Legal Question in DUI Law in South Carolina

Re: No LO Contendre crossing state lines

Multi-jurisdictional issues concerning charges in one jurisdiction impacting your driving privilege in another pose particular problems. Georgia no longer recognizes a nolo contendere as saving one's license. When Georgia receives a notice of conviction of one of its citizens in another state, even if by way of a nolo contendere plea, the Department of Public Safety will issue a notice of suspension. You need representation by someone who can coordinate the plea in SC with the procedure in Georgia for issuance of a certificate of first conviction (in 5 years) in order to get limited driving permit.

Jim Hough

770-607-5300

Re: No LO Contendre crossing state lines

I see you have already received a response by a Georgia lawyer advising you of the law in that state. As a South Carolina lawyer, and after reading the other lawyer's response, I can tell you that I have had a lot of sucess with a judge signing an order with certain language which would help the defendant in another state where he/she is licensed. The other lawyer said you needed a "certificate of first conviction." We don't have such a thing. However, we can have that language put in the court order and also obtain a driver's record which would show no other convictions (assuming in fact there are no other convictions) The other option, other than going to trial of course, would be to neogotiate a reduced charge. That cannot be accompliced on all DUI's, but depending on the facts of your particular arrest, it might be a feasible alternative. Good luck.

Robert Johnston 843-828-1137