Charged with DUI or DUAC in Charleston, S.C.? DUI Defense lawyer Grant B. Smaldone can help. Attorney Grant B. Smaldone is a trial lawyer focused on criminal defense in state and federal courts in Charleston, SC, and Eastern South Carolina. Grant takes criminal defense and your freedom seriously. He is a member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (SCACDL) and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).
He is a former prosecutor, a former public defender, and he has a proven track record of acquittals and dismissals in criminal cases ranging from traffic violations to murder prosecutions. Grant accepts state and federal criminal defense cases in Charleston County, Dorchester County, Georgetown County, Horry County, and the surrounding areas in Eastern South Carolina.
He is a former prosecutor, a former public defender, and he has a proven track record of acquittals and dismissals in criminal cases ranging from traffic violations to murder prosecutions. Grant accepts state and federal criminal defense cases in Charleston County, Dorchester County, Georgetown County, Horry County, and the surrounding areas in Eastern South Carolina.
Services
South Carolina Driving Under the Influence (DUI) laws are among the most complex in the nation. Although many attorneys dabble in criminal defense and DUI defense, few limit their law practice to focus on criminal defense and DUI defense. Grant Smaldone regularly trains in DUI defense and trial practice to keep up with changing SC DUI laws.
Most people understand that driving under the influence (DUI) means that you drive while you are drunk. Some people may also think that it means you drive after you've been drinking. It's really not - what are the elements of DUI in SC that a prosecutor must prove to get a conviction? And, what are the different types of DUI offenses in SC?
The potential penalties for a SC DUI conviction are based on the defendant's blood alcohol content, whether the defendant has prior convictions for DUI, and whether anyone was injured or killed because of the defendant's actions.
In addition to the potential for fines and prison time, however, there are many "collateral consequences" that police officers, prosecutors, judges, and even some attorneys may not tell you about before you decide to enter a guilty plea.What are the potential penalties for a SC DUI conviction and what are the other consequences that you should know about?
In addition to the potential for fines and prison time, however, there are many "collateral consequences" that police officers, prosecutors, judges, and even some attorneys may not tell you about before you decide to enter a guilty plea.What are the potential penalties for a SC DUI conviction and what are the other consequences that you should know about?
South Carolina's implied consent laws say that, if you drive on SC highways, you "impliedly consent" to breath tests if an officer suspects you of DUI. You have the right to refuse the breathalyzer - or blood tests unless they obtain a warrant. All is not lost, however - in many cases, we may be able to get your license back and avoid the other implied consent consequences if we are successful at your implied consent administrative hearing.
DUI law in SC is complex, and there is no "silver bullet" to get your case dismissed. Depending on the facts of your case, however, we may be able to get your case dismissed completely, have the ticket re-written to a non-DUI traffic violation, or win your case at trial.
Pursuant to a South Carolina Supreme Court case called City of Rock Hill v. Suchenski, if the officer does not follow the mandatory provisions of SC's DUI laws, your case may be dismissed either by the prosecutor or by the court.No videotape: the officer is required to record the entire traffic stop from the moment the blue lights are activated until you are placed under arrest;.
Pursuant to a South Carolina Supreme Court case called City of Rock Hill v. Suchenski, if the officer does not follow the mandatory provisions of SC's DUI laws, your case may be dismissed either by the prosecutor or by the court.No videotape: the officer is required to record the entire traffic stop from the moment the blue lights are activated until you are placed under arrest;.
Reviews (9)
Aj Johnston
Feb 10, 2021
Report
Elena Voloshin
Nov 26, 2020
Report
Some lawyers take care of themselves, but Grant Smaldone takes care of people!
He was a blessing during a time of tragedy and injustice. Not only did he really listen and understand the situation, he did everything he could to TRULY HELP me. He went above and beyond to realize that my case should never even go to trial and had it dismissed. He followed up to see how I was doing and even took steps to ensure that my record was expunged. Who does that anymore? Simply an AMAZING person that deserves nothing but praise and blessings. Thank you, Grant.
He was a blessing during a time of tragedy and injustice. Not only did he really listen and understand the situation, he did everything he could to TRULY HELP me. He went above and beyond to realize that my case should never even go to trial and had it dismissed. He followed up to see how I was doing and even took steps to ensure that my record was expunged. Who does that anymore? Simply an AMAZING person that deserves nothing but praise and blessings. Thank you, Grant.
David C.
Jul 16, 2020
Report
Dayne Phillips
Aug 11, 2019
Report
If you are looking for a true zealous advocate in the courtroom, Grant is the criminal defense lawyer you want by your side. He is not scared of the Government (Prosecutors) and is willing to fight for his clients. As a fellow lawyer, I can attest that he is passionate about defending those accused of crimes.
St Claire Clinkscales
Dec 06, 2018
Report
Trey Harrell
Nov 03, 2018
Report
Alana Isaacs
Sep 16, 2018
Report
The Law Office of Grant Smaldone is a very professional setting. Grant took the time to sit and listen to my concerns and needs. Not only did Grant help me win my case, he followed up afterwards to make sure things were well. I would definitely recommend him to any friends or family! Thanks Grant for all your hard work and effort!
Angela Shelton
Sep 14, 2018
Report
Danna Steele
Jul 25, 2018
Report