In the state of South Carolina, you can be convicted of drunk driving if you have a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. The penalties that you’ll face depend on the number of convictions that you’ve had in the past as well as a few other factors.
What are the penalties for a DUI conviction?
If this is your first DUI charge, you could receive a fine up to $400 and 30 days in prison. Your driver’s license might also be suspended for up to six months. For second offenses, you could be fined up to $5,100 and imprisoned for up to a year. Your license might be suspended for one year.
For a third offense, you could be fined up to $6,300 and receive two years in prison. Your vehicle will be confiscated if you commit a third offense within ten years of your first offense. Your driver’s license might also be suspended for up to two years, or four years if your first offense was less than five years ago.
Any offenses after that could result in permanent suspension of your license and up to five years in prison. You might accrue additional charges if you have an open container of alcohol in your vehicle. Talk to an attorney if you have any questions about your charges.
Is it possible to fight a DUI charge?
When you get your driver’s license, you are giving police officers implied consent to pull you over and give you a sobriety test if they suspect that you are driving under the influence. However, that doesn’t mean that the police are infallible. An attorney could help you defend yourself in court if the officer violated your rights at any time.