-3301 or contact us online today.

Understanding the Consequences of a Felony DUI

Being charged with a felony DUI in South Carolina can have serious and long-lasting consequences. It's important to understand the potential impacts of a felony DUI conviction, including:

• Lengthy prison sentences
• Significant fines and court costs
• Suspension or revocation of your driver's license
• Mandatory alcohol or drug education programs
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Permanent criminal record

Our experienced Lexington felony DUI lawyers are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and options when facing these charges. We will work tirelessly to build a strong defense and minimize the potential consequences of a felony DUI conviction. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

What is Charged as a Felony DUI in South Carolina?

Fourth and subsequent DUI arrests are also prosecuted as felonies in South Carolina. The penalties for those convicted of a fourth DUI range from a minimum of one year up to seven years in prison. For repeat DUI offenders there is no requirement that the DUI case involve a death or injury to be treated as a felony.

Felony DUI with Death

• DUI cases involving a death are prosecuted as a felony DUI with death. This offense carries no less than one year in prison with a maximum of 25 years. It is classified as a violent crime of sentencing and classification purposes at the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

Felony DUI with Great Bodily Injury

• In DUI cases involving great bodily injury, they carry a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 15-year sentence. All felony DUI cases are prosecuted in general sessions. If you have been charged with a felony DUI with great bodily injury, a lawyer can stand by your side and help you get the defense you need.

Felony DUI Defenses

Defending a felony DUI case is substantially different than an ordinary DUI case. Felony DUI cases are routinely investigated by the Highway Patrol's accident reconstruction group. In addition to having to prove impairment, the state also has the additional burden of proving some other traffic law violation related to the accident. There may also be defenses available for suppressing statements made by the defendant, the admissibility of any blood alcohol levels, and challenges regarding the procedures followed by law enforcement.

Have you been arrested for a felony DUI in Lexington?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI related accident or has been charged with felony DUI, there are several steps that should be undertaken. Until you are able to consult with an attorney, it is advisable that you make no statements to law enforcement or answer any questions. Due to the law surrounding blood alcohol testing procedures and the right to an independent test, it is important to seek guidance in these cases at the earliest opportunity. Although a felony DUI arrest is the most serious traffic related offense in South Carolina, no case is hopeless.