Most DUI charges in South Carolina do not end in a DUI conviction. In many cases handled by the Greg McCollum Complete Legal Defense Team, DUI charges are reduced to a reckless driving offense rather than proceeding as a DUI conviction. Whether a reduction is possible depends on the facts of each case.
Many DUI Charges Are Reduced to Reckless Driving
In a large share of DUI cases, often cited in the range of 90 to 95 percent, the charge can be reduced to reckless driving rather than resulting in a DUI conviction. Reckless driving is a traffic ticket rather than a DUI conviction, though it still carries real consequences.
Watch Greg McCollum explain this in detail
What a Reckless Driving Reduction Means
A reckless driving ticket in South Carolina is a six-point ticket and typically carries a fine in the range of approximately $445 to $450. In many cases, a person facing this type of reduction may not have to appear in court at all.
Why So Many DUI Cases Get Reduced
The volume of DUI cases moving through South Carolina courts plays a role in how often reductions happen. There are a large number of DUI cases filed, and court systems often do not have the capacity to take every case to trial, which can contribute to cases being resolved through a reduced charge rather than a full DUI prosecution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I automatically be convicted if I’m charged with DUI in South Carolina? Not necessarily. Many DUI charges in South Carolina are resolved through a reduction to reckless driving rather than a DUI conviction.
What is a reckless driving charge? Reckless driving is a traffic ticket, not a DUI conviction. In South Carolina, it is a six-point ticket that typically carries a fine of approximately $445 to $450.
Will I have to go to court if my DUI is reduced? In many cases, a person whose DUI charge is reduced to reckless driving may not need to appear in court.
Why are so many DUI charges reduced instead of going to trial? The high volume of DUI cases filed in South Carolina, combined with limited court capacity to try every case, can contribute to charges being resolved through reduction.
Facing a DUI Charge in South Carolina?
Greg McCollum brings close to 30 years of experience to DUI defense in South Carolina, including experience as a former prosecutor. That background can inform how a DUI case is evaluated and handled from the earliest stages of a charge.
If you have questions about your DUI charge, call the Greg McCollum Complete Legal Defense Team at (843) 626-5480. Consultations are confidential.
