A night out on the town with friends can be fun, but when it's time to get in the car and drive home, you should think twice before getting behind the wheel, especially if you've been drinking. Making the wrong decision to drink and drive has now cost a South Carolina man -- he was charged with a DUI.

The incident occurred February 3 just after midnight. The defendant was driving home when police spotted his vehicle and noticed that he had a broken taillight and was speeding. He was driving 13 miles over the speed limit.

The man, 21, was pulled over and the police officer noticed that his license plate tabs were also expired. When the officer was talking to the defendant, he detected alcohol on his breath and questioned the man as to whether or not he had been drinking. He admitted to having a few drinks at a local bar. The defendant was then asked to take a field sobriety test and his car was searched. Police found traces of marijuana in the car's ashtray.

The man was placed under arrest for DUI, expired tags, defective equipment, simple possession of marijuana, speeding and operating uninsured.

His passenger, a 17-year-old female, was also charged with minor possession of alcohol and simple possession of marijuana.

If you're facing a DUI charge in South Carolina, you need to speak with an attorney that specializes in DUI defense. An attorney understands how to defend you against fines, jail time and a permanent record. There are serious consequences associated with a drunk driving conviction and they could include:

  • A first offense is a misdemeanor and could involve a fine, license suspension and possible jail time.
  • A second offense involves a larger fine, probation and a one year license suspension.
  • A fourth offense is a felony and the penalties are severe.

As for the two defendants, their case will be heard in the next few months.

Source: The Times and Democrat, "Traffic stop for broken taillight, speeding also leads to DUI, simple possession charges," Feb. 12, 2012