DWI/DUI Cases in Myrtle Beach
If you have received a citation for driving while intoxicated (DWI/DUI) in North Carolina or South Carolina, do not make the mistake of thinking it's essentially a traffic ticket. It is instead a serious criminal charge that includes two components which must be resolved:
- An administrative hearing involving your driving privileges. Your driver's license may be suspended or revoked, depending on factors such as whether you consented to a breath test and whether it is a first or repeat offense.
- A criminal matter that may result in fines and penalties, jail time and a permanent criminal record.
There is no time to waste if you have been arrested and charged with drunk driving or any alcohol-related crime. If you are in jail, a skilled and attentive attorney can take immediate action to help get you released. The next order of business will be for your lawyer to request an administrative hearing to attempt to help keep your driving privileges. The sooner you request the administrative hearing, the less disruption there will be to your life.
In addition to the administrative hearing, your attorney should be prepared to mount a strong defense with regard to the criminal charges you face. Short-term and long-term consequences of your DWI/DUI arrest hang in the balance. For example, you may need to take extra steps to protect your professional license if you are convicted of drunk driving — or to protect your reputation even before your case is resolved.
The sooner you have a lawyer working to defend you, the more likely it is that your case will be resolved as favorably as possible. Quick and effective defense advocacy may result in the most desirable outcome: case dismissed. Such an outcome may be attainable if, for example, it can be shown that law enforcement agents stopped you without probable cause.
After your arrest, your lawyer will be interested in answers to questions such as:
- Did the law enforcement agent properly inform you of your rights?
- Did you take the breath test? Was the Breathalyzer properly calibrated? Are the test results reliable?
- Was any other field sobriety test administered to you, such as "walk the line" or "count backward"?
- Was this a first or repeat DWI/DUI charge?
- Were there other complicating factors such as a traffic accident fatality or a suspended driver's license?
McGougan Law Firm is a well-established Myrtle Beach area law firm with experience, reputation and dedication, and the drive to deliver a strong defense on your behalf. One of our attorneys is a former prosecutor, which gives us insight into what the prosecution is looking for.
A DUI / DWI arrest is an urgent legal situation that you must not ignore. If you need experienced legal counsel and representation for your DWI/DUI defense, contact our law offices to schedule a consultation.
