A DUI arrest anywhere in South Carolina threatens your freedom, livelihood, and future with consequences extending far beyond courtroom convictions—mandatory jail time even for first offenses, permanent criminal records destroying careers, and license suspensions eliminating your ability to work or care for family.
Available 24/7 - Statewide DUI Defense Coverage
Whether arrested by South Carolina Highway Patrol at a checkpoint, charged after an accident in Charleston, accused of felony DUI causing injury in the Midlands, or facing prosecution in any of South Carolina's 46 counties, these cases involve complex scientific evidence, constitutional issues, and prosecutors who treat every DUI as serious criminal conduct.
Matt McGuire has defended DUI charges across South Carolina for over three decades, from Beaufort to Greenville, Hilton Head to Rock Hill, appearing in municipal courts, magistrate courts, and circuit courts throughout the state protecting drivers from convictions.
DUI defense demands attorneys who understand breathalyzer science, blood test chemistry, field sobriety protocols, and the constitutional protections that create powerful defenses. Three decades of focused expertise separates effective DUI defense from general criminal practice.
Deep understanding of DataMaster DMT operation, calibration requirements, maintenance protocols, and the technical failures that produce inaccurate BAC readings creating reasonable doubt.
Comprehensive knowledge of NHTSA standardized field sobriety test protocols, identifying administration errors and medical conditions that invalidate test results.
Understanding blood draw procedures, chain of custody requirements, laboratory protocols, and fermentation issues that compromise blood test reliability.
Identifying Fourth Amendment violations in traffic stops, checkpoint operations, and detention extensions that provide grounds for evidence suppression.
Simultaneous defense at SCDMV administrative hearings, understanding the distinct procedures and standards that affect license suspension outcomes.
South Carolina imposes some of the nation's harshest DUI penalties with escalating consequences based on BAC level, prior convictions, and whether injuries occurred. We defend all DUI charges statewide.
Defense against first DUI charges carrying 48 hours to 30 days jail, $400 fines, six-month suspension, and mandatory ADSAP enrollment.
Defense against second DUI within 10 years requiring 48 hours to one year imprisonment, up to $5,100 fines, and Ignition Interlock Device.
Defense against third DUI mandating 60 days to three years imprisonment, up to $6,300 fines, two-year suspension, and permanent ignition interlock.
Defense against fourth and subsequent DUI offenses carrying one to five years prison, permanent license revocation, and vehicle forfeiture.
Defense against felony DUI causing great bodily injury carrying mandatory minimum 30 days up to 15 years imprisonment.
Defense against felony DUI causing death requiring mandatory minimum one year up to 25 years imprisonment when fatalities occur.
Dashcam footage is automatically deleted within weeks, DataMaster calibration records are purged, and blood samples degrade. Immediate action preserves the evidence that wins cases.
DUI charges threaten everything—your job, your license, your freedom. You deserve attorneys who combine scientific expertise with unwavering commitment to protecting your future against prosecutors seeking maximum penalties.
DUI arrests happen at any hour. We respond immediately to provide guidance during the critical first hours when decisions about testing and statements have lasting consequences.
We approach every DUI case with scientific skepticism, challenging breathalyzer results, blood tests, and field sobriety evaluations with technical precision.
Understanding that DUI cases involve both criminal prosecution and DMV administrative proceedings, we defend aggressively on both fronts simultaneously.
Beyond avoiding jail, we understand that DUI convictions destroy careers. We fight to protect your professional license, CDL credentials, and employment prospects.
We explain complex DUI science, procedures, and strategies clearly. You'll understand every aspect of your defense and participate in key decisions.
Every DUI case presents opportunities for challenge. Scientific evidence is only as reliable as the procedures used to collect it, and officers frequently make errors that invalidate their evidence.
Attacking the legality of initial traffic stops when officers lacked reasonable suspicion of traffic violations or criminal activity.
Questioning breathalyzer calibration, maintenance logs, operator certification, and radio frequency interference affecting accuracy.
Exposing improper administration of Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk-and-Turn, or One-Leg Stand standardized tests.
Attacking improper draw procedures, chain of custody violations, laboratory errors, or inadequate preservative creating fermentation.
Proving BAC was below .08% while driving but rose above the legal limit during delay before testing occurred.
Attacking checkpoint operations violating Fourth Amendment requirements for written plans, supervisory oversight, and neutral selection.
DUI cases are won or lost on technical details—breathalyzer calibration records, blood test chain of custody, and officer compliance with standardized procedures. Matt McGuire brings over 30 years of focused DUI defense experience to every case throughout South Carolina.
Over 30 years defending DUI charges throughout all 46 South Carolina counties, from Charleston to Greenville, Myrtle Beach to Columbia, and everywhere between.
Deep understanding of breathalyzer technology, blood testing procedures, and field sobriety protocols enabling effective challenges to prosecution evidence.
Representing clients at SCDMV administrative hearings statewide, understanding that winning these hearings preserves driving privileges and strengthens criminal defenses.
Familiarity with prosecutors, judges, and court procedures in municipal courts, magistrate courts, and circuit courts throughout South Carolina.
Focused on outcomes that matter—dismissed charges, suppressed evidence, reduced penalties, and preserved driving privileges protecting your future.
South Carolina's DUI penalties are among the nation's harshest, with mandatory minimums that judges cannot reduce. Understanding what's at stake reveals why aggressive defense is essential.
Missing the deadline to request an SCDMV administrative hearing results in automatic license suspension. Contact us immediately after any DUI arrest to protect your driving privileges.
DUI cases involve unique procedures and tight deadlines that differ from other criminal charges. Here are answers to questions South Carolina drivers commonly ask about DUI defense.
Refusal triggers automatic six-month administrative suspension but eliminates the strongest evidence against you. This decision depends on circumstances—call immediately after arrest for guidance specific to your situation.
Yes. DataMaster DMT machines require proper calibration, maintenance, and operator certification. Radio frequency interference, mouth alcohol, and medical conditions also affect accuracy.
No. Field sobriety tests are voluntary in South Carolina and designed to create evidence supporting arrest. You can politely decline without automatic license suspension consequences.
DMV hearings address license suspension using preponderance of evidence. Criminal court addresses jail, fines, and criminal records requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt. Both require representation.
Only 30 days from arrest to request SCDMV administrative hearings. Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension regardless of criminal case outcomes.
Yes. South Carolina does not offer expungement for DUI convictions. Even first-offense DUI creates a permanent criminal record visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards.
Your Temporary Alcohol License is valid for 30 days. Requesting a DMV hearing extends driving privileges. If suspended, Ignition Interlock Device may allow limited driving.
Yes. We appear in courts throughout all 46 South Carolina counties—from Charleston to Greenville, Myrtle Beach to Rock Hill, and everywhere in between.
With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina.
McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation.
McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here.
Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.
Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.
Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.
Don't let another day pass without proper legal protection against DUI charges and their devastating consequences. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that personal, aggressive, and effective legal representation can make in your DUI defense case.
Matt McGuire has defended DUI charges across all 46 South Carolina counties for over 30 years, appearing in courts from Charleston to Greenville, Myrtle Beach to Columbia, and everywhere between.
