Traffic Violations Trusted Counsel for Greenville and Spartanburg

Greenville Traffic Violation Attorneys

Pulled Over in Spartanburg & the Surrounding Areas? Sarratt & Horta Vorse, P.A. Can Help.

Receiving a traffic ticket in South Carolina can be more than just a minor inconvenience. It can have lasting consequences. A simple speeding ticket can lead to points on your license, which can cause your insurance rates to skyrocket and lead to a license suspension. More serious offenses, like reckless driving or a DUI, can result in steep fines or even incarceration.

At Sarratt & Horta Vorse, P.A., we can help you fight alleged traffic violations and work to protect your driving record. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys can invest the time to thoroughly analyze every detail of your case and develop a strategy designed to secure the best possible outcome, no matter your circumstances. Whether you're in danger of losing your driving privileges or are facing serious felony charges, we can provide solutions-driven advocacy. We prepare every case for trial and are ready to go to court if that's what is necessary to protect your rights, freedom, and future.

Call (864) 635-6145 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation with our Greenville traffic violation lawyers. Se habla español.

The Driver's License Point System in South Carolina, Explained

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) assigns a specific number of points to a driver's record upon conviction for a traffic violation. The more serious the offense, the higher the points it carries.

These points accumulate over time. If you collect 12 or more points within a two-year period, the SCDMV automatically suspends your license unless you challenge the suspension within ten days of receiving notice from the DMV. The length of the suspension depends on the total number of points: 12 to 15 points result in a three-month suspension, 16 to 17 points a four-month suspension, and so on, up to a six-month suspension for 20 or more points. You can reduce your point total by four points one time every three years by completing an approved defensive driving course. Points on your record are also reduced by half after one year and completely disappear after two years.

If you are facing a driver's license suspension due to accumulated points or a serious traffic violation, our attorneys can help you fight to keep your driving privileges. We can challenge the suspension by requesting a contested case hearing with the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings within ten days of receiving notice. During this hearing, we can present arguments and evidence to demonstrate that the suspension is unwarranted or that you do not meet the criteria for suspension. Even if a suspension is upheld, we can guide you through the process of applying for a route restricted license, which allows you to legally drive to and from work and school.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

While some traffic violations are only considered “infractions,” you may not realize that many offenses are classified as criminal misdemeanors in South Carolina. Some are even charged as felonies. You should take any criminal charge extremely seriously and not wait to get legal advice.

Our team at Sarratt & Horta Vorse, P.A. can help you understand your rights and legal options for many common traffic violations, including:

Speeding. The points you will receive on your license for speeding depend on how far over the limit you were going. Speeding up to ten mph over the speed limit will lead to two points, speeding ten to 25 mph over the limit will result in four points, and speeding 25 mph over the limit will lead to six points.
Reckless driving. Reckless driving is a more serious offense than a standard speeding ticket. An officer can charge you with reckless driving when you operate a vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. This is a criminal misdemeanor, not just a traffic infraction. While excessive speeding is an example of reckless driving, this charge can also be issued for things like aggressive weaving through traffic or other dangerous maneuvers. A conviction for a first offense can result in a six-point penalty on your license, a fine, and a jail sentence of up to 30 days.
Driving under suspension (DUS). Driving under suspension is a criminal offense in South Carolina, and it is charged as a misdemeanor. An officer can charge you with DUS when they discover your driver's license is suspended, canceled, or revoked. The penalties for DUS are severe and increase with each offense. For a first offense, you face a fine and up to 30 days in jail. The penalties get significantly harsher for repeat offenders. Additionally, a DUS conviction can extend your license suspension period, making it even harder to get your driving privileges back.
Driving without a license. Driving without a license is a misdemeanor. An officer can charge you with this offense when you are driving and have no valid driver's license at all, as opposed to driving with a suspended license. A first-time offense carries a fine of up to $100 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 45 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense carries a minimum of 45 days in jail and a maximum penalty of up to six months in prison.
Driving under the influence (DUI). DUI is one of the most serious traffic-related offenses in South Carolina. An officer can charge you with DUI when they believe you are operating a vehicle while materially and appreciably impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. The charge is based on the results of a breath, blood, or urine test, or based on the officer's observations of your impaired driving. A DUI is generally a misdemeanor for a first offense, but penalties include a mandatory fine, jail time, and license suspension. Multiple convictions or a DUI causing serious injury or death can lead to felony charges and significantly harsher penalties.
Leaving the scene of an accident. This violation, also known as a hit and run, is a criminal offense. You can face these charges when you fail to stop, exchange information, and render aid after being involved in an accident. The severity of the charge depends on the level of damage or injury caused. When there's only property damage, the offense is charged as a misdemeanor, and penalties include up to $100 in fines and up to 30 days of jail time. If someone suffers minor injuries in the accident, the charge is still a misdemeanor, but the potential punishments increase to up to $5,000 in fines and up to one year in jail. A hit and run becomes a felony when someone is seriously injured or killed. For serious injury cases, the penalties include up to $10,000 in fines and up to 10 years in prison. For fatalities, you can face up to $25,000 in fines and up to 25 years of incarceration.

Don't wait to explore your legal options if you are facing a serious traffic violation. Call (864) 635-6145 or contact us online today.

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