Charged with DUI in South Carolina? Hire a South Carolina DUI lawyer

DUI or “Driving Under the Influence” has strict laws in the state of South Carolina, just like in other states of America. If you have been charged with a South Carolina DUI conviction, you may have to face fines, jail time, and other risks such as loss of your drivers license etc. Similarly, you will also have to face extra fines, charges or penalties if your BAC is well above the allowed limit, if you refused to submit to a test or if you were involved in a serious accident or injury.

Hiring a qualified South Carolina DUI lawyer is important even if you have been charged with a DUI offense the first time. Your DUI lawyer will review your case and determine what risks you may have to face. Similarly, he or she will be able to better defend your case and reduce the charges and fines ordered to you by court.

DUI Offense charges for BAC between 0.08 and 0.10

First time offense: A first time offense is fined $400 and the offender is jailed for minimum 2 days up to 30 days. Jail time can be replaced by 48 hours of community service, if approved by court.

Second time offense: A second time offense is fined between $2100 and $5100 along with minimum 5 days jail, up to 1 year.

Third time offense: A third offense is fined between $3800 up to $6300 and jailed for a minimum of 60 days up to 3 years.

Fourth or subsequent offense: The penalty for fourth or subsequent offenses includes minimum of 1 year in prison, up to 5 years.

DUI Offense charges for BAC between 0.10 and 0.16

First time offense: Offenders are fined $500 along with minimum3 days in jail, up to 30 days. The defense lawyer can appeal for 72 hours of community service instead of time in prison.

Second time offense: This offense is fined between $2500 up to $5500 along with minimum 30 days in jail, which can last up to 2 years.

Third time offense: This offense has a heavy fine between $5000 and $7500 along with minimum 90 days in jail, up to 4 years.

Fourth or subsequent offense: Fourth and subsequent offenses are sentenced to minimum 2 years in jail, and can last up to 6 years.

DUI Offense charges for BAC over 0.16

First time offense: This offense has a heavy fine of $1000 along with minimum 30 days in jail, up to 90 days. If the court allows the driver to serve only the minimum days in jail, the rest have to be made up by 30 days of community service.

Second time offense: Second time offenders with BAC over 0.16 are fined between $3500 up to $6500 along with minimum 90 days prison which can be as long as 3 years.

Third time offense: Third time offenders are fined between $7500 and $10000 along with 6 months of minimum jail time which can last up to 5 years.

Fourth or subsequent offense: Fourth or subsequent offenders with BAC above 0.16 are sentenced to minimum 3 years in prison, up to 7 years.

All DUI offenses in South Carolina include a mandatory drug and alcohol treatment program, along with the penalties listed above.

To fully understand the penalties associated with a South Carolina DUI charge, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a South Carolina DUI lawyer that you are most comfortable with and who can knowledgeably represent you throughout your trial and court proceedings.  You can find a South Carolina drunk driving attorney by typing in the city of your arrest above or call our 24 hour DUI hotline