Because a DUI or DUAC is serious, you need an experienced Fort Mill DUI lawyer. Furthermore, you want information about your legal rights and potential options. So here, we answer the most commonly asked questions. Furthermore, we explain how we can help. After you consider our qualifications, call to set up a free case consultation. You are going to feel better after we talk. Call now and let’s start your defense.

SO WHY HIRE OUR FIRM

• Over 27 years trial experience in both criminal and civil courts (Reeves)
• Certificates in DUI Investigation and Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
• National College for DUI Defense, National Trial Lawyers Top 100
• Former South Carolina DUI prosecutor (Fry)
• National College for DUI Defense, Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
• Experienced DUI attorneys personally available to clients

                  FORT MILL DUI LAWYER 

                         ROBERT J. REEVES

Mr. Reeves is a seasoned trial attorney with over 27 years of litigation experience. He practices both criminal and civil law. In his criminal practice, Mr. Reeves focuses on DUI cases. In addition, he completed the same training as the police. Mr. Reeves has certificates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in DWI Investigation and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. Furthermore, he completed the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) for drug based impairment. Finally, Mr. Reeves is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, National College for DUI Defense, and SC Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His mobile phone number is 803-554-4157 and email address is .

Call now for a private consultation.

FORT MILL DUI ATTORNEY ZAC FRY

Zac Fry is a former York County DUI prosecutor for the Sixteenth Circuit. After graduating from the University of South Carolina and the Charlotte School of Law, Zac clerked for a Circuit Court Judge. Thereafter, he became a prosecutor assigned to the DUI unit. While there, he prosecuted several hundred cases and tried many to verdict. Now, he applies that training and experience to aggressively defend those persons charged with DUI and DUAC. In addition, Zac teams up with Mr. Reeves to fight felony DUI charges. His mobile phone number is 803-250-9424  and his direct email address is . Call Zac for a confidential review of your situation.

LOCAL DUI ATTORNEYS

Fort Mill and York County is our home. While we have a location in Charlotte, our primary office is here in Baxter Village. More specifically, our address is 1012 Market Street, Suite 205, Fort Mill. For those familiar with the area, we are directly above the Grape Vine wine bar on the second floor. If not from the Fort Mill area, Baxter Village is located at Exit 85 (Highway 160) off I-77. In addition, there is a Starbucks to greet you at the entrance to Market Street.

PERSONALLY AVAILABLE TO CLIENTS

Of course, training and experience in DUI law is important. But great credentials mean nothing if your lawyer won’t call you back. In this age of smartphones and email, there really is no excuse anymore. So if your lawyer will not return your calls, hire a different attorney. Mr. Reeves prides himself on being personally available to his clients. Consequently, every client has his direct mobile phone number 803-554-4157 and email address . And he returns all calls and emails promptly the same day. After all, Mr. Reeves appreciates a few minutes will help lower your anxiety and allow you to sleep better tonight.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A FORT MILL DUI LAWYER?

Seems like everyone “knows” a great DUI lawyer. While that is helpful, we encourage you to do your own research. Since this first decision is so important, carefully compare credentials and actual DUI experience. In addition, look for a Fort Mill DUI lawyer who focuses their criminal practice on DUI cases. Because DUI laws are so complex, you need an attorney who practices DUI law full-time. First, compare our credentials. Then call for a personal meeting to review your case.

IS A DUI WORTH FIGHTING?

Absolutely. Furthermore, here is why it is worth the money. If convicted or plead guilty, you will spend about $10,000 over the next 3 years alone. Hence, the billboards are correct. Because of the permanent criminal record, you need an experienced Fort Mill DUI lawyer to fight your case. Furthermore, the increased cost of vehicle liability insurance alone is worth the attorney fee. Just because you are charged does not mean you are guilty. Always remember, the State of South Carolina must prove everything in any criminal case. And the State must prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt before a jury of your peers.

FORT MILL MUNICIPAL COURT OR YORK COUNTY CENTRALIZED DUI COURT?

It depends on who makes the arrest. If arrested by Fort Mill Police, you appear in front of Judge Wood in Fort Mill Municipal Court. Or, if arrested by York County Sheriff or Highway Patrol, you appear before Judge Barnett in the York County Centralized DUI Court. Although arrested in Fort Mill, DUI Court is actually located on Cherry Road in Rock Hill. Because we practice throughout York County, we represent clients in both courts.

WHAT THE STATE HAS TO PROVE?

To convict you of a DUI, the State must prove three things. First, the State must show you were driving. Usually this is fairly easy. But not always. Next, the State must show driving within York County. And finally, the State must show a BAC reading of 0.08% or greater. In the alternative, the State can convict if you were “materially and appreciably impaired.” While most people equate DUI with alcohol, an arrest can actually involve alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.

WHAT HAPPENS IF CONVICTED?

For a first offense Fort Mill DUI arrest, you pay court costs and fines of $997 to $1229. In addition, your license (or driving privilege if you are not an SC resident) is suspended for 6 months. However, you can apply for a restricted license from the DMV. Next, you must have SR-22 (special risk) liability insurance for 3 years. As you would expect, this insurance is much more expensive. Furthermore, it is hard to get reasonable rates in the future. Then, you must complete substance abuse counseling through ADSAP. And finally, if you refuse breath testing or your BAC reading is 0.15 or greater, ignition interlock is required. In the end, the worst part of a DUI conviction is the permanent criminal record. Under current law, there is no expungement of an SC DUI.

GETTING YOUR LICENSE BACK

If you refuse breath testing or have BAC reading of 0.15% or more, your driver’s license is suspended. After arrest, you receive a Notice of Suspension (blue form) that allows you to appeal and get a Temporary Alcohol License. However, you have thirty (30) days to file and pay $200.00 (certified check or money order). Then, you wait for a hearing date. If you win your DMV hearing, you get your original license back. But if you lose, you apply for a restricted license through the DMV. While this is the civil side of a DUI charge, we focus on your criminal case.

FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR

Unless there is an accident with serious injury or death, a first offense DUI charge is a misdemeanor. Furthermore, even if you cause an accident with only minor injury, it remains a misdemeanor. Obviously, a subsequent DUI arrest or felony DUI is much more serious and can result in prison. However, every case is different and must be defended on its own merits. In addition, we get to punishment only if the State proves its case. For now, try not to worry. After all, our experienced Fort Mill DUI lawyer looks at all possible options and defenses.

THE ARREST

While police stops occur for many reasons, everything changes when the officer smells alcohol. The officer asks if you have had anything to drink? Once you answer “yes,” the officer asks you to get out of the vehicle and attempt to perform roadside tests. Because the officer makes it look easy, you give it a try. However, you soon discover these “tests” are actually difficult to do. Almost everyone fails the first time. Hence an experienced Fort Mill DUI lawyer highlights this fact to a jury at trial. In the end, these tests really prove nothing more than you can’t balance without practice. Rather, what counts is how you appear on video.

WHY WAS I VIDEOTAPED DURING MY ARREST?

Because South Carolina DUI law requires full video at the incident site and breath testing room. And this is critically important. Video evidence takes away the “he said/she said” nature of most arrests. In fact, there is actually a separate DUI statute that requires specific acts be recorded by the police. More specifically, field sobriety tests, arrest, and Miranda warnings must be preserved. If not, remedies include suppression of evidence or, in some situations, dismissal of your case altogether. In our experience, video evidence makes or breaks cases. Regardless of your BAC reading, juries judge how you look and sound. Either you appear “drunk” or not. So try not to worry. We’ve got you. Call now.

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