# The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. > Charged with a crime or DUI in Columbia or Charleston? Former prosecutor Randy Hough: 25+ years and 2,000+ DUI cases. Free consult: 803-771-4119. ## Key facts - Phone: 803-771-4119 - Office: 1720 Main St. Suite 105, Columbia, South Carolina 29201 - Office: 1110 Queensborough Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 - Website: https://www.houghlaw.com/ ## Practice areas and services - [Attorney Profile](https://www.houghlaw.com/a-randolph-hough/): A. Randolph (Randy) Hough: ex-Fifth Circuit prosecutor and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Citadel and USC Law grad, NCDD member. Columbia & Charleston. - [Charleston Criminal Defense](https://www.houghlaw.com/charleston/): Charleston criminal defense in state and federal court, serving Berkeley and Dorchester counties too. Former prosecutor Randy Hough. Free consultation. - [Charleston Assault and Battery](https://www.houghlaw.com/charleston/assault-and-battery/): Assault and battery charge in Charleston? SC degrees run from 3rd (up to 30 days) to ABHAN (up to 20 years). Self-defense and credibility are key defenses. - [Charleston Breath and Field Sobriety Tests](https://www.houghlaw.com/charleston/breath-and-field-sobriety-tests/): Failed or refused a breath or field sobriety test in Charleston? SC's only legal breath device, the DataMaster DMT, can be wrong. We challenge the tests. - [Charleston Drug Crimes](https://www.houghlaw.com/charleston/drug-crimes/): Charged with drug possession, distribution, or trafficking in Charleston? Former prosecutor Randy Hough challenges illegal searches. Mt. Pleasant office. - [Charleston Drug Trafficking and Sales](https://www.houghlaw.com/charleston/drug-trafficking-and-sales/): Drug trafficking charge in Charleston? Former state and federal prosecutor Randy Hough challenges the search, the drug weight, and chain of custody. - [Charleston DUI Defense](https://www.houghlaw.com/charleston/dui-defense/): DUI charge in Charleston? Randy Hough has handled 2,000+ DUI cases. A DUI can never be expunged in SC, so fight it from day one. Mt. Pleasant office. - [Charleston Homicide](https://www.houghlaw.com/charleston/homicide/): Murder, attempted murder, or manslaughter charge in Charleston? Attempted murder carries up to 30 years. Self-defense and the Castle Doctrine may apply. - [Charleston Ignition Interlock](https://www.houghlaw.com/charleston/ignition-interlock/): Ordered to install an ignition interlock in Charleston? Who needs an IID, what it costs, and how violations extend it. Charleston DUI defense lawyer. - [Charleston Marijuana Charges](https://www.houghlaw.com/charleston/marijuana-charges/): Marijuana is still illegal in SC, medical use included. Charged with possession, PWID, or trafficking in Charleston? PTI or drug court may help. - [Charleston OMVH Administration Hearings](https://www.houghlaw.com/charleston/omvh-administration-hearings/): License taken after a Charleston DUI arrest? Request an OMVH hearing within 30 days to keep driving. We challenge the stop and the breath test. - [Charleston Prescription Drugs](https://www.houghlaw.com/charleston/prescription-drugs/): Charged with having Xanax, oxycodone, or Adderall without a prescription, forgery, or doctor shopping in Charleston? Drug court and prescription defenses. - [Charleston Repeat DUI Offender](https://www.houghlaw.com/charleston/repeat-dui-offender/): A 2nd DUI in SC means at least 5 days in jail and a 1-year suspension; a 4th means permanent revocation. SC looks back 10 years. Charleston DUI lawyer. - [Criminal Defense](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/): Felony and misdemeanor defense in Columbia and Charleston: drugs, weapons, theft, domestic violence, homicide, sex crimes. Former prosecutor, 25+ years. - [Arson](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/arson/): Arson is a felony in SC: 1st degree has a 30-year minimum, 2nd 3–25 years, 3rd up to 15. An accidental fire isn't arson. Columbia arson defense lawyer. - [Assault and Battery](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/assault-and-battery/): ABHAN carries up to 20 years in SC, 1st-degree assault up to 10. Charged with assault and battery in Columbia? Defense lawyer with 25+ years' experience. - [Charges Against College Students](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/charges-against-college-students/): USC, Citadel, or College of Charleston student arrested? We handle DUI, drug, assault, fake ID, and underage drinking charges, plus campus discipline. - [Child Pornography](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/child-pornography/): Charged with sexual exploitation of a minor (child pornography) in SC? Hacked accounts and P2P file sharing can be defenses. Confidential consultation. - [Criminal Sexual Conduct](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/criminal-sexual-conduct/): CSC is SC's term for sexual battery: 1st degree 10–30 years, 2nd up to 20, 3rd up to 10, plus lifetime registry. Columbia criminal sexual conduct lawyer. - [Domestic Violence](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/domestic-violence/): SC domestic violence penalties run from 90 days (3rd degree) to 20 years (DVHAN), plus a lifetime gun ban. First offenders may qualify for PTI. - [Drug Crimes](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/drug-crimes/): Drug possession, distribution, or manufacturing charge in Columbia? Former federal drug prosecutor Randy Hough fights to suppress the evidence. - [Drug Trafficking and Sales](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/drug-crimes/drug-trafficking-and-sales/): In SC, having 10+ lbs of marijuana or 10+ grams of cocaine or meth can be trafficking, even with no sale. Penalties and defenses from a Columbia lawyer. - [Prescription Drugs](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/drug-crimes/prescription-drugs/): Charged with having pills without a prescription, forging a script, or doctor shopping in SC? Even carrying meds outside the bottle can mean arrest. - [Expungements & Pardons](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/expungements-pardons/): At the Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., we love helping clients seek the pardons and expungements that will change their lives. Call us today. - [Federal Charges](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/federal-charges/): Under federal investigation or indicted in SC? Randy Hough served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. Drug, fraud, weapons and conspiracy defense. - [Guns and Weapons](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/guns-and-weapons/): Charged with unlawful carry, illegal possession, or another SC weapons offense? Protect your gun rights and record with a Columbia defense lawyer. - [Homicide](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/homicide/): Murder in SC carries 30 years to life, voluntary manslaughter 2–30 years, involuntary up to 5. Self-defense and the Castle Doctrine may apply. - [Kidnapping](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/kidnapping/): Kidnapping under SC Code § 16-3-910 is a felony with up to 30 years. Custody disputes, consent, and lack of intent can be defenses. Columbia lawyer. - [Sex Crimes](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/sex-crimes/): Accused of sexual assault, statutory rape, or solicitation in SC? Former prosecutor Randy Hough fights the charge and the sex offender registry. - [Theft and Larceny](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/theft-and-larceny/): Petit larceny ($2,000 or less) is a misdemeanor in SC; grand larceny is a felony up to 10 years. Charged with theft, shoplifting, or burglary in Columbia? - [Robbery](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/theft-and-larceny/robbery/): Armed robbery in SC carries 10–30 years; strong-arm up to 20. Only dismissed or acquitted charges can be expunged; a pardon may help. Columbia lawyer. - [What’s At Stake](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/whats-at-stake/): A conviction in SC can cost you the right to vote until your sentence ends, own a gun, hold a professional license, and get student loans or food aid. - [White-Collar Crime](https://www.houghlaw.com/criminal-defense/white-collar-crime/): Under investigation for fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, or tax evasion? Former state and federal prosecutor Randy Hough defends white-collar cases. - [DUI Defense](https://www.houghlaw.com/dui-defense/): DUI or DUAC arrest in Columbia? Randy Hough has handled 2,000+ DUI cases as a prosecutor and defense lawyer. You have 30 days to fight a suspension. - [Breath Test and Field Sobriety Tests](https://www.houghlaw.com/dui-defense/breath-test-and-field-sobriety-tests/): You can refuse field sobriety and breath tests in SC, but refusal brings a 6-month suspension. DataMaster results can be challenged. 2,000+ DUI cases. - [Ignition Interlock](https://www.houghlaw.com/dui-defense/ignition-interlock/): Repeat offenders and many first offenders must use a camera-equipped IID in SC at their own cost. How the IID point system works and how to avoid it. - [OMVH Administration Hearings](https://www.houghlaw.com/dui-defense/omvh-administration-hearings/): You have 30 days after an SC DUI arrest to request an OMVH hearing. Keep driving on a TARL and fight the suspension with Columbia DUI lawyer Randy Hough. - [Repeat Offenders](https://www.houghlaw.com/dui-defense/repeat-offenders/): A 2nd DUI in SC brings 5 days to 3 years, a 1-year suspension, and an IID; a 3rd up to 5 years. Repeat DUI defense from a former prosecutor. - [Heroin Defense](https://www.houghlaw.com/heroin-defense/): Heroin possession is a felony in SC; PWID can mean up to 15 years on a first offense and trafficking 7–40 years. Former federal drug prosecutor. ## Case results and client reviews - [Testimonials](https://www.houghlaw.com/client-testimonials/): Read what clients say about Randy Hough and his team: clear communication, second chances, and results in Columbia and Charleston criminal and DUI cases. ## Firm pages - [Home](https://www.houghlaw.com/): Charged with a crime or DUI in Columbia or Charleston? Former prosecutor Randy Hough: 25+ years and 2,000+ DUI cases. Free consult: 803-771-4119. - [Blog](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/): SC criminal law explained: DUI checkpoints, breath tests, search and seizure, parole, and more from Columbia and Charleston attorney Randy Hough. - [Contact Us](https://www.houghlaw.com/contact-us/): Call 803-771-4119. Offices at 1720 Main St., Suite 105, Columbia, SC 29201 and 1110 Queensborough Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Free consultation. - [Videos](https://www.houghlaw.com/videos/): Watch Columbia and Charleston criminal defense and DUI lawyer Randy Hough explain how he defends people charged with crimes in South Carolina. - [Sitemap](https://www.houghlaw.com/sitemap/): Every page on the site - [XML sitemap](https://www.houghlaw.com/sitemap_index.xml): Machine-readable index of every published page and post ## Optional Recent articles from the firm's blog: - [Know Your Rights: What Constitutes a Lawful Search and Seizure in South Carolina?](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/know-your-rights-what-constitutes-a-lawful-search-and-seizure-in-south-carolina/): SC police need a warrant, consent, probable cause with exigent circumstances, a lawful arrest, or plain view to search. See what makes a search illegal. - [Am I Eligible for House Arrest in South Carolina?](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/am-i-eligible-for-house-arrest-in-south-carolina/): House arrest in SC can come with bond or a sentence. See the factors judges weigh, ankle-monitor rules and costs, and whether it counts as time served. - [Weird Laws in South Carolina](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/weird-laws-in-south-carolina/): Pinball under 18, Sunday silverware sales, dancing past midnight Saturday: South Carolina's strangest laws still on the books, and what if you're charged. - [Can My Medical Condition Affect My Field Sobriety Test?](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/can-my-medical-condition-affect-my-field-sobriety-test/): Yes. Inner ear and neurological disorders, back or knee injuries, and arthritis can mimic impairment on the HGN, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand tests. - [The 10 Most Common White-Collar Crimes](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/the-10-most-common-white-collar-crimes/): Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, identity theft, money laundering, bribery, tax evasion, cybercrime, forgery, and Ponzi schemes, with examples. - [Can My Text Messages Be Used Against Me in Court?](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/can-my-text-messages-be-used-against-me-in-court/): Yes, if prosecutors prove a text is authentic, relevant, and legally obtained. How texts (even deleted ones) become evidence and how to challenge them. - [What Is a Reckless Vehicular Homicide Charge in South Carolina?](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/what-is-a-reckless-vehicular-homicide-charge-in-south-carolina/): In SC, reckless homicide is a death within 3 years caused by driving in reckless disregard of others' safety. What counts as reckless and how it's fought. - [Do I Have to Take a Plea Deal?](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/do-i-have-to-take-a-plea-deal/): No. You never have to accept a plea deal. The pleas available in SC (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere, Alford), when deals come, and how to decide. - [Challenging a Traffic Stop for “Driving While High” in South Carolina](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/challenging-a-traffic-stop-for-driving-while-high-in-south-carolina/): There's no roadside marijuana sobriety test, and THC in blood or urine doesn't prove impairment. How SC police test for driving high and common defenses. - [Understanding DUI Checkpoints in South Carolina](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/understanding-dui-checkpoints-in-south-carolina/): SC DUI checkpoints must use neutral selection, advance notice, and brief stops. What you must provide, what you can refuse, and how to fight an arrest. - [The Use of Expert Witnesses in Murder Defense](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/the-use-of-expert-witnesses-in-murder-defense/): Forensic, ballistics, pathology, and psychological experts can challenge the prosecution's story, especially in self-defense cases. How it works at trial. - [How Do You Get a Pardon in South Carolina?](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/how-do-you-get-a-pardon-in-south-carolina/): Seeking a pardon in South Carolina? The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. has successfully helped people throughout the state obtain pardons. - [A Detailed Look at Trump’s Presidential Pardons](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/a-detailed-look-at-trumps-presidential-pardons/): Who has Trump pardoned so far? Is he finished yet? Find out the implications of presidential clemency and commutations from South Carolina attorney Randy Hough. - [Domestic Assault Rates Rose During the Early Days of the Covid-19 Pandemic](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/domestic-assault-rates-rose-during-the-early-days-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/): During Covid-19, The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. are ready to help clients facing assault charges in South Carolina. - [Can Medications Affect a Datamaster Breath Test?](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/can-medications-affect-a-datamaster-breath-test/): Asthma inhalers, NyQuil, mouthwash, oral gels like Anbesol, acid reflux, and diabetic ketones can cause false-high DataMaster readings in SC DUI cases. - [Can I Get a DUI On a Boat in South Carolina?](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/can-i-get-a-dui-on-a-boat-in-south-carolina/): Yes, SC calls it BUI. There's no open-container law on boats, but operating while impaired means jail, fines, and a boating suspension. - [From One Lawyer to Another: Protecting College Students Charged with DUI](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/from-one-lawyer-to-another-protecting-college-students-charged-with-dui/): A DUI can never be expunged in SC, and PTI isn't available for DUI. Deadlines, license hearings, and out-of-state issues college students must know. - [Should I Get a Lawyer if I’m Charged with DUI in Charleston or Columbia?](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/should-i-get-a-lawyer-if-im-charged-with-dui-in-charleston-or-columbia/): A DUI arrest can mean heavy fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Learn why you need a Charleston or Columbia DUI lawyer. - [How the Criminal Justice System Is Handling Covid-19](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/how-the-criminal-justice-system-is-handling-covid-19/): How SC courts, jails, and prosecutors changed during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic: remote hearings, jury-trial limits, early releases, speedy-trial issues. - [Can a Criminal Record Affect Your Ability to Obtain a Loan through the CARES Act Stimulus Package?](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/can-a-criminal-record-affect-your-ability-to-obtain-a-loan-through-the-cares-act-stimulus-package/): Early CARES Act rules let the SBA deny loans to many owners with a criminal record or diversion. What that meant and how records can be cleared. - [Why You Want an Attorney to Represent You at an OMVH Hearing after a DUI Arrest](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/why-you-want-an-attorney-to-represent-you-at-an-omvh-hearing-after-a-dui-arrest/): At an SC OMVH hearing, your lawyer can challenge the stop, the arrest, and the breath test to save your license. Request it within 30 days of arrest. - [University Studies Confirm That the Drug Epidemic Is More Deadly Than Reported](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/university-studies-confirm-that-the-drug-epidemic-is-more-deadly-than-reported/): University studies confirm the drug epidemic is deadlier than reported. Learn what that means for drug charges in South Carolina. - [Understanding the Parole System in South Carolina](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/understanding-the-parole-system-in-south-carolina/): SC's Board of Paroles and Pardons, not the judge, decides parole. The conditions parolees must follow, parole vs. probation, and revocation hearings. - [An Announcement and Response to the COVID-19 Crisis](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/an-announcement-and-response-to-the-covid-19-crisis/): Our March 2020 update on how The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. stayed open during COVID-19, with remote consultations and safety precautions. - [Gun Ranges Are Legally Protected in South Carolina](https://www.houghlaw.com/blog/gun-ranges-are-legally-protected-in-south-carolina/): What SC's Shooting Range Protection Act of 2000 covers, how state gun law overrides local rules, and what shooters should know about reckless discharge. --- Attorney advertising. The information on this website is general and is not legal advice; contacting The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Last updated: 2026-10-01