In early December, Clemson University economics professor and Columbia resident, Ronald David Lamie, was arrested for a DUI after his vehicle was spotted repeatedly crossing the center line along a Kershaw County road. After two officers stopped Lamie and noticed the strong scent of alcohol coming from his vehicle, the deputy performed a roadside sobriety test and determined he was severely intoxicated. Later, Lamie was brought to a detention center and took a breathalyzer test, confirming that his BAC was 0.15, well over the legal limit.

In the event that you are pulled over by an officer under suspicion of driving intoxicated, many are confused as to whether they would be allowed to refuse a chemical test that would determine their level of sobriety. While all states differ in how they treat DUI laws, most states—including South Carolina—have an “implied consent” law, wherein refusal to take a chemical test will result in suspension of your driver’s license. Although there are many factors to consider when determining whether you would be better off refusing a chemical test in a DUI arrest, a well versed Columbia DUI lawyer can help guide you through this process.

Penalties for Refusing a Chemical Test

Even though logic follows that refusing a sobriety or chemical test will give the court no hard proof of your intoxication, not taking these tests generally do not help your case. In fact, prosecution can use your refusal as evidence that you were indeed intoxicated. The penalties for refusing a chemical test when pulled over include:

• First offense – 6 month license suspension
• Second offense – 9 month license suspension
• Third offense – 1 year license suspension

It should also be noted that just because you do not take a chemical test does not mean that you will not receive a conviction. Jury members may think that if you truly were not intoxicated, you would not be so hesitant to take a breathalyzer test. The best thing to do in these circumstances would be to consult with a lawyer.

Contact a DUI Lawyer in Columbia

Driving while intoxicated will not only result in a criminal record, but the stigma associated with a conviction could impact your career, reputation, and relationships. While the repercussions of a DUI are difficult to cope with and this may present a stressful time, you do not have to face these uncertainties alone. Don’t hesitate to contact the highly skilled DUI attorneys at Truslow & Truslow by calling our Columbia offices at (803) 256-6276 for help in your case.

Like in other states, South Carolina considers drunk driving a serious violation; offenders not only endanger themselves but also the lives of innocent drivers and pedestrians around them. Drivers might get a ticket or, more likely, authorities could arrest and further penalize them if they have been found out to be under the influence of intoxicants past the legal limit. Drivers should know the following information on how the state define DUI:

• Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.08 percent or above is considered illegal
• It is illegal for drivers whose age is below 21 years old to drive if their BAC is 0.02 percent or above
• It is illegal for Commercial Drivers License bearers to drive a vehicle if their BAC is 0.04 percent or above

Drivers should know that they may need to settle hefty fines or they may serve imprisonment if authorities find out that they are driving a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants. More serious penalties could be imposed for offending drivers who have been involved in vehicular accidents that resulted in personal injuries.

If you have been arrested for DUI, the Columbia attorneys at Truslow & Truslow may work for you. Find out how today by calling (803) 256-6276.

Vehicle drivers may face administrative penalties in South Carolina if authorities catch them driving a vehicle while under the influence (DUI). DUI offenders are penalized because they endanger other motorists and themselves when they decide to drink and drive.

Administrative penalties are often imposed on DUI violators or those who refuse to undergo chemical testing and have decided to argue the case. For first-time DUI offenders, their license could be suspended for six months—longer if their Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.15 percent or more. Second and third time DUI offenders, on the other hand, could have their drivers’ license suspended for a longer period of time. DUI offenders will then need to finish a course from the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) and should settle a $100 fee to have their license validated again. DUI violators will also be required to secure SR22 insurance for three years once they have their license back following a suspension.

DUI offenders should also note that aside from administrative penalties, criminal penalties could also be imposed upon them if their actions resulted in serious physical injuries or property damage. The Truslow & Truslow lawyers in Columbia understand the repercussions of a DUI. If you are facing such a charge, call us today at (803) 256-6276 to find out how we may work for you.

Police are blaming a car accident that killed one person last Thursday night on a woman they say was intoxicated.

According to a report released by the Lexington Police Department, the accident was caused when alleged drunk driver Nicole Marie Wilson, 29, drove through a red light and crashed into another vehicle that was passing through the intersection on the 4200 block of Sunset Boulevard. The accident occurred shortly after 11:00 p.m.

Wilson is facing a charge of felony driving under the influence involving death and has been placed into the Lexington County Detention Center.

NFL cornerback Troy Hill was taken into custody on November 19, due to suspicions that he was driving while under the influence of intoxicants, causing an accident in Los Angeles, an article from CBS Los Angeles reported.

According to reports, at around 8:00 a.m., an officer of the California Highway Patrol responded to a collision where the 25-year-old Hill struck the rear portion of a truck. Hill reportedly had noticeable signs of intoxication, authorities said. Hill was then taken into custody in and he was later discharged after posting a bail bond worth $15,000.

Facing charges related to intoxicated driving is serious, and it can happen to anyone. A DUI can have lifelong implications, especially if you cause injury to somebody. If you or someone you know is facing DUI charges in Columbia, SC, immediately call a lawyer at Truslow & Truslow to ensure you have the best possible defense.Learn more about your legal options today by calling (803) 256-6276.

A DUI charge was recently filed against a professor at Clemson Sandhills Extension facility after he was observed driving erratically in Kershaw County, South Carolina, an article of The State reported on December 12.

According to reports, a deputy noticed the vehicle driven by 52-year-old Ronald David Lamie to be traveling erratically, nearing the median lane in Lugoff on December 8. Apprehending authorities detected a strong alcoholic odor from Lamie’s vehicle and confirmed his intoxication after he failed to pass a sobriety test. Sheriff Jim Matthews said the vehicle driven by Lamie was owned by the state. While in custody, authorities detected a 0.15 percent BAC from Lamie after a breathalyzer test. The Applied Economics and Statistics Associate Professor was later discharged from custody after authorities determined he was sober.

If you have been charged with a DUI, working with an attorney is important, especially if this offense is your first. Discuss your situation with the Truslow & Truslow attorneys in Columbia today by calling (803) 256-6276 to learn more about your options.

At least two counts of driving a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants (DUI) charges were recently filed against professional football player Michael Floyd in Arizona. The charges came after authorities found him sleeping inside his vehicle, an article of CBS Sports reported on December 12.

Apparently, the incident occurred shortly after the Arizona Cardinals, Floyd’s team, lost to the Miami Dolphins. At 2:48 in the morning, the 27-year-old was found by authorities slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle with the engine still running. Scottsdale Police took Floyd into custody and handed him two DUI charges, one charge for neglecting an officer, and another charge for obstructing the road. Floyd is scheduled for a court hearing and may be suspended for two games if he is found guilty of the charges.

The defense attorneys at Truslow & Truslow in Columbia understand that facing DUI charges is frustrating because it can negatively affect your ability to earn an income. However, if you are charged with a DUI, we will tirelessly represent you to make sure you get the best outcome from your case. Call us today at (803) 256-6276 to learn more about your options.

Former star player for the Houston Rockets, Steve Francis, was apprehended on suspicion that he was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (DUI), a November 22 report for The Washington Post revealed.

The 39-year-old basketball star was driving a vehicle with excessive speed on November 19 when police stopped him. Francis was reportedly clocked doing 88 mph on a road with a 65 mph speed limit. Police indicated that they detected signs of alcohol intoxication, and that Francis declined a field sobriety test. Francis, who was also charged with a felony retaliation, is expected to face burglary-related charges in Florida after a June incident where he was suspected of seizing valuables inside a vehicle parked at a restaurant.

Facing charges related to drunken driving or burglary can be frightening, especially if you are not aware of your rights. However, if you are facing criminal or traffic charges in Columbia, contact a defense attorney at Truslow & Truslow to get to work for you. Learn more about your legal representation today by calling (803) 256-6276.

Many people today do not believe that traffic attorneys can achieve results, as many drivers know they were directly implicit in breaking the law. However, with the proper legal representation, even if a person is caught red handed, he or she may be able to still have their case dismissed or face reduced charges. Traffic attorneys are able to protect their clients’ rights because the legal process allows many chances to fight charges and achieve favorable results. At Truslow & Truslow, our attorneys have successfully helped many drivers fight off their traffic violations.

How do traffic attorneys fight a traffic violation?

Traffic attorneys take two primary approaches to fighting traffic violations. They first try and locate any errors on the citation that the police officer may have made during the traffic stop. If no such errors exist, an attorney can then begin to negotiate with either police officer or the prosecuting attorney to reach a lower charge.

A knowledgeable Columbia traffic violation attorney will be able to understand the level of leeway that a particular judge will allow, and from there devise a strategy to achieve the better outcome. If a negotiation is not proceeding as planned, the attorney can then threaten to go to trial.

Contact a Columbia Traffic Ticket Attorney

If you or someone you know has recently received a traffic violation, it is imperative to consult a traffic ticket attorney before paying the fine. At Truslow & Truslow, our lawyers strive to help our clients avoid these heavy punishments. Contact our office at (803) 256-6276 to speak with a member of our legal team about your traffic ticket today.

South Carolina Highway Patrol authorities recently confirmed a teenager succumbed to her injuries in Rock Hill after she and another person were involved in a motorcycle accident, a November 4 article of The Herald stated.

The fatality was identified as Heaven Gordon. According to the county’s coroner, she was pronounced dead at the crash scene. Lance Corporal Gary Miller told reports that at about 7:20 p.m. on November 3, a motorcycle, on which Gordon was a passenger, lost control while heading eastbound on Neely Store Road. Gordon and the motorcycle driver, identified as a 21-year-old man, were reportedly thrown from the vehicle. A pickup truck that was in the same lane is responsible for striking the motorcycle driver. Details showed the motorcycle driver and Gordon were both wearing a helmet when the accident happened. The name of the person inside the pickup were not released by authorities.

The attorneys at Truslow & Truslow in Columbia send their deepest thoughts to the family and friends who were devastated by the recent loss of their loved one.