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Columbia DUI Attorney

DUI charges devastate lives, careers, and families every day across Columbia and South Carolina, with over 15,000 DUI arrests annually statewide. Drunk driving arrests threaten your license, freedom, employment, and reputation with consequences lasting for years.

Don't let one mistake destroy your future. McGuire Law has been the trusted advocate fighting tirelessly for DUI defendants in Columbia and Richland County since 1993, securing dismissals, reduced charges, and minimal penalties for thousands of clients.

Our experienced Columbia DUI attorneys understand how law enforcement and prosecutors operate and know how to challenge evidence, protect constitutional rights, and hold the state accountable.

Time is critical - your license, freedom, and reputation are at stake. Every day of delay gives prosecutors more time to build their case and limits your defense options. Protect your future today with aggressive legal representation that gets results.

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DUI Defense Legal Representation

Field Sobriety Test Challenges

Challenging the administration and reliability of field sobriety tests, identifying improper procedures and medical conditions affecting performance.

Breathalyzer Defense

Contesting breathalyzer results through calibration challenges, operator error, and medical conditions that affect readings.

License Protection

Immediate DMV hearing requests, challenging license suspensions, and securing hardship licenses to protect your driving privileges.

Constitutional Violations

Identifying illegal stops, improper searches, Miranda rights violations, and other constitutional violations that invalidate evidence.

Blood Test Challenges

Questioning chain of custody, storage procedures, contamination issues, and lab errors in blood alcohol testing.

Rising BAC Defense

Proving blood alcohol was below legal limits while driving but rose before testing due to alcohol absorption timing.

Medical Condition Defenses

Demonstrating how diabetes, GERD, medications, or other conditions affect breath tests and field sobriety performance.

DMV Hearing Representation

Challenging administrative license suspensions through separate DMV proceedings to protect driving privileges.

Plea Negotiations

Negotiating reduced charges, alternative sentencing, and minimizing long-term consequences through strategic plea agreements.

Who Gets Charged with DUI in Columbia

DUI arrests in Columbia target various demographics and situations:

  • College Students - USC students facing DUI charges with academic and career consequences
  • Professional Drivers - CDL holders with lower BAC thresholds and career-ending implications
  • Working Professionals - Those requiring security clearances, professional licenses, or clean records
  • Military Personnel - Service members facing both civilian and military justice consequences
  • Repeat Offenders - Those with prior DUI convictions facing enhanced penalties and felony charges

Types of DUI Charges We Defend

First Offense DUI

License suspension, fines, ADSAP program, potential jail time, and employment consequences for first-time offenders.

Multiple DUI Offenses

Enhanced penalties including longer suspensions, mandatory jail time, ignition interlock devices, and felony charges.

Aggravated DUI

High BAC levels, accidents with injuries, child endangerment, or other aggravating factors increasing penalties.

CDL DUI Defense

Commercial driver license protection with lower BAC thresholds and devastating career consequences.

Drug DUI (DUID)

Defending against driving under the influence of drugs, prescription medications, and controlled substances.

Underage DUI

Zero tolerance DUI charges for drivers under 21 with additional license and educational consequences.

Refusal Cases

Defending implied consent refusal charges with separate license suspension and criminal penalties.

Felony DUI

Fourth offense DUI charges resulting in felony convictions with prison sentences and permanent consequences.

DUI with Great Bodily Injury

Enhanced charges when DUI accidents cause serious injuries with significant prison exposure.

DUI Checkpoint Arrests

Challenging constitutional violations and proper checkpoint procedures in sobriety checkpoint arrests.

Warning Signs You Need a DUI Attorney

Recognizing when legal representation is essential protects your rights and minimizes consequences:

Arrest or Citation

You've been arrested for DUI or received a citation requiring court appearance - immediate legal representation is critical.

License Suspension Notice

DMV suspension notice requires action within 30 days to request a hearing and protect driving privileges.

Complex Circumstances

Accidents, injuries, high BAC, refusal to test, or multiple charges require experienced legal defense.

Career Implications

Professional licenses, commercial driving, security clearances, or employment requiring clean records are at risk.

Repeat Offenses

Prior DUI convictions create enhanced penalties including felony charges, prison time, and permanent consequences.

Constitutional Issues

Illegal stops, improper searches, Miranda violations, or other constitutional violations affecting your case.

Test Challenges

Questionable breath, blood, or field sobriety test results requiring technical and legal challenges.

Student Status

USC students facing academic discipline, financial aid loss, or career program exclusions from DUI charges.

Columbia DUI Defense Experience

Matt McGuire has defended DUI charges in Columbia and Richland County since 1993, understanding local courts, prosecutors, and procedures that determine case outcomes.

Local Court Knowledge

Familiarity with Richland County judges, prosecutors, and court procedures provides strategic advantages in defense.

Technical Expertise

Understanding breathalyzer calibration, blood test procedures, and field sobriety test administration requirements.

DMV Hearing Representation

Challenging administrative license suspensions through DMV hearings and protecting driving privileges.

Negotiation Skills

Negotiating reduced charges, alternative sentencing, and minimizing long-term consequences of DUI charges.

Trial Experience

Proven courtroom success challenging DUI evidence and securing acquittals for clients at trial.

Scientific Challenge

Working with expert witnesses to challenge breathalyzer calibration, blood test reliability, and test procedures.

Constitutional Defense

Identifying and litigating Fourth Amendment violations, illegal stops, and improper searches in DUI cases.

Alternative Sentencing

Securing community service, treatment programs, and alternative penalties instead of jail time when possible.

Legal Defense Strategies for DUI

Multiple defense strategies can be employed in DUI cases:

  • Challenge the Stop - Questioning reasonable suspicion for the initial traffic stop
  • Field Sobriety Tests - Challenging test administration, conditions, and reliability
  • Breathalyzer Challenges - Calibration, maintenance, operator error, and device malfunction issues
  • Blood Test Issues - Chain of custody, contamination, storage, and lab error problems
  • Rising BAC Defense - Alcohol absorption timing and test accuracy at time of driving
  • Medical Conditions - Health issues affecting test results and field sobriety performance

South Carolina DUI Laws

BAC Limits

South Carolina sets BAC limits at 0.08% for adults, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and zero tolerance for under 21.

Implied Consent Law

Driving creates implied consent to chemical testing, but refusal carries separate license suspension penalties.

Enhanced Penalties

Repeat offenses, high BAC levels, and aggravating factors result in enhanced penalties including felony charges.

Administrative Hearings

Separate DMV proceedings for license suspension occur alongside criminal court proceedings for DUI charges.

Ignition Interlock Requirements

Court-ordered ignition interlock devices required for certain DUI convictions and license reinstatement.

ADSAP Program

Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program required for most DUI convictions with assessment and treatment components.

Look-Back Period

Prior DUI convictions within 10 years enhance penalties and classification of subsequent offenses.

SR-22 Insurance

Special insurance filing required after DUI conviction demonstrating financial responsibility to state.

Consequences of DUI Conviction

  • License Suspension - Six months to permanent revocation depending on offense history
  • Fines and Costs - Substantial fines, court costs, and program fees reaching thousands of dollars
  • Jail Time - Possible incarceration ranging from days to years depending on circumstances
  • Employment Impact - Job loss, professional license issues, and career limitations
  • Insurance Consequences - Premium increases and SR-22 insurance requirements
  • Ignition Interlock - Court-ordered device installation and ongoing monitoring costs

Protecting Against DUI Charges

Steps to minimize DUI risks and protect your rights:

  • Know Your Rights - Understand your constitutional rights during traffic stops and arrests
  • Designate Drivers - Plan safe transportation when consuming alcohol
  • Medication Awareness - Understand prescription medication effects on driving ability
  • Legal Consultation - Contact an attorney immediately if arrested or cited for DUI
  • DMV Deadlines - Act quickly on license suspension notices to preserve hearing rights

Protect Your Future from DUI Consequences

DUI charges threaten your license, freedom, career, and reputation. Don't face the legal system alone. Contact us for experienced DUI defense representation to protect your rights and minimize consequences.

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What Our Clients Say

"Mr. McGuire and his team got me out of jail, period."

-Becky M., Columbia, SC

"McGuire Law is not like the law firms advertising on TV that run an assembly line. They are available all day, every day, home or office."

-Darrell M., Orangeburg, SC

"Responded not only the same day, but within the hour on a Sunday. Amazing, five stars."

-Jordan D., Spartanburg, SC

"If you need the best personal injury attorney in South Carolina, you call McGuire Law right now. I talked to an attorney with one call."

-Hilary A., Columbia, South Carolina

"I got a DUI in college and Mr. McGuire fixed it. One thousand stars!"

-Logan R., Lexington, South Carolina

"I have sent Matt more referrals than I can count at this point. Everyone is always astonished at the effort Matt and McGuire Law put into every case."

-Dan V., Sumter, South Carolina

"McGuire law does not play around. Don't think you can handle something like court yourself. You can't, so hire Mr. McGuire."

-Xander H., Spartanburg, S.C.

"Mr. McGuire handled my personal injury case with professionalism and got me the settlement I deserved. Highly recommend!"

-Sarah T., Charleston, SC

"When my family faced financial exploitation, McGuire Law fought tirelessly to recover our stolen assets. They truly care about their clients."

-Robert K., Columbia, SC

"Outstanding legal representation in my criminal case. Mr. McGuire's experience and dedication made all the difference."

-Michael P., Greenville, SC

"The team at McGuire Law provided compassionate support during our wrongful death case. They secured justice for our family."

-Jennifer L., Rock Hill, SC