Best DUI Lawyers in Charleston

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Charleston, South Carolina?

  For non-emergencies, call the Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch at 843-743-7200.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Charleston, South Carolina?

  You can visit the police headquarters situated at 180 Lockwood Boulevard in Charleston to obtain reports. You may also contact 843-577-7434 and choose option 1 to seek assistance from the records staff.

• Should you plead guilty to a DUI in Charleston?

  Unless your lawyer advises you otherwise, you should not plead guilty to a DUI or you might end up facing severe consequences such as imprisonment. A lawyer in Charleston can help you defend your rights even if you were drinking while driving. Your DUI attorney could get you into a pre-trial diversion program or challenge the prosecution's case against you.

• What could happen if you refuse the field sobriety test for a DUI in Charleston?

  Usually, a refusal of a field sobriety test does not result in negative outcomes since you are not required to take such tests. The implied consent law of South Carolina is only applicable to the breathalyzer test. Plus, the refusal helps prevent unnecessary complications in your Charleston DUI case. A breathalyzer test is different from a field sobriety test since the latter involves physical checks such as asking the driver to walk on one leg and recite the alphabet backward.

• Can you contest the results of a breathalyzer test for a DUI in Charleston?

  Yes, while the breathalyzer test may seem like a significant piece of evidence in a DUI, it can be unreliable at times. Your lawyer in Charleston may be able to overturn the results of the breathalyzer test by investigating if the equipment was working correctly. The lawyer may also check if the officer performing the test was properly trained or if the breathalyzer equipment has been stored properly and cleaned in between tests.

• How can you get the services of a public defender for a DUI in Charleston?

  You can make a request at the Public Defender's Office, which is at 101 Meeting Street, 5th floor, in Charleston, if you have been released through bail. However, if you are still in jail, you will be interviewed by a lawyer. Take note that certain eligibility requirements apply. For more information, call the office at (843) 958-1850.

• Can the DMT DataMaster breath test machine be wrong in a DUI test in Charleston?

  Yes, the DMT DataMaster breath test can show inaccurate results in a Charleston DUI case. These can be due to abnormal hematocrit levels in the blood and the natural production of ethanol in the body, which can be high enough for some people to register readings on the machine. Breath temperature, altitude pressure, low blood sugar, and breathing patterns can also negatively impact results. Other factors include incorrect machine maintenance, operator mistakes, and improper machine calibration.