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It a lesson that many criminal defendants learn the hard way: even the first DUI offense can carry costly, time-consuming consequences which plague the defendant's life for years to come. Mandatory Sentencing for a DUI Conviction The South Carolina Code of Laws sets sentencing guidelines for defendants who are convicted of a DUI for the...

Those at risk of federal drug charges could find themselves more at risk of prosecution and higher penalties, under a new directive from U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Sessions. NPR reports that the Department of Justice has rolled back the instructions handed down by his predecessor, who asked prosecutors not to file charges that imposed minimum...

Millions of potential DUI arrests and accidents were thwarted by ignition interlock devices, according to advocacy group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The report offers analysis 10 years after the devices became a standard in DUI convictions in South Carolina and across the country. They report that of data collected from 11 manufacturers in 50...

According to National Institute of Health, "Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressant drugs often detected in biological samples from driving under the influence (DUI) offenders. They are associated with marked psychomotor impairment." Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, valium and a wide variety of other drugs are all considered benzodiazepines.  They are commonly prescribed by physicians, and many...

There are numerous colleges in and around Columbia, South Carolina including Allen University, Columbia International University, Midlands Technical College, University of South Carolina, Webster University, and more. As those colleges go on spring break, some students will travel to far-flung destinations. Many others, however, will stay put in Columbia. If you are staying in Columbia...

In South Carolina, you could be charged with a serious criminal offense if you threaten to do harm to someone with a weapon, or if you use a weapon to injure or kill someone. However, you can defend yourself from charges if you acted in self-defense. Self-defense laws do not necessarily give you a license...

An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program operates in South Carolina and requires many drunk driving offenders to have a special device installed in their cars after being convicted of a DUI offense. The program is a very strict one, and DUI defendants need to be aware of what ignition interlock devices are, how they work, and when...

Columbia drivers need to be aware of the drugged driving risks and consequences. You need to know what could happen if you are arrested for drugged driving, or if you opt to drive while under the influence of drugs. By understanding possible risks and penalties, you can make a more informed choice not to get...

Thanksgiving is one time of the year when it is especially important not to drive drunk. While you should always make sure you are sober behind the wheel in order to avoid accidents or arrests, there are certain times when impaired driving presents an even greater risk than normal. Thanksgiving is one of those times. Thanksgiving...

When you are pulled over by the police in Columbia, it can be a really frightening experience. Your situation becomes exponentially worse if law enforcement officers think you're intoxicated. The law enforcement officer who pulled you over may ask you to submit to a field sobriety test to detect if you are drunk. If that...