Police Receiving Additional DUI Detection Training in South Carolina

December 01, 2012

Drunk driving is one crime that often receives significant attention from both legislators and law enforcement. Legislators propose new rules that impose harsh penalties for those convicted, and law enforcement is aggressive in its effort to take drunk drivers off of local roadways.

In South Carolina, police in some communities received additional training on some new issues that are beginning to show up more frequently during DUI stops. As part of their investigation, officers may ask motorists if they have been drinking before they were pulled over, or if they have any alcohol currently in the vehicle. If the driver answers yes, he or she may be asked how many drinks they have had and what they were drinking, or asked to state what alcohol is currently present.

One of the reasons for these questions is the rise of so-called "alcopops." This can include caffeinated ("energy") drinks that contain alcohol, but also ingredients that make the user unaware of how much alcohol they may have consumed. Alcopops contain flavor additives that can mask the taste of the alcohol and usually contain higher concentrations of alcohol than a standard beer. Officers are being trained about the effects of alcopops so they have a better idea of whether or not a driver is impaired.

Motorists need to know that anything they say or do during a traffic stop can be used to support an officer's opinion that further investigation is necessary to determine if the motorist was driving under the influence. Further, anything said or done during a traffic stop or a subsequent DUI investigation, including field sobriety tests, can eventually be used against the motorist if they are charged and the matter goes to trial.

A DUI conviction can carry significant penalties in South Carolina. A first-offense DUI conviction can bring high fines and jail time. Also, offenders will lose their license, and face increased insurance costs. Those drivers that depend upon their license for employment could find themselves out of the job.

If you are facing DUI charges, it is important to take the matter seriously. While it may be tempting to try to quickly put the case behind you as soon as possible, each conviction can carry a lifetime of consequences. Repeat offenders face enhanced penalties, and this could result in the loss of a driver's license for a more extended period of time.

Know what options are available to you. Speak to an experience criminal defense attorney to understand what you can do in your situation. Prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions, and they are not looking out for your best interests. It is important that you protect your rights during this process.

Article provided by Carroll Law Firm
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