CRIMINAL & DUI DEFENSE

Travis Newton Law Firm has defended thousands of clients in South Carolina Summary and General Sessions Courts. Travis Newton has presented oral arguments before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and is an approved Continuing Legal Education (CLE) instructor. Attorney Newton is Lead Counsel Rated by Thomson Reuters with an Avvo Rating of Ten in the legal practice areas of Criminal Defense, Driving Under the Influence, and Personal Injury. Travis Newton is a founding member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys.

The purpose of the attorney-client privilege is to encourage open communication between clients and lawyers. This helps lawyers advocate effectively for clients and prevents attorneys from revealing information provided to them by their clients.  While the attorney-client privilege is a formal rule that prevents an attorney from testifying about a client’s statements, the duty of confidentiality covers any discussions about a client’s case. A lawyer must keep this information private if it is related to their work for the client. 

Miranda Warning refers to the constitutional requirement that once an individual is detained by the police, there are certain warnings a police officer is required to give to a detainee. The requirement to give Miranda warnings came from the Supreme Court decision, Miranda v. Arizona where the Court held a defendant cannot be questioned by police in the context of a custodial interrogation until the defendant is made aware of the right to remain silent, the right to consult with an attorney, and to have the attorney present during questioning, and the right to have an attorney appointed if indigent. 

These warnings stem from the 5th Amendment privilege against self-incrimination and the 6th Amendment right to counsel. Without a Miranda Warning or a valid waiver of the Miranda rights, statements made may be inadmissible at trial under the exclusionary rule which prevents a party from using evidence at trial which had been gathered in violation of the United States Constitution.

This means a defendant has the right NOT to answer questions from police and may request to speak with a criminal defense attorney. If you have been arrested or if you are under investigation for criminal activity it is important to speak with a criminal defense attorney before speaking with the police. If you are questioned by police it is important to exercise your right to remain silent and then contact a criminal defense attorney to discuss your legal matter.

What Are Your Miranda Rights?


You have the right to remain silent

Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law

You have the right to an attorney

If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you

South Carolina DUI penalties carry serious consequences from both the State of South Carolina and the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Do not wait to contact a DUI Defense Attorney after being charged with DUI. If your South Carolina driver's license is suspended for an implied consent violation there are important filing deadlines that if missed will disqualify your potential eligibility to have your driving privileges restored.

It is not uncommon for a sober motorist to mimic signs of impairment during a traffic stop or DUI investigation. Nervousness, fear, fatigue, anxiety, physical limitations, illness, caffeine, etc. can cause a motorist to exhibit many of the same clues police officers use to identify an impaired driver.  The experimental methods used to develop Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) have not been peer-reviewed which is the customary method for validation in the scientific community. To learn more about the flawed science behind SFSTs contact DUI Defense Attorney Travis Newton.

• What are the consequences of a South Carolina DUI conviction?

• Is there mandatory jail time for a DUI conviction?

• What are the total fines?

• How long will I lose my South Carolina Driver's License?

• Will I be subjected to random drug and alcohol testing?

• Will I be forced to attend mandatory drug and alcohol counseling?

• What is The Alcohol Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP)?

• What is SR-22?

• What are the consequences for my auto-insurance premium?

• Are Field Sobriety Tests reliable?

• Is the Datamaster (breathalyzer) reliable?

• Will I be forced to blow into an ignition interlock device each time I start my vehicle?

For answers to the proceeding questions and to address the specific facts of your case contact DUI Defense Attorney Travis Newton for a free consultation.

Travis Newton Law Firm has defended thousands of clients in South Carolina Summary and General Sessions Courts. Travis Newton has presented oral arguments before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and is an approved Continuing Legal Education (CLE) instructor. Attorney Newton is Lead Counsel Rated by Thomson Reuters with an Avvo Rating of Ten in the legal practice areas of Criminal Defense, Driving Under the Influence, and Personal Injury. Travis Newton is a founding member and State Ambassador for the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys.

The materials available on this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use of and access to this Web site or any of the e-mail links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between Travis A. Newton or the user or browser.