If you’re a commercial driver or CDL holder charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in South Carolina, your entire career may be on the line. Whether you were behind the wheel of a semi-truck, another commercial vehicle, or simply driving your personal car, a DUI arrest can trigger serious legal consequences, license suspensions, and even job loss.
At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we have experience defending professional truck drivers charged with DUI across Lexington, Columbia, and throughout South Carolina. We’ve represented drivers cited by local police, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, and State Transport Police—whether the arrest occurred on a major interstate, a weigh station, or a back road.
Ready for a free consultation? Call us at (803) 359-3301.
DUI Law in South Carolina – Not Just About a Breath Test
South Carolina’s DUI statute—S.C. Code § 56-5-2930—makes it a crime to drive while “under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances to the extent that the person’s faculties to drive are materially and appreciably impaired.”
This means:
- You do not have to "blow" over a certain number to be charged
- The standard to arrest is probable cause, or just the opinion of a police officer
- If you "blow" low or high, this doesn't mean that you are automatically guilty or not-guilty
We have represented CDL drivers who were arrested after allegedly drifting within their lane, rolling through a stop sign, or making an abrupt turn. In many cases, these minor driving behaviors are misinterpreted or exaggerated, and we are often able to challenge whether there was real evidence of impairment at all.
CDL Holders Are Held to a Higher Standard—And Often Targeted
Truck drivers and other commercial operators are frequently singled out for enforcement—especially during traffic blitzes, DOT checkpoints, or routine weigh station inspections. Even an arrest that might not affect a regular driver in the same way can have devastating consequences for a CDL holder.
We have represented clients who were arrested for DUI:
In their tractor-trailer or commercial vehicle
- Driving their personal vehicles
- Driving box trucks, utility vehicles, and other large rigs
- Driving commercial grade farming or heavy equipment
Regardless of the vehicle, a DUI can result in a disqualification of your CDL, even if you weren’t working at the time of the arrest.
Implied Consent Suspensions: Higher Stakes for CDL Drivers
In addition to the criminal DUI charge, South Carolina has an implied consent law that imposes separate license suspensions when:
- You refuse a breath, blood or urine test
- You "blow" 0.15 or higher
This triggers an administrative license suspension, which includes your CDL, and it’s handled by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
For CDL drivers, implied consent hearings are especially serious. Unlike standard cases, the DMV assigns an attorney to represent the agency at the hearing. This attorney will:
- Subpoena the arresting officer, forcing them to the hearing
- Subpoena the arrest officer's file, so they have the video and other evidence
- Advocate for the suspension of your license during the administrative hearing
We routinely represent truck drivers in these administrative hearings and fight to protect both their driving privileges and their careers. It's important to understand at the onset that as a CDL driver you begin facing immediate suspension of your CDL as soon as the officer gives you the "notice of suspension" form at the time of your arrest. This suspension is completely separate and apart from the actual DUI charge, and can apply whether or not you are ultimately convicted or the DUI, or your DUI is later dismissed or you are found not-guilty.
How We Help
The Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, provides comprehensive representation for CDL drivers facing DUI charges. We assist with both the criminal case and the DMV administrative proceedings, including:
- Challenging the legality of the original traffic stop
- Contesting evidence of field sobriety testing
- Contesting evidence of breath, blood or urine testing
- Disputing whether there is evidence of material and appreciable impairment
- Reviewing all video recordings and other evidence to look for possible defenses
We understand that for commercial drivers, a DUI isn’t just a ticket—it’s a threat to your entire livelihood.
Serving CDL Drivers Across South Carolina
From local roads to the interstates, we’ve represented truck drivers in Lexington, Columbia, and throughout the Midlands and beyond. Whether your case is in the Lexington County DUI Court, Richland County Central Court, City of Columbia Municipal Court, or any other magistrate, municipal or General Sessions Court, we can help.
Take Action to Protect Your Future
If you’re a CDL driver facing a DUI charge or license suspension, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the more options we have to challenge the case and protect your ability to work.
Call us today at (803) 359-3301, or request a confidential consultation through our online case evaluation form.
Disclaimer: No lawyer can promise or guarantee a result in any DUI or other criminal defense matter. Prior results obtained by the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, on behalf of previous clients does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients in other matters.