Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) is serious, no matter where it happens. However, when it happens out of state, it could add complications that were not present if it had happened in the state where you reside. A Columbia out-of-state DUI lawyer can help you understand the special challenges that come with getting an out-of-state DUI and can help you fight for your rights.
Residents of other states confront multiple challenges when they are arrested for DUI in Columbia. First, you have to address the South Carolina criminal DUI system with its court system, fines, license suspensions, and possible jail sentences.
Second, South Carolina is a member of the Interstate Driver License Compact, which means that the State of South Carolina will report your DUI conviction to the state where you are a resident. It is likely that your home state will impose its own consequences because of the out-of-state DUI arrest.
As a result of your arrest, you can face penalties in both the state where you were arrested and your home state. Your driver’s license, your insurance premiums, and your criminal record are all at stake. It is important to have the representation of a knowledgeable Columbia out-of-state DUI attorney.
It is illegal in South Carolina to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more, or to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal limit for drivers under the age of 21 is 0.02 percent. The penalties for a first DUI offense can include:
License suspension duration may be subject to your state’s laws instead of South Carolina’s. Subsequent DUIs can have even more serious consequences, including heftier fines or longer prison sentences. Additionally, if there are aggravating circumstances present, such as having a young minor in the car or causing a serious accident, it will likely increase the severity of your penalties, even if it is a first offense.
South Carolina also has implied consent laws, meaning that anyone who drives in the state automatically agrees to chemical testing if suspected of driving under the influence. Refusing to do so could result in an automatic license suspension.
If the matter is serious, your counsel should be exceptional.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Columbia but live in another state, you will find the situation very difficult. You may have to travel hundreds of miles for court in South Carolina, and in addition, posting bond and arranging transportation can be expensive and time-consuming.
A conviction in this state will typically result in a suspension of your driving privilege by South Carolina, which is most likely to be reported back to your home state by the Interstate Driver License Compact. You will then face additional penalties when you return home. Beyond this, an out-of-state DUI conviction will mean substantially higher insurance rates for you, and it could present problems at work if your job involves driving.
If you do not have a Columbia out-of-state DUI attorney who is familiar with out-of-state DUI laws, you could end up being penalized in both places. This is why it is important to have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side.
South Carolina has its fair share of DUIs. Each year, there are a number of DUIs that occur in the state, with many of those charged being from out-of-state drivers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that a drunk driver has been involved in about 32% of all traffic collision fatalities in the United States. There were 13,524 drunk-driving collision deaths in 2022. Between 2018 and 2022, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) recorded 28,083 incidents of collisions connected to driving under the influence in the state.
At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., we provide legal representation for people charged with DUI in Columbia, South Carolina. We have experience handling out-of-state DUI cases, and we can fight to protect your rights. We are located conveniently near the Columbia Municipal Court in Columbia, South Carolina, at 811 Washington Street.
The cost of a DUI lawyer will vary based on the specific circumstances of your case. Typically, simpler cases will cost less than those that are more complex or must go to trial. Additionally, if there are added charges, such as vehicular manslaughter if someone was killed in the DUI crash, it will be significantly more expensive than a DUI from a simple traffic stop.
Yes, South Carolina reports DUI to other states. South Carolina is a member of the Interstate Driver License Compact. That means that a DUI conviction is reported to the driver’s home state. Out-of-state drivers could have their license suspended, be fined, or receive other punishments in their home state. Reporting is designed to make DUI punishments uniform and help prevent drivers from crossing state lines to avoid DUI penalties.
Yes, an out-of-state conviction can affect your insurance. South Carolina notifies your home state of DUI convictions. Insurance companies often increase rates when they receive these notifications. Even first-time out-of-state DUIs can result in large rate increases. Insurance companies may also view you as high risk for several years.
Generally speaking, yes, you can travel out of state if you have a DUI. However, if your license is suspended in your home state or SC, you are not allowed to drive. If you travel without a valid license, you can face additional penalties. A DUI attorney can inform you of any restrictions and how to comply with all licensing and legal requirements.
If you were charged with an out-of-state DUI, Axelrod & Associates, P.A., can help you in your legal process. Contact us to speak to a representative. Hire an out-of-state DUI lawyer today.
I just had the most awesome results with Axelrod Law Firm, particularly with Tatiana Berkey! She got my 8 points reduced to zero with only a $25 fine! She was so informative, caring and productive! It’s a great law firm with great results!
The staff at Axelrod&Associates is far none the best on the grand strand.they have taken care of 5 different cases for me and they went way above my expectations. Heather,Kelly ,Stuart and notably the best paralegal in the business…”Jenna” are so professional and most of all….caring. A million thanks to everyone there.
Go see Kate O’Hara! Her and her team work great together! Kept me up date and answered all the questions that I had! I couldn’t thank them enough!
Words can’t describe how thankful I am for this law firm ! They went way beyond anything I could have ever expected. If you are looking for a firm that really cares about their clients , this is the one!
Great experience working with Jenna and Heather on my adoption. It has been a long, lengthy process, and they were great getting me through all of it. Would recommend and definitely use them again in the future if needed. Thank you so much.
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