Being convicted of a DUI is not just about paying a fine or serving a short time in jail. For many people, the real damage happens behind the scenes – in higher insurance premiums, lost employment opportunities, licensing issues, and more. Here’s a breakdown of what you really face if you are convicted of driving under the influence in South Carolina (or elsewhere) – and why having strong legal representation matters.
In South Carolina, the financial impact of a DUI conviction extends far beyond the initial ticket. While many people think of a DUI as a one-time fine, the truth is that each conviction comes with mandatory assessments, surcharges, license suspensions, and often jail time – all of which compound quickly.
According to the S.C. Code of Laws Sections 56-5-2930, 56-5-2940, 56-5-2950, 56-5-2990, 56-5-6240 on SC Laws Relative to Impaired Driving –
Felony DUI Charges – Results in Great Bodily Injury or Death
In addition to these fines and penalties, offenders typically face the cost of towing and impoundment, bail, mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs, and license reinstatement fees, all of which can push the total financial impact of a DUI conviction well into the tens of thousands of dollars.
One of the most costly long-term consequences of a DUI conviction in South Carolina is the impact it has on your auto insurance. While a first-time DUI may cost several hundred dollars in fines, the financial hit from higher premiums can last for years, often far exceeding the original penalty.
Ultimately, the best way to minimize long-term costs after a DUI is to compare rates across multiple insurers, maintain a clean record going forward, and consult an attorney early in the process. In many cases, timely legal action can help reduce charges or penalties – which can make a measurable difference in how insurers assess your future risk.
After a DUI conviction in South Carolina, your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked for a prescribed period, and reinstating it requires more than simply paying fees. For many drivers, the path back to legal driving includes mandatory programs, device installations, and strict compliance requirements.
Under the new law effective May 19, 2024, anyone convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving with an Unlawful Alcohol Concentration (DUAC) must install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID/IID).
The period for which the IID must remain installed depends on how many prior offenses you have and other factors.
New South Carolina DUI Law: How the All-Offender Requirement Impacts Offenders
Reinstatement also typically involves:
Failing to comply with any of these requirements – including skipping the interlock installation – will prolong your suspension or prevent reinstatement altogether. SCDPPPS – Ignition Interlock
4. Employment, Career, and Licensing Consequences Following a DUI
A DUI conviction can have serious implications beyond the courtroom – especially for professionals whose careers depend on trust, licensure, or clean background checks.
In South Carolina, licensing boards for fields such as healthcare, education, law, real estate, and commercial driving may open investigations after a DUI conviction. The outcome often depends on factors like whether anyone was injured, your prior record, and whether the offense occurred on the job. First-time offenders who report the conviction promptly and complete any required programs often avoid license suspension or formal discipline.
Certain careers face stricter standards, including:
For others, the long-term damage often comes through:
If you hold a professional license or work in a regulated field, consulting an experienced DUI attorney early can help protect your credentials, ensure compliance with reporting rules, and minimize the career fallout from a conviction.
Contact Mastantuno Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
Beyond the dollars, there are many costs that are harder to measure but very real.
After a DUI arrest, engaging a lawyer early can help preserve evidence, challenge procedures and reduce the risk of conviction or enhanced penalties.
Ask your attorney not just about the fine, but about insurance hikes, license monitoring devices, lost work, and other cascading impacts.
Notify your agent, compare rates, explore whether high-risk driver programs apply, and budget for several years of higher premiums.
If your license may be suspended or you face work-only or IID requirements, plan alternative transportation so your employment and daily life aren’t derailed.
Keep records of fees paid, program attendance, vehicle inspections, insurance notifications, and any employment impact – this will help if you later negotiate insurance or job issues.
If your career or licensing body may be impacted, speak with your attorney about disclosure requirements, mitigation options and how a DUI could affect your livelihood.
A DUI conviction is far more than a legal infraction – it can be a long-term drag on your finances, your career, your personal freedom, and your future. The true cost often emerges gradually, as insurance premiums soar, driving privileges disappear, jobs are jeopardized, and hidden fees pile up. At Mastantuno Law Firm in Charleston, we understand that protecting your rights means more than just fighting the charge – it means preserving your future. If you are facing DUI charges, act promptly, get informed, and choose representation that sees the full picture.
Contact Mastantuno Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation. Let’s get in front of this.
Being involved in an accident can be confusing, stressful and full of unknowns. What you do (or don’t do) in the minutes and hours after the incident can significantly affect your health, your insurance claims and your rights. Below are the key actions you should take right away – and why each matters.
Also, review our guide on Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Personal Injury Claim.
Your first priority is always health and safety. If you or any passengers are injured, call 911 immediately. Even if everyone appears OK, it’s wise to have a medical professional check you out – injuries such as whiplash or internal trauma may not show symptoms right away.
If your vehicle is still drivable, move it (and yourself) to a safe location – out of the flow of traffic if possible, with hazard lights on. This reduces the risk of secondary collisions and demonstrates responsible action.
Having an official police or crash-report carries two important benefits: it adds credible third-party documentation of the incident, and it often triggers legal or insurance-process rights. Many jurisdictions require a report if there’s injury or significant damage.
At the scene, when interacting with the officer: provide factual answers, get the officer’s badge number, and after they leave, request a copy (or the report number) for yourself. Don’t speculate or admit fault.
Before evidence disappears, document everything you can. This includes:
How to Document the Scene Correctly after a Car Accident
Get the essential information from every other driver and vehicle involved:
Contact your own insurance company as soon as you are able – many policies require very prompt notification. Provide the basic facts (time, place, other driver info, injuries/damages) but again: avoid admitting fault. Be honest and consistent. Delays or misstatements can undermine your claim.
As noted above, some injuries become apparent only later (e.g., concussion, internal bleeding, soft-tissue damage). A prompt medical evaluation accomplishes two things: it protects your health and it creates a medical record linking the injuries to the accident. That record may be critical if you later seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages or pain and suffering.
Over the coming days and weeks, continue to compile and maintain all related records:
Every state has deadlines for filing certain legal claims (statutes of limitation) and for reporting accidents to insurance companies or law enforcement. Failing to act within those timelines can permanently limit your rights. For example, in some jurisdictions you must file a report or claim within a relatively short window.
If you’ve suffered serious injuries, long-term impairments, or there’s a dispute over who was at fault, consulting an attorney early may protect your rights. While this is more obviously legal-advice territory, the key is this risk factor: once insurers or opposing parties begin investigations or negotiations, you’ll want someone experienced reviewing the facts, evidence and legal options. (Note: this step is about preserving rights, not automatically “you must hire a lawyer.”)
By following the above steps, you help ensure that:
Since you’re operating in Charleston, SC, you’ll want to tailor the above to reflect state-specific rules:
An accident can be overwhelming – but how you respond in the minutes, hours and days following the incident can make a significant difference in protecting your health, finances and legal rights. Prioritize safety, document everything, report what you must, avoid premature statements of fault, and keep detailed records. If your situation involves serious injuries or disputes, consulting someone experienced in accident-law and insurance is a wise next step.
We can help. Contact Mastantuno Law Firm for a free consultation today.
When it comes to encounters with law enforcement on the road, DUI (driving under the influence) checkpoints — also called sobriety checkpoints or roadblocks — are among the most legally nuanced. For many drivers, they raise questions like: Do I have to stop? Can they search my car? What rights do I still hold? In this blog, we’ll walk through the legal framework, what to expect, and practical advice to protect your rights.
In Michigan Dept. of State Police v. Sitz (1990), the U.S. Supreme Court held that DUI checkpoints can be consistent with the Fourth Amendment (which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures). The Court balanced the government’s interest in preventing drunk driving against the intrusion on motorists.
However, that ruling does not give carte blanche to law enforcement. Checkpoints must follow procedural safeguards: they should be planned in advance, use neutral selection criteria (not arbitrary), be adequately publicized, and minimize the intrusion on drivers.
Another Supreme Court decision, City of Indianapolis v. Edmond (2000), draws a crucial boundary: roadblocks or checkpoints whose primary purpose is to uncover general criminal wrongdoing (e.g. drug searches) are unconstitutional. In contrast, checkpoints focused on seats for impaired driving, DUI enforcement, or highway safety are more likely to pass legal muster. Wikipedia
Even though the federal standard allows checkpoints under certain conditions, states may impose stricter limitations—or ban them entirely. For example:
Because of this patchwork, whether a checkpoint is lawful depends heavily on where you are.
While procedures vary, many sobriety checkpoints follow a recognizable pattern:
If you are arrested at a checkpoint:
If you have been affected by a DUI Checkpoint in South Carolina, Contact Mastantuno Law Firm today. We can help.
In today’s hyperconnected world, many of us routinely post updates, photos, location check-ins, or comments about how we’re feeling. But if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim, your digital footprint can become a legal liability. Opposing counsel, insurance adjusters, and courts increasingly treat social media content as discoverable evidence. What seems like an innocuous post can become fodder to undermine your credibility, reduce your recovery, or even get your case dismissed.
Below, we explore the risks, real-world examples, legal groundwork, and best practices to protect your claim.
Social media content (posts, photos, videos, check-ins, comments) is routinely used in personal injury cases as digital evidence. Courts often admit this evidence under the same rules as other evidence, provided it’s authenticated, relevant, and properly preserved.
Even private or “friends only” content can be compelled during discovery if deemed relevant by the court.
One of the most common uses of social media by defense teams is to find contradictions:
These contradictions are leveraged to argue that the plaintiff is exaggerating, malingering, or otherwise misrepresenting their condition.
Because social media is so integral, legal teams often fight over access. Discovery requests (or subpoenas) may demand your full social media history, including message attachments, metadata, or deleted content.
Attempting to delete or alter posts once litigation is foreseeable can backfire severely. Courts may draw adverse inferences (i.e., assume the deleted content was unfavorable) or impose sanctions for spoliation.
It’s not just your own posts that matter:
Thus, you can be “caught” by someone else’s online commentary—even if you never intended it to be part of your case.
Even before trial, insurance adjusters and defense lawyers comb social media to weaken your claim. A social media post they regard as contradictory can become leverage to reduce settlement offers or force you to accept less.
In one cautionary example, a claimant’s hiking photos were used to challenge claimed injuries, reducing their compensation.
In Romano, the plaintiff claimed she suffered permanent injuries (neck/back) that limited her daily life and enjoyment of activities.
The defendant asked for access to her private Facebook and MySpace pages, including deleted content, arguing that her social media posts contradicted her claim of being homebound.
The court granted the motion, finding that social media content was relevant to questions of credibility and the extent of injury, and ordered her to provide authorizations for social media records.
Notably, the decision recognized that a user’s “reasonable expectation of privacy” over their social media is limited when the content is material and relevant to the litigation.
This is a landmark New York case that set standards for how private social media posts may be discoverable. FORMAN v. HENKIN
Facts & Legal Holding:
Thus Forman clarified that “private” does not automatically mean “undiscoverable,” especially when the plaintiff puts lifestyle, cognitive capacity, or functional limitations at issue.
To understand why social media content is fair game, here are a few legal principles:
Because of these principles, courts and attorneys treat your online presence as part of your “case file.”
To protect your claim, here are prudent guidelines:
If you absolutely must use social media (e.g. to post emergencies, life events unrelated to your case):
Social media may feel harmless, but in a personal injury case it can be one of the biggest threats to your credibility and recovery. Even a single photo or comment can be taken out of context and used against you. The safest move is to stay offline and let your attorney guide you on what’s appropriate.
If you’ve been injured in South Carolina, contact Mastantuno Law Firm today for a free consultation.
📞 (843) 720-3749
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Charleston has seen a spike in boating incidents this summer, including arrests for Boating Under the Influence (BUI), fatal accidents under bridges, and serious injuries tied to alcohol or operator negligence. This post explains what BUI means in South Carolina, recent cases in the Charleston area, how the law applies, and how Mastantuno Law Firm can defend you.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Charleston County Coroner are investigating a fatal boating crash in Ravenel at Tea Farm Creek. The boater, 22-year-old Tallon Goff, was killed after passing under a sunken or low-clearance bridge. The incident occurred around 7:38 p.m. on July 3, 2025, with one fatality confirmed during the investigation. Alcohol involvement has not been confirmed yet, but the SCDNR is leading the probe.
Sources:
Near Pinckney Island, a vessel capsized, killing two older Howell County residents and injuring two others. While not directly tied to a BUI charge, such crashes often overlap with investigations of operator impairment or negligence.
Sources:
Four people were ejected from a boat during a high-speed crash on the Cooper River. The operator was arrested for boating under the influence after admitting to drinking. One passenger was critically injured.
Sources:
Under South Carolina law, operating a boat while impaired is prohibited:
In fatal or serious injury cases (like Ravenel and Skull Creek), BUI charges may accompany wrongful death or negligent operation investigations.
Factors contributing to increased BUI enforcement:
Give us a call our main office, or fill out our contact form.
Allen Mastantuno was born and raised in Charleston, SC. He graduated from the College of Charleston (B.A., 2003) and from the University of South Carolina School of Law (J.D., 2007).
After graduating from law school, he clerked for the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Charleston, SC gaining valuable experience in the Federal criminal system. From 2008 to 2010, Allen worked as a prosecutor for South Carolina’s Ninth Judicial Circuit which includes Charleston & Berkeley County.
He became the lead DUI prosecutor in the Berkeley County office and handled over 100 DUI cases ranging from DUI 1st Offense to Felony DUI Involving Death. As a prosecutor, he was extremely active in the courtroom, trying difficult and lengthy cases including such serious offenses as Armed Robbery and Burglary. While earning his reputation as a hard fighting trial attorney, he also assisted with and prosecuted hundreds of other cases ranging from Murder to traffic violations.
Since 2010, Allen Mastantuno has focused his entire practice on defending his client’s rights. He has successfully represented clients who face serious criminal charges or who have been injured in an accident. Examples of charges Allen Mastantuno has defended include: Murder, Attempted Murder, Armed Robbery, Arson, Criminal Sexual Conduct, Burglary, Felony DUI, Trafficking of Drugs, Manufacturing/Distribution of Drugs, Financial Crimes. If you have been charged with a crime Mastantuno Law Firm, LLC can help.
As a trial attorney, Allen Mastantuno has also helped people who have been seriously hurt. Whether you have been hurt in a car, motorcycle, boat or other vehicular accident Allen Mastantuno can help.
In recent months, the Charleston Police Department has launched an aggressive campaign to curb impaired driving. That means DUI checkpoints—sometimes referred to as “sobriety checkpoints” or “license and registration checkpoints”—are showing up again across Charleston County.
Reports are coming in from Downtown Charleston, Folly Beach, and James Island. Local drivers are reporting increased police presence on key roads at night. But what many people don’t realize is that DUI checkpoints come with strict rules and rights that can directly impact whether an arrest will hold up in court.
Charleston Police have confirmed recent DUI checkpoints in the following areas:
Local media and official city alerts show that Charleston PD has deployed checkpoints at these locations over the past year:
Police deploy checkpoints based on data-driven analysis—emphasizing trouble spots with high rates of DUI accidents or fatalities. After the fatal Morrison Drive hit-and-run in April 2024, city leadership intensified checkpoint enforcement especially around King Street and bridges into the peninsula Source: Live 5 News.
Large-scale events, holidays like New Year’s Eve, and heavier enforcement times (evenings on weekends) often see saturation patrols and checkpoints in multiple zones across Charleston and neighboring areas DUI Checkpoint News: Live 5 News.
According to ABC News 4, these checkpoints often occur on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday nights between 9:00 p.m. and midnight.
Most target areas near downtown bars, bridges, and high-traffic corridors connecting the peninsula to surrounding areas like James Island, West Ashley, and North Charleston.
Law enforcement says the increased presence is data-driven: police analyze areas with the most DUI-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities to determine where to deploy resources.
Checkpoint stops are legal in SC, but only if police strictly follow constitutional and statutory protocols:
Failure to meet these standards—including inadequate notice or arbitrary stops—can provide grounds to challenge a DUI arrest at a checkpoint.
Historical data and official alerts indicate the following:
| Period/Event | Typical Locations | Time Range |
| Spring–May 2024 | East Bay & South; King & Huger | ~7 p.m.–10 p.m. |
| March 2025 | Folly Road & Albemarle; Calhoun & Pitt | 9 p.m.–Midnight |
| Late April 2025 | King & Huger; Calhoun & Halsey | 9 p.m.–Midnight |
| New Year’s Eve 2024 | Morrison/Jackson; Calhoun/Smith; others | 8 p.m.–Midnight |
Yes, but the law requires that police follow specific guidelines. If these aren’t met, any resulting DUI charges may be subject to dismissal.
If any of these factors are missing or improperly handled, your DUI charge could be vulnerable. Learn more about common defense strategies in our step-by-step DUI defense guide.
While these stops may be advertised as routine “safety checks,” police are specifically looking for:
You are not legally required to answer incriminating questions. You can—and often should—politely decline to answer beyond basic identification. If they ask, “Have you had anything to drink tonight?” you’re within your rights to say, “I’d prefer not to answer any questions.”
If you find yourself in a DUI checkpoint in Charleston, here’s what to do:
A first-time DUI charge in South Carolina can carry:
But not all DUI charges result in conviction. If the checkpoint was improperly set up or executed, the entire case can be challenged. Learn what to expect after a first-time DUI charge in SC, and how our criminal defense team can fight for your future.
Checkpoint-related arrests aren’t always limited to DUI. At Mastantuno Law Firm, we also defend Charleston clients against:
See more about our criminal defense services.
If the checkpoint results in an accident or injury, we can help victims pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Insurance companies will often deny or undervalue these claims—especially when alcohol is involved. Here’s how to protect your rights.
Mastantuno Law Firm has successfully defended hundreds of DUI and criminal charges across Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach, and the surrounding Lowcountry. We understand how DUI checkpoints work—and how to find the holes in the prosecution’s case.
If you’ve been charged, don’t wait.
Visit us: https://mastantuno.com
Call now for a free consultation: (843) 720-3741
Or contact us through our online form.
When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence—whether it’s a car wreck on I-26, a slip and fall in a Charleston grocery store, or medical negligence in a local hospital—your medical records become one of the most powerful tools in your personal injury case.
In South Carolina, medical documentation doesn’t just prove that you were hurt—it helps determine how much compensation you may be entitled to, how long your case will take, and whether there will be any delays in processing your personal injury claim.
This guide from an experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney covers the most common questions we get about how medical records impact settlements, and how they intersect with Medicaid, insurance, taxes, and more.
Yes—medical bills are one of the core components of a personal injury settlement. In South Carolina, your settlement may include:
But here’s the catch: your settlement must be backed up by proper medical documentation. If your records are incomplete, delayed, or inconsistent, your compensation could be significantly reduced—or delayed entirely.
One of the most frustrating things for injured clients in SC is waiting on medical records to be compiled. Here’s how you can speed up the medical reporting process and keep your case moving:
This kind of detailed documentation is also useful in mediation, which is often used in SC to resolve personal injury disputes without going to trial. And yes—mediation is legally binding when a settlement is reached.
Yes, it can. If you receive a personal injury settlement in South Carolina and you’re on Medicaid, it could potentially affect your ongoing eligibility for benefits. That’s because Medicaid is a needs-based program, and a lump-sum payment may push your income or assets above the allowable threshold.
To avoid losing benefits, many personal injury attorneys in SC will help clients create a Medicaid trust or structure the settlement in a way that preserves eligibility.
Related keyword: personal injury settlement and Medicaid eligibility
Yes—but with a twist. Medical malpractice is a type of personal injury case that involves negligence by a healthcare professional. So if a doctor in Mount Pleasant misdiagnoses a serious condition, or a nurse in Columbia administers the wrong medication, that would fall under medical negligence—which is also considered a personal injury case under South Carolina law.
A personal injury medical malpractice attorney will handle these differently than a car accident or slip and fall, often requiring expert testimony and deeper analysis of medical records.
In South Carolina, drivers can choose to carry:
Your personal injury attorney will determine how these coverages impact your settlement and whether you need to reimburse your insurance company once the case resolves.
Typically, no—if your personal injury settlement is for physical injuries, it is not taxable under federal law. However, portions related to emotional distress or punitive damages might be taxed.
It’s always wise to consult with both your attorney and a tax professional after a settlement in South Carolina.
We get this one a lot—and the answer is: it depends.
Some personal injury cases settle in a few months, while others (especially complex or disputed ones) can take over a year. Factors that impact timing include:
In general, most SC personal injury cases settle within 6 to 12 months, but your attorney will give you a better estimate based on your specific case.
Related keywords:
Creating a medical chronology—a detailed, organized timeline of your treatment—can make a big difference in how fast and how fairly your case is resolved. It helps insurance adjusters and juries understand your injury journey and strengthens your position in negotiation or trial.
If you’ve been injured in South Carolina and have questions about your medical records, Medicaid, or how to maximize your personal injury settlement, contact Mastantuno Law Firm today. We’ve helped hundreds of South Carolinians protect their rights and secure the compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in South Carolina, the stakes are high. A DUI conviction can mean license suspension, fines, jail time, skyrocketing insurance, and a criminal record. But not all DUI charges lead to convictions—and there are real strategies that can help you beat a DUI in South Carolina.
This guide explains, step by step, what to do after an arrest, what legal defenses exist, and answers to the most common DUI questions in South Carolina—without fluff or scare tactics.
If your license was suspended (for refusing or failing a breath test), you have 30 days to request a DMV hearing. This is separate from your criminal case and gives you a chance to fight the suspension.
Don’t wait. A lawyer can review dashcam footage, breath test procedures, and officer conduct. DUI cases are highly technical, and small mistakes by law enforcement can lead to dismissal.
South Carolina law requires that DUI arrests be recorded on video. If the officer fails to follow the exact procedures, your case could be dismissed.
If police didn’t have probable cause to stop you, the evidence against you could be thrown out. This is often the first angle a DUI attorney investigates.
Both types of tests can be challenged based on how they were administered, medical conditions, or faulty equipment.
Some cases may be eligible for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), “dead docketing,” or dismissal. Others may need to go to trial—especially if evidence is weak or improperly gathered.
Yes. A first-offense DUI conviction results in a 6-month license suspension, longer if you refused the breath test. You may qualify for an ignition interlock license.
Yes, in 2024 South Carolina changed their laws and you must install an IID to regain driving privileges.
Yes. You can be charged with DUI on a horse, as South Carolina law applies to vehicles or conveyances, and horses have historically been included.
Yes. As of 2018, mopeds are considered motor vehicles under SC law, so you can get a DUI on a moped.
Technically, no. South Carolina does not classify bicycles as motor vehicles, so you can’t be charged with DUI on a bike—but you may face public intoxication or other charges.
Yes. Operating any watercraft under the influence can result in a BUI (Boating Under the Influence) charge, which carries similar penalties.
Yes. DUI cases get dismissed for reasons like:
No. A conviction for DUI in SC cannot be expunged from your record. That’s why beating the charge—or getting it reduced or dismissed—is so important.
Yes. Prosecutors can still use:
But lack of a breath test often weakens the case, which may improve your defense options.
Possibly. While a DUI conviction doesn’t automatically disqualify you, it may affect employment depending on the district and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony. Reporting requirements vary.
Yes. “Dead docketing” removes a case from the active trial docket. It’s not a conviction or dismissal—but the case is effectively paused indefinitely. It may happen when evidence is weak or the prosecution chooses not to proceed.
A DUI could:
If you’re in college, talk to a lawyer ASAP—there may be additional school-specific consequences.
Yes. If your DUI involved a crash, expect:
Beating a DUI is never easy, but with the right strategy—and the right legal team—you may be able to dismiss, reduce, or minimize the damage. At Mastantuno Law Firm, we fight DUI charges across Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and throughout South Carolina.
Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in South Carolina is serious—and the consequences can affect your job, your driver’s license, and even your freedom. But a charge is not a conviction. There are legal defenses available, and with the right strategy, it’s possible to reduce or even dismiss a DUI charge.
At Mastantuno Law Firm, we defend clients across South Carolina who are facing DUI charges—and we know how to spot the weaknesses in the state’s case.
After a DUI arrest in SC, several things happen quickly:
You only have 30 days to request a hearing to challenge your license suspension, so time is critical.
Here are some of the most common and effective defenses a South Carolina DUI attorney may use:
Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If the stop itself was unlawful, any evidence gathered—including a breath test—can be thrown out.
Officers must follow strict procedures when conducting field sobriety tests. If the tests were administered improperly or under poor conditions (like uneven ground or poor lighting), their results may be unreliable.
South Carolina law requires that the breathalyzer machine be properly calibrated and maintained. Your attorney can request maintenance logs to look for technical issues that could invalidate the results.
Certain medical conditions (like GERD or diabetes) and some prescription medications can lead to false positives on breath or blood tests. This is especially true for portable breath tests used roadside.
South Carolina law requires that DUI arrests be video recorded, starting from the traffic stop through field sobriety tests and breath testing at the station. If video is missing, obstructed, or improperly handled, your case could be dismissed.
Even if there’s a stop, an officer still needs probable cause to arrest you for DUI. If your behavior or test results don’t meet that standard, the arrest may be challenged.
Alcohol takes time to absorb into the bloodstream. If your BAC rose after you were stopped but before you were tested, your BAC at the time of driving may have been under the legal limit.
DUI penalties in SC depend on the number of prior offenses and your blood alcohol content (BAC):
A conviction stays on your record forever—there’s no expungement for DUI in South Carolina.
Trying to fight a DUI charge on your own is extremely risky. An experienced South Carolina DUI attorney can:
At Mastantuno Law, we understand the high stakes. Our legal team has successfully defended clients facing DUI charges across Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and surrounding areas.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in South Carolina, contact Mastantuno Law Firm immediately. The sooner you act, the more options we’ll have to fight the charge and protect your license, your reputation, and your future.
Reach out today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to defend you—every step of the way.
Few things are more frustrating than getting injured due to someone else’s negligence—only to have your insurance claim denied. Unfortunately, this happens far too often in South Carolina. If you were hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, or another incident, a denied claim doesn’t mean your case is over. You still have options—and Mastantuno Law Firm is here to help you understand them.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and they often look for reasons to minimize or reject claims. In South Carolina, common reasons for claim denial include:
Sometimes, the denial may even be in bad faith—which is when the insurer fails to uphold its duty to act reasonably and fairly under South Carolina law.
South Carolina insurers are required to provide a written explanation when they deny a claim. Look for:
This document is your starting point for crafting a response.
Start building a stronger case by collecting:
This documentation can help counter the reasons listed in the denial.
Do not navigate a denial on your own. South Carolina law is complex, and an experienced attorney can:
At Mastantuno Law, we’ve helped countless South Carolina residents turn denied claims into fair compensation.
If the denial was due to a misunderstanding or missing documents, your attorney can help you file an internal appeal. This may include:
If appeals are unsuccessful, the next step may be filing a personal injury lawsuit in a South Carolina court. A lawsuit might:
In South Carolina, personal injury claims typically have a three-year statute of limitations from the date of injury—so don’t wait.
Under South Carolina law, insurers must handle claims promptly and fairly. A denial might constitute bad faith if:
If your claim was denied in bad faith, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to the value of your original claim.
At Mastantuno Law Firm, we specialize in helping South Carolina clients stand up to insurance companies that refuse to do the right thing. We’ll investigate your case, negotiate aggressively, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
If your claim was wrongfully denied or you simply need guidance, we are here to help.
Call us today or request a free consultation. Don’t let an insurance company’s denial be the final word.
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Phone 843.720.3741 | Fax 854.222.9615
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