Should I Do Roadside Exercises or Provide a Breath Sample if I Get Pulled Over for DUI in South Carolina?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in South Carolina. If you are charged with DUI, you need to know your rights and options for defense. One of the first things you may encounter when facing a DUI charge is a request to take roadside exercises or a breath sample. But should you comply? In this blog post, we will discuss whether you should do roadside exercises or provide a breath sample if you get pulled over for DUI in South Carolina. We will also review what these exercises and breath samples are, and how an attorney can help you navigate this legal process.

Roadside exercises, also known as field sobriety tests, are physical tests given to drivers suspected of driving under the influence. These tests can include walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, and nose touching. While these exercises are not legally required, if you refuse to take them, it may be used against you in court.

The problem with roadside exercises is that they are subjective and can be influenced by various conditions such as fatigue or prescription medication. An experienced DUI attorney can challenge the accuracy of these tests in court. However, if you are confident in your ability to perform them, doing the roadside exercises may convince the officer that you are not under the influence, and you may avoid a DUI charge.

On the other hand, if you are asked to provide a breath sample, also known as a breathalyzer test, you are legally required to comply in South Carolina. Refusal to take a breathalyzer test can result in automatic suspension of your driver’s license for six months. Additionally, the prosecution can use your refusal as evidence of guilt in court.

If you blow over the legal limit of 0.08%, you may be charged with DUI. However, even if you refuse to take the breathalyzer test, an experienced DUI attorney can still challenge the results in court. For example, the attorney can argue that the breathalyzer was not properly calibrated or maintained.

How can an attorney help you when facing DUI charges in South Carolina? DUI laws are complex and ever-changing. An experienced attorney can review the evidence against you and determine if it was lawfully obtained. Additionally, the attorney can challenge the accuracy of the roadside exercises or the breathalyzer test. An attorney can also negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges or penalties.

At Isaacs & Alley, we have extensive experience in defending clients against DUI charges in Columbia, South Carolina. We understand the seriousness of these charges and the impact they can have on your life. Our goal is to provide you with aggressive defense representation and guide you through the legal process with dignity and respect.

If you are pulled over for DUI in South Carolina, you may be asked to do roadside exercises or provide a breath sample. Whether you comply or not depends on various factors, such as your confidence and the circumstances of your arrest. However, it is essential to remember that a DUI charge is a serious matter and can have serious consequences. Seeking the legal assistance of an experienced DUI attorney is crucial in protecting your rights and building a defense against the charges. At Isaacs & Alley, our legal team is ready to assist you with the comprehensive legal representation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.