In The NewsDrunk Driving Arrests Down in South CarolinaApril 9, 2006 A recently released report shows that drunk driving arrests were down 33 percent between 2000 and 2004 throughout South Carolina. During the same period, critics contend, the number of alcohol related crashes and fatalities rose. Critics are angry at the recent numbers and say that police are not doing enough to prevent drunk driving from happening in the first place. During 2004 police made 9,200 drunk driving arrests, down from 14,000 in 2000. Law enforcement officials have responded to the accusation that they are not doing enough with their own criticism regarding a 15 percent reduction in workforce for the state’s highway troopers over the past five years. Some changes that went into effect in South Carolina in 2003 made drunk driving laws intricate and many say that the newer laws are more complicated to enforce. South Carolina’s laws are notoriously complicated when it comes to DUIs and DWIs. The state responded to federal levels of blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher for drunk driving convictions but also had problems with similar laws on the book that said it was .10 percent. Russell Roark, the commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol said that last year 100 state troopers were added and that this year 100 more are expected to be hired. He thinks the additional forces will create higher rates of drunk driving arrests and a lessoning of alcohol related vehicle accidents in the state. Some critics are saying that the state’s laws are too vague, complicated and sometimes contradictory for police to effectively make arrests. Many groups are calling for an overhaul of the state’s system and new laws that are clearer. Under South Carolina law police arresting suspects for drunk driving must follow a complicated set of procedures, including reading the suspect their rights many times throughout the process. If one of these elements is not in place during a court hearing the entire case can be effectively thrown out. Critics are saying that these laws are making police wary about arresting people for drunk driving. Because of the complicated nature of South Carolina DUI laws it is vital to have an effective law firm who is experienced in the state’s legal system on your side if you have been convicted of or charged with drinking and driving. Whether you have been involved in a drunk driving accident or been charged with a DWI we can help you. The Louthian Law Firm, P.A., South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers, has been in practice since 1959 and is one of the oldest law firms in the state. We are available at anytime for free, confidential consultations on any potential legal case. Contact our office for more information about the new legal changes that are being made throughout South Carolina. By keeping yourself informed you will be able to retain your rights and protect yourself and your family from harm. back to articlesSouth Carolina Auto Accident Lawyer Disclaimer: The automobile accident, car crash, motor vehicle accident, auto collision, or other legal personal injury information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Further communication with our attorneys through the website and email may not be considered as confidential or privileged. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of South Carolina. |