Legal Question in Traffic Law in South Carolina

DUS first offense

I lost my job last year. Because of that, I was unable to pay the taxes on my vehicle so my license was suspended. I got another job and was hoping to get this cleared up. After I worked 1 week and 1 day, my son was in an accident and I had to take time off of work to care for him. That caused me to lose that job. During that period the insurance lapsed on his vehicle, but it was in my name, and another suspension was placed on my license. Sine that time I have been able to pay the taxes and insurance but not able to pay the reinstatement fees for my license. During spring break, my sister came here from Florida to take my son and I on a trip for his graduation gift. Since she drove all the way to SC from Florida the day before and drove all the way to the coast from my home which is about 4hrs., she was falling asleep driving. My son was in the back seat asleep. So i decided to drive the rest of the way about 10 miles for our safety. Well, wouldn't you know, less than half a mile from our destination, I went through a license check and was charged with DUS. I have a mandatory court date 4 hrs away, but I do not have the $650.00 for the fine. What will happen in court?


Asked on 5/01/09, 11:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Johnston Law Offices of Robert J. Johnston

Re: DUS first offense

I cannot make any guarantees about any of this, but.......

Sometimes the court can reduce these fines some. Also, sometimes Magistrage and Municipal Courts are willing to set up payment plans on these tickets. Lastly, the court date on your ticket is for a Bench Trial, in which you can either plead guilty of have a trial that is decided by the judge. If you request a Jury Trial, then they will have to continue the case. That doesn't mean that you will have a Jury Trial. It simply preserves your right to one and will buy you some time. You can always plead guilty later after you have saved some money. Good luck

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Answered on 5/02/09, 1:19 pm


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