At the David W. Martin Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys in Myrtle Beach know that a DUI or DUAC arrest in South Carolina is life-changing.
First, the arrest, which could mean spending the night in jail, and potentially missing work the next day, begins a chain of legal events that include losing your license, paying significant court costs, and profound personal and professional consequences that come with having a DUI or DUAC conviction on your permanent record.
If you have been charged with a DUI or DUAC in South Carolina, our Horry County defense attorneys will provide the legal resources you need to fight these charges with confidence, so you can get your life back.
What is the Difference Between a DUI and DUAC Charge in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?
In South Carolina, two types of charges can be applied when someone is arrested for driving under the influence.
The first is Driving with an Unlawful Alcohol Concentration or DUAC. The second is Driving Under the Influence or DUI.
Here is the difference:
- A DUAC charge only requires proof that the driver was operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher.
- A DUI charge requires proof that the driver was materially and appreciably impaired by drugs, alcohol, or both, leading to the traffic stop and arrest.
While the definition for each charge is different, the penalties are nearly identical.
What Happens Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Myrtle Beach?
Once you’re arrested for DUI or DUAC in South Carolina, the process moves quickly. You’ll likely be booked, processed, and required to appear at a bond hearing, sometimes within hours. From the moment you are stopped by law enforcement, the legal system begins gathering evidence to build a case against you. However, early legal intervention can make a substantial difference.
Our attorneys act quickly to review the police report, examine breath or blood test results, and determine whether the stop and subsequent arrest were lawful. We also explore whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly and whether your rights were violated during the process.
Will I Lose My Driver’s License After a Myrtle Beach DUI or DUAC Arrest?
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our DUI and DUAC lawyers in Myrtle Beach understand that the first thing our clients think about after their arrest is losing their license.
We all know the wide-ranging consequences of losing our licenses, and the first is that you cannot get to and from work, which will impact your ability to make a living.
Depending on your unique DUI or DUAC charges, your options may differ.
All South Carolina drivers who have refused a breathalyzer or blood test, or who registered a BAC of .15% or higher during a breathalyzer will result in an immediate driver’s license suspension. However, you may be eligible to obtain a Temporary Alcohol License after requesting an administrative hearing.
Our skilled Myrtle Beach DUI and DUAC defense attorneys will challenge your license suspension, so you may travel to and from work, school, and court-ordered appointments.
What are the Legal Penalties for a DUAC or DUI Conviction in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?
Picking up the pieces from a DUI or DUAC arrest in South Carolina starts with understanding your legal rights and options to avoid a conviction.
Some of the potential penalties for a DUI or DUAC conviction in Myrtle Beach may include:
- Suspended driver’s license
- Increased insurance rates, with SR-22 insurance requirements for license reinstatement
- Fines, fees, and court costs
- Community service
- Mandatory drug and alcohol education, assessment, and treatment
- Ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle
- Vehicle confiscation
- Jail time
- Convictions cannot be expunged from your record, which means they may be visible on background checks going forward
Each driver’s South Carolina DUI or DUAC will be examined by the court based on their criminal history, prior DUAC or DUI charges, or any additional charges associated with their arrest.
Contact our skilled Myrtle Beach DUI and DUAC criminal defense attorneys to understand how we can help you fight these charges with confidence using a customized legal strategy that produces results.
How a Myrtle Beach DUI Arrest Can Affect More Than Just Your Driving Record
Being charged with DUI or DUAC in Myrtle Beach doesn’t just result in legal penalties; it can trigger a chain reaction that disrupts nearly every area of your life. Beyond fines, jail time, or a suspended license, a conviction can affect your housing opportunities, education, ability to hold specific jobs, and even your standing in custody disputes or divorce proceedings.
For example, commercial drivers may have their CDL suspended, ending their careers. College students may face disciplinary hearings or lose financial aid. Professionals in real estate, healthcare, law, or education may be required to report an arrest or a conviction to their licensing boards, which could lead to license suspension or revocation.
At David W. Martin Law Group, we look beyond the courtroom to understand what’s truly at stake for our clients. Our legal strategies aim to not only fight the charge but also to preserve your future. We explore every avenue for minimizing collateral damage, including seeking conditional licenses, advocating for alternative sentencing, and working toward sealing or limiting the visibility of your record where possible.
You May Have More Legal Options Than You Think
Even if the evidence seems strong or you believe pleading guilty is your only option, don’t make that decision without speaking to a DUI defense lawyer. In some cases, you may be eligible for pre-trial intervention, participation in a diversion program, or plea negotiations that reduce the impact of a conviction.
In other cases, our firm may succeed in having the charges dismissed entirely if evidence was obtained unlawfully or if there are gaps in the prosecution’s case. We are committed to identifying every possible legal defense, from challenging probable cause for the stop to disputing test results and procedural errors.
DUI Arrests Are Common in Myrtle Beach—But Every Case Deserves a Unique Defense
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Horry County ranks among the top counties in the state for DUI-related arrests and fatalities. With Myrtle Beach being a popular destination for locals and tourists, law enforcement actively patrols roadways and aggressively pursues suspected DUI offenses. In 2022 alone, South Carolina reported over 21,000 DUI arrests, many of them taking place right here along the Grand Strand.
Unfortunately, this high level of enforcement can also lead to over-policing and wrongful arrests, especially during busy weekends, festivals, or holiday travel seasons. At David W. Martin Law Group, we treat every DUI or DUAC case with the attention it deserves, recognizing that no two arrests are alike and no case should be treated with a one-size-fits-all defense.
We can help for:
Our Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyers represent clients who are facing charges for:
- Drug Crimes
- DUAC
- DUI
- Traffic Violations
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
- Shoplifting
- Sex Crimes
- Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor
- Gun Crimes
- Murder/Attempted Murder
Contact Our Serious DUI and DUAC Defense Attorneys in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Today
If you were arrested for a DUI or DUAC for registering a BAC of .08 or higher, refusing to consent to a breathalyzer or blood test, or after causing a collision while under the influence of drugs or alcohol that resulted in property damage, physical injuries, or death, you are going to face harsh penalties from the solicitor’s office, and will need an experienced Myrtle Beach DUI and DUAC attorney to pursue the best outcome for your case. We can help.
Call 854-854-5623 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help you outline your criminal charges and customize your legal strategy to ensure your rights are protected throughout the proceedings.
Related Links:
- Is a South Carolina DUI a Misdemeanor or Felony?
- What Are My Options After Being Charged with a DUI in South Carolina?
- Why DUIsare on the Rise During the Summer in South Carolina, and What You Should Do If You Are Arrested
- What Happens When You Get Arrested for a DUI in South Carolina?
