Is South Carolina an Open Records State?

If you have been accused of violating a traffic law in the state of South Carolina, you may find yourself worrying about how it can impact your future. This fear may become elevated when you begin wondering if South Carolina is an open records state. With the potential for the public to view your record, it can create difficulties in securing certain employment opportunities or with your insurance. Working with a traffic ticket lawyer can help.

Open Records in South Carolina

Not knowing whether South Carolina is an open records state may not regularly cross your mind, but when facing the long-lasting effects of having a traffic ticket on your record, you may develop a heightened need to get answers. Not only can a traffic ticket lawyer help get you these answers, but they can also represent you in your traffic case.

Simply put, yes, South Carolina is an open records state thanks to SC Code § 30-4-10 et seq. (the Freedom of Information Act). All 50 states have instilled different laws that require the government to make certain records available to the public. While SC Code of Laws § 30-4-40(a)(7 & 8) outlines certain topics that are exempt from discourse, a wide variety of topics are made available to the public, including past driving records.

The Long-Term Consequences of Traffic Tickets

One study shows that 24.6% of traffic tickets were issued for speeding, and additionally, it is estimated that roughly 10.54% of Americans have at least one speeding ticket on their record. Speeding tickets, as well as other past traffic violations, can have a long-lasting impact on your life, allowing one mistake to dictate your future. Here are some examples of the negative impact traffic tickets can have on your life:

• Fines and fees. Getting a traffic ticket can be expensive. Not only can the ticket be costly, but potential late fees or additional fees that come from a conviction can quickly add up to more than you can afford.
• Increased insurance rates. It is common for insurance rates to go up significantly when you are convicted of a traffic violation, either in court or by leaving your ticket uncontested. This can make affording insurance increasingly difficult to obtain and/or afford.

• Issues with employment. Some jobs require having a clean driving record, which means that having points on your record could result in termination. It is also possible that, if you have enough points on your record, your license could be suspended, making it much harder to get to your place of employment and hold down a non-remote job.

• License suspension. As previously stated, license suspension is a possible outcome of having traffic violation points on your driving record. In extreme cases, you may even find that your license has been revoked.

• Potential legal trouble in the future. While first-time traffic tickets may not come with a ton of long-lasting consequences, they have the potential to influence future driving charges, which may then result in more severe penalties.

Impacts of a Traffic Ticket on My Record

If a potential employer looks up your driving record and finds any past convictions, they may choose not to hire you. Having a clean driving record allows you to pursue jobs, housing, and other aspects of life with freedom and far more ease.

It is important to note, however, that the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) protects your past driving record from being available for sale or any unnecessary viewing. Past driving offenses can be visible to insurance agencies, businesses, government agencies, and vehicle safety alert systems upon request. This protects your address, Social Security information, and more from being abused by potential stalkers, fraudsters, and other forms of criminal activity.

Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer

When you choose to hire a traffic ticket lawyer, you can gain access to the support and guidance you need to pursue your desired outcomes. This may become essential should you end up in court.

Mack & Mack Attorneys predominantly works in the greater Fort Mill area, meaning that our clients typically may end up spending time at the Fort Mill Municipal Court. It is important to note, however, that if your ticket was issued on a state road like I-77 or anywhere outside of town limits, you may end up needing to go to the York County Magistrate Court (Fort Mill Township) instead.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer in South Carolina?

A: The cost of hiring a traffic ticket lawyer tends to vary case by case in the state of South Carolina. This is typically caused by the unique influence different variables can have on your final cost, including the severity of your charges, the complexity of your case, the firm you decide to hire, and the amount of time your case requires to reach a conclusion.

Q: Can I Represent Myself in My Traffic Ticket Case in South Carolina?

A: It is perfectly legal for you to represent yourself in your traffic ticket case while in South Carolina. Still, many individuals have decided to hire a lawyer to represent them instead, feeling that there is too much at risk to handle it alone, as well as determining that having the resources and guidance of a skilled traffic ticket lawyer can have a strong impact on the success of the case.

Q: What Driving Offenses Can Remain on My Driving Record Forever in South Carolina?

A: In South Carolina, certain driving offenses can remain on your driving record permanently, including driving under the influence (DUI) convictions. State law takes DUIs very seriously and, therefore, leaves them on your permanent record as a way of discouraging you from doing them again and protecting those who may hire or house you from becoming vulnerable to certain insurance liabilities.

Q: Does South Carolina’s Open Records Law Make My Driving Record Public?

A: Certain aspects of your driving record are included under South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act, meaning that they are open to public viewing. Certain details, such as your address, contact information, Social Security number, driver’s license picture, medical information, and emergency contacts, are withheld under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

Get More Information Today

The Mack family has been representing the people of the greater Fort Mill area for over 85 years, dedicating their time, focus, and numerous resources to supporting every one of their clients. If you are worried about what having a traffic ticket could mean for your future, Mack & Mack Attorneys can help you build your defense against your ticket, or, if you have already paid the ticket, can help you work toward getting it expunged.

Contact Mack & Mack Attorneys today to schedule a consultation and let us help you protect your future from being dictated by one mistake.