Blog

Police can’t pull over drivers randomly; they need a reason. This reason comes from “reasonable suspicion,” a legal standard requiring officers to observe something unusual or potentially unlawful before making a stop. DUI checkpoints, which are used in South Carolina, remain a controversial exception to this rule. When it comes to DUI stops, if the...

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) opens doors to careers in trucking and transportation, but a DUI conviction can disrupt that path. In South Carolina, CDL holders face stricter consequences for DUIs, including license suspension or revocation. If you're a CDL holder, these consequences can jeopardize your livelihood. However, if you're facing a DUI charge, you're...

When we think of driving under the influence (DUI) charges in South Carolina, we often assume they only apply to drivers. However, some situations in South Carolina raise questions about whether passengers can also face legal consequences related to alcohol in a vehicle. Understanding how the law applies to passengers can help you avoid trouble...

White-collar fraud charges bring serious legal risks. Wire, securities, and healthcare fraud can mean steep penalties in South Carolina. But in many cases, those charged with these crimes aren't aware of any wrongdoing on their part. If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to understand your rights and take immediate action to fight...

In recent years, discussions about lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers have intensified. One proposal suggests reducing the drunk driving limit from 0.08% to 0.05%. This may seem like a straightforward move toward improving road safety. However, as an experienced Columbia DUI defense law firm, we see this issue differently. We have...

If you're facing federal or state criminal charges in South Carolina, there's a chance the prosecution will offer a plea deal, depending on the nature of your charges. A plea bargain is an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor. In this agreement, the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or one...

When it comes to traffic stops in South Carolina, there's often a question regarding whether law enforcement can search a vehicle without a warrant. While a warrant is often required to conduct a search, this isn't always the case. Whether you're facing criminal charges after a vehicle search or simply want to know how to...

DUI manslaughter charges in South Carolina carry severe legal consequences that drastically alter the lives of those accused. DUI manslaughter in South Carolina is defined under Section 56-5-2945 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. It occurs when a motorist causes the death of another person while driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a...

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration plans to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous substance, pending a White House Office of Management and Budget review. This significant policy change acknowledges cannabis's medical benefits and lower abuse potential compared to more harmful drugs. However, it doesn't fully legalize recreational use. Five anonymous sources confirmed this move, which...

In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 13,384 fatalities were caused by drunk driving accidents. In response, federal automobile regulators have initiated steps to integrate drunk driving prevention technology into new cars as a standard feature. The NHTSA recently stated that this technology has the potential to significantly reduce the annual...