DUI occurrences on the rise! DUI Attorney Daniel Selwa is here to help!

Summer is here and people are traveling from all over the world to come to Myrtle Beach and enjoy the beautiful weather and attractions. Typically, visitors plan ahead by doing their research prior to their vacation but what visitors cannot prepare for is the rising number of DUI charges in the Myrtle Beach area.  However, visitors and locals alike can prepare for their safety by becoming educated on the current DUI trend in the area.

The DUI arrest rate has tripled this year as compared to last year as reported by local news station WMBF News. The recent alarming rate of DUI charges has been linked to the influx of visitors in the Myrtle Beach area. Even if drinking is not included in the vacation plans in Myrtle Beach, it is important to drive with care and be aware of surrounding vehicles on the roadways. If drinking is involved, it is critical to know what a DUI entails and the consequences of being charged with a DUI.

As defined by statute, the elements of DUI (drinking under the influence) are: driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs or substances to the extent that the driver’s faculties to drive are materially and appreciably impaired. In other words, if because of alcohol and/or drugs a driver is not able to drive with reasonable care then he has violated the statute.  In order to determine if one is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, a blood alcohol level is taken. If one has a blood alcohol level of  .08% or more, there is an inference that he is under the influence.

 If charged with a DUI as a first offense, one can face community service time up to 30 days or a $400 fine.  If the blood alcohol level is .10% but less than .16%, community service hours will be 72 hours and fines could reach $500 dollars. If the blood alcohol level is .16% or more, community service hours will be 90 days and fines will reach $1000.  If charged with a DUI as a second, third or fourth offense, the consequences will be much more severe and consequences could reach jail time and revocation of one’s drivers license.

I hope you found this information helpful. If you have any questions or just need more information, contact attorney Daniel Selwa. He is experienced and ready to assist should you need him for a DUI charge you or one of your loved ones is facing.