The Woods Law Firm

WHY DO YOU NEED A DUI LAWYER ?

A DUI CHARGE IS NOT ABOUT THE LAWYER, ITS ABOUT YOU, BUT THE LAWYER AND LAW FIRM THAT YOU CHOOSE MAKES ALL OF THE DIFFERENCE

Driving Under the Influence or DUI law is one of the most complex areas of criminal in the State of South Carolina. Due to increased efforts on the part of law enforcement to crack down on suspected drunk drivers many more people may find themselves with a DUI charge. Recent developments in the South Carolina DUI laws have included harsher penalties for DUI convictions including higher fines and longer jail times. A DUI lawyer is your first line of defense, your top soldier in the battle. If you have been charged with a DUI, your first step should be to talk with Attorney Freddy Woods.

At the Woods Law Firm we handle cases for people who have been charged with a DUI and traffic offenses relating to a DUI stop. We take the time to assess your situation, intensely review the evidence and plan your legal defense. We can explain to you how a DUI conviction would affect your driver’s license, your job and your family. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle your case from the beginning through negotiation and trial if necessary.

GOING TO WAR FOR YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS !

The most important decision you will make is what lawyer and law firm you choose to represent you in court. In a serious case, such as a DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Alcohol) charge, the lawyer and law firm that you choose will become the most important people in your legal life. At the Woods Law Firm, your DUI lawyer, Freddy Woods, was born and raised in South Carolina and thus has very deep roots in the community. Initially and throughout the case, you will be given both the office and cell phone numbers of your attorney so that you may have direct access to your lawyer. The legal staff will set up a complete file for you and we will begin to investigate all aspects of your case including the traffic stop or accident and the breathalyzer/blood test. Our success in winning cases or having charges reduced to a non-DUI disposition has helped to drive our growth and allows us to concentrate our practice in the areas of DUI Defense, Traffic Law and Criminal Defense. We also have inside knowledge of the judges and prosecutors handling DUI’s because of our regular attendance in courts throughout South Carolina. We are a trial law firm, meaning that we just don’t plead you to anything, we take the time to get to know you and your case, to investigate the facts, explain our legal strategy and the consequences of a DUI and fight for your legal rights from the beginning of your arrest for a DUI to the conclusion of your case at court.

MEET YOUR DUI LAWYER !

Attorney Freddy Woods is a DUI and Criminal Defense lawyer who has been handling DUI and Criminal Defense Cases throughout South Carolina for more than 16 years. He is admitted to practice in all municipal, magistrate and state courts in the State of South Carolina, as well as all federal courts within the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. He is also a member of the bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. He is distinguished member of both the National College for DUI Defense and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers among other national organizations.

EXPERIENCE IN THE COURTROOM !

As a lawyer who works daily in the state and federal courtrooms throughout South Carolina, Attorney Freddy Woods knows how real experience makes a difference in the outcome for DUI cases. A seasoned trial lawyer with over 16 years of direct courtroom experience, Attorney Freddy Woods has helped hundreds of South Carolina drivers who have found themselves charged with a DUI, serious traffic ticket and/or criminal offense. Over the years, he has represented people throughout all 46 counties in South Carolina with criminal charges including federal and state charges and regularly tries cases in South Carolina courtrooms. Our colleagues in the legal community and members of law enforcement know firsthand the work we do at our law firm, that is why prosecutors, officers and even court personnel call us to help their friends and families with DUI’s and other types of criminal cases.

When it is necessary for our trials, we are backed by a team of highly experienced independent investigators as well as leading forensic and toxicology experts who testify for us in our cases and can help us disprove the results of the breathalyzer or blood test in your case. Attorney Freddy Woods regularly attends continuing legal education conferences to keep abreast of the latest developments in DUI defense and writes articles, editorials and makes public speaking appearances when asked to speak on the subjects of DUI and Criminal Law. Most recently in 2012, Attorney Freddy Woods was honored as a graduate of the intensive summer session at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts through the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD), a national trial lawyer organization dedicated to the defense of those charged with driving under the influence and received an award of excellence on July 28, 2012.

CONSEQUENCES AND PENALTIES FOR A DUI IN SOUTH CAROLINA

The main question we receive from our clients is “What are the consequences and penalties for DUI in South Carolina?’ The consequences for those convicted for a DUI are harsh and severe. A conviction for DUI for even a first offense will result in the loss of your driver’s license for a minimum of one year, cost you thousands of dollars in court fines and fees, cause your insurance premiums to skyrocket and result in a permanent criminal record!

Before you make the mistake of accepting the consequences of a DUI, take the time to know your rights and call Attorney Freddy Woods directly at 864-8100-DUI.

DUI LAWS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

The laws changed in February, 2009. The State of South Carolina currently imposes the following penalties and fines for a person convicted of a DUI.

DUI- 1st Offense:
■A fine of $400 - $1,000 plus court costs
■48 hours – 90 days in jail
■Loss of your driver’s license for 6 months to 1 year
■ADSAP ( Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program) class program fees
■Proof of SR-22 (high risk driver’s insurance), required for a minimum of 3 years
■Possible loss of Your Job and Educational Benefits
■Permanent Criminal Record for the Rest of Your Life

DUI- 2nd Offense:
■A fine of $2100 - $6,500 plus court costs
■5 days – 3 years in jail
■Loss of your driver’s license for up to 1 year
■ADSAP (Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program) class program fees
■Proof of SR-22 (high risk driver’s insurance), required for a minimum of 3 years
■Vehicle Immobilization Required
■Ignition Interlock Device Installed in your Vehicle for 2 years (Required)
■Possible Loss of Your Job and Educational Benefits
■Permanent Criminal Record for the Rest of Your Life

DUI- 3rd Offense:
■A fine of $3,800 - $6,000 plus court costs
■60 days – 5 years in jail
■Loss of your driver’s license for between 2 years to 4 years
■ADSAP (Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program) class program fees
■Proof of SR-22 (high risk driver’s insurance), required for a minimum of 3 years
■Loss of Your Vehicle
■Vehicle immobilization Required
■Ignition Interlock Device Installed in your car for 3 years (Required)
■Possible loss of Your Job and Educational Benefits
■Permanent Criminal Record for the Rest of Your Life

The court fines and fees listed above does not include court assessments, DMV fees , higher insurance premiums or the fees for classes for the ADSAP (Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program). The permanent criminal record from a DUI means if you are a student, you could lose your scholarships, grants and loans and not be able to afford to continue in college. If you are in the military, your could lose your rank, have a reduction in pay, lose your security clearances or be cycled out of the military. If you are a professional, such as a doctor, a lawyer, nurse, insurance agent or financial advisor, you could even lose your professional license and thus lose your livelihood! Additionally, most employers will not hire or will fail to promote a person with a DUI on their permanent criminal record. A DUI conviction is not a speeding ticket that goes on your driving record only, it is a serious charge and a criminal conviction that goes on your driving record and permanent criminal record for life!

WHAT DO I DO NEXT ?

Many people arrested for a DUI feel guilty and feel as though they have already been convicted in their mind. Remember, AN ARREST IS NOT A CONVICTION. If you have a DUI charge and/or related criminal tickets, you should talk with Attorney Freddy Woods immediately at 864-8100-DUI. THE FIRST PHONE CONSULTATION IS FREE. We will help you find out how your case could be resolved without you having to plead guilty or no contest and have a conviction that could negatively impact you for the rest of your life. Our firm is knowledge based and freely gives you the information that you need to make informed decisions about your case. We will take the time to walk you through the Court and the DMV processes.

If your license has been taken away and you wish to get your driving privileges back we can request an administrative hearing for you. From the date of arrest, you have 10 days to request a preliminary hearing and 30 days to request an administrative hearing or you lose very important rights and your driving privileges. We understand ADSAP and the DMV and know the steps that you need to take to protect yourself and your family. Call us now at 864-8100-DUI for a FREE phone consultation to know what to do to protect yourself and your family from a DUI conviction.

THE WOODS LAW FIRM

JUSTICE ON YOUR SIDE !