South Carolina DWI Defense Attorney David A. Braghirol
Practice Areas and Legal Definitions

The South Carolina laws surrounding drunk driving and related traffic offenses are extensive. Columbia drunk driving lawyer David A. Braghirol has built his practice on defending those arrested and accused of drunk driving, traffic-related crimes and criminal defense, and can provide an aggressive DWI defense for clients involved in any of the following matters:

South Carolina Drunk Driving:

In the state of South Carolina, it is unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.

In order to be convicted of drunk driving, the prosecution must prove that the defendant was driving or possessed actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of arrest. Evidence must show that the arresting officer had a reasonable, articulable suspicion for stopping or approaching the vehicle, or if stopped at a roadblock, that the roadblock was set up in accordance with the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Columbia, South Carolina, call South Carolina DWI defense attorney David A. Braghirol today for skillful and aggressive representation to protect your legal rights.

South Carolina DWI:

“DWI” stands for Driving While Intoxicated and occurs when someone is operating, or is in actual physical control, of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance to the extent that their mental faculties are impaired and/or their Blood Alcohol Content is above the legal limit. Even for a first offense, penalties can include license suspension, substantial fines, community service, mandatory attendance at a state or DMV approved alcohol program, mandatory overnight incarceration and the required installation (at the offender’s expense) of a car ignition locking device. In addition, a DWI conviction stays on a DMV record for several years; it typically results in higher insurance premiums, and an offender may become ineligible for credit. Plus, a DWI could also jeopardize your employment opportunities.

However, if someone was injured as a result of the drunken driving accident, it is possible the defendant will be charged with a felony (and if the victim dies, the driver may be charged with vehicular manslaughter). Further, a DWI conviction will likely be raised to a felony if it is the driver's fourth DWI offense or the driver has had a prior felony DWI offense within 10 years of the new charge. A DWI (DUI) charge can have serious implications for your life. Call Columbia, South Carolina DWI defense lawyer David A. Braghirol as soon as possible after your arrest to plan your defense strategy.

Driving with a Suspended License:

Driving with a suspended or revoked license in South Carolina is considered a crime and can result in heavy fines and possible jail time. At worst, it may be considered a felony and the offender could end up in state prison or with an obligation to perform many hours of community service. The penalties are typically heaviest if the license suspension or revocation was the result of a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DWI). If you have received a ticket or have been arrested for Driving with a Suspended/Revoked License, call Columbia, South Carolina DWI defense Attorney David A. Braghirol now.

Driver’s License Revocation:

Typically, a driver’s license will not be revoked for one or even two traffic tickets resulting from a moving violation such as speeding, running a stoplight or stop sign. However, if the offense is extremely reckless and/or if the driver has had previous convictions for moving violations in the past, his or her license may be revoked or suspended. If the driver is charged with drunk driving, reckless driving, or is involved in a hit-and-run, the defendant’s license may be suspended for a year or more.

Other Traffic Crimes:

Traffic crimes are specifically addressed in state statutes. There is an entire body of law that regulates the operation of motor vehicles on the streets and highways. The laws related to operating a vehicle can be difficult to interpret and apply. It is important to contact an experienced DWI defense lawyer if you have been charged with a drunk driving related traffic crime. To learn more about traffic related criminal charges, contact Columbia, South Carolina criminal defense lawyer David A. Braghirol today.

South Carolina Criminal Defense:

Criminal defense charges can include homicide, robbery, burglary, drug possession offenses, weapons possession charges, sexual assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence, fraud, embezzlement, kidnapping and arson. If convicted, whether through their own admission of guilt or through the determination of a jury, offenders can be subjected to fines, imprisonment, and probation and community service, among other penalties. The outcome of any criminal case depends upon the facts surrounding the crime charged, the strength of the evidence, the legal validity of law enforcement and courtroom procedure, and the goals and strategy of the government and defense. As soon as possible after your arrest, call Columbia, South Carolina criminal defense Attorney David A. Braghirol for aggressive and competent legal representation.

TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS:

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime in Columbia, South Carolina or within the surrounding cities and counties of South Carolina and need the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, call South Carolina DWI Attorney David A. Braghirol today at (888) 234-1089, or complete the contact form provided on this site to begin your consultation with a dedicated South Carolina drunk driving defense trial attorney.