Phone843-459-8835
Offices15 Prioleau Street Charleston, SC 29401
At McCoy Law Group, our South Carolina DUI lawyer works with people facing DUI charges in Charleston and across South Carolina. With careful preparation and direct communication, you can start making decisions based on facts instead of fear.
How DUI Cases Work in South Carolina
South Carolina DUI law focuses on whether alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both materially and appreciably impaired a person’s ability to drive. A BAC of 0.08% or higher may allow an inference that the person was under the influence, but the case does not begin and end with a number.
South Carolina implied consent law also has separate license consequences. A refusal can lead to a license suspension, and a BAC of 0.15% or higher can create its own suspension issue. Drivers also have a right to request a contested case hearing within 30 days of the notice of suspension.
Working with a DUI lawyer at McCoy Law Group gives you a clearer view of what the state has, what can be challenged, and what decisions may come next.
South Carolina implied consent law also has separate license consequences. A refusal can lead to a license suspension, and a BAC of 0.15% or higher can create its own suspension issue. Drivers also have a right to request a contested case hearing within 30 days of the notice of suspension.
Working with a DUI lawyer at McCoy Law Group gives you a clearer view of what the state has, what can be challenged, and what decisions may come next.
How McCoy Law Group
Helps with DUI Charges
Traffic Stop Review
The case starts with the reason for the stop. Lane movement, speeding, a checkpoint, an equipment issue, or a collision report can shape the defense.
Field Sobriety Testing
Roadside tests are not perfect. Weather, footwear, nerves, medical issues, uneven pavement, and unclear instructions can affect how the officer described your performance.
Breath Test Analysis
Breath results depend on timing, machine function, officer certification, observation periods, and required procedures. Small details can change how reliable the result appears.
Video and Report Review
Dash camera, body camera, breath site video, dispatch records, and written reports are compared carefully. The report should match what the footage shows.
License Suspension Issues
A DUI arrest can create a criminal case and a separate license issue. McCoy Law Group reviews hearing deadlines and driving-status concerns early.
Court Preparation
Some cases are resolved through negotiation. Others require trial preparation. The facts, the testing, and the officer’s testimony guide the next step.
Protecting Your Record While Life Keeps Moving
Speaking with a DUI lawyer gives you a place to sort through those concerns before making decisions. Some clients are worried about keeping their license. Others are focused on avoiding a conviction, protecting professional licensing, or reducing the damage to their record.
McCoy Law Group works with clients in Charleston and throughout South Carolina who need calm guidance and serious case preparation.
Working With a DUI Lawyer at McCoy Law Group
Former Prosecutor Insight
Peter McCoy previously served as an Assistant Solicitor in Charleston, giving him firsthand knowledge of how criminal charges are evaluated and prosecuted.
Federal Trial Background
As former United States Attorney for South Carolina, Peter McCoy has handled serious courtroom matters and worked closely with state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Local Charleston Roots
McCoy Law Group is based in Charleston, with an office at 15 Prioleau Street. The firm serves clients facing legal concerns across South Carolina.
Case Details Matter
DUI cases can turn on timing, video, testing rules, officer instructions, and whether the written report lines up with what actually happened.
Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest
01
Save every document you received from the officer, jail, court, or DMV.
02
Write down what you remember about the stop, tests, statements, and timeline.
03
Do not miss the 30-day deadline tied to a contested case hearing after a suspension notice.
04
Avoid posting about the arrest, the officer, the court date, or the facts online.
05
Speak with McCoy Law Group before entering a plea or making statements about the case.
South Carolina DUI FAQs
What does the state have to prove in a South Carolina DUI case?
The state generally has to prove that you drove a vehicle while your ability to drive was materially and appreciably impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. A BAC of 0.08% or higher can support an inference of impairment, but prosecutors may also rely on officer observations, driving behavior, field sobriety tests, video, and statements.
Can I be charged with DUI if my BAC was below 0.08%?
Yes. A BAC below 0.08% does not automatically end the case. Under South Carolina law, a BAC between 0.05% and 0.08% may be considered along with other evidence. The state may still argue impairment based on driving conduct, officer observations, roadside testing, or other facts from the arrest.
What happens if I refused the breath test in South Carolina?
A refusal can create a separate license suspension issue. South Carolina implied consent law allows a suspension of at least six months after a refusal, though the driver may have options connected to the Ignition Interlock Device Program. The refusal may also be used in court. A contested case hearing request has a 30-day deadline.
What should I bring to a DUI consultation?
Bring your ticket, bond paperwork, suspension notice, court notice, accident report if one exists, and any written instructions from the officer or jail. It also helps to bring your own timeline of the stop, testing, arrest, release, and anything you remember about the officer’s instructions or statements.
Do I need a DUI lawyer for a first offense in South Carolina?
A first DUI can still affect your license, record, job, insurance, and future opportunities. A DUI lawyer can review the stop, testing, video, and license deadlines before you make decisions in court. Even when the charge is a first offense, the details behind the arrest deserve careful review.
Peter served his entire tenure in the SC House on the Judiciary Committee where he later was elected unanimously by his legislative colleagues to serve as Chairman. Peter also served on the Judicial Merit Selection Committee as well as the Colleges and University Selection Committee.
