What are the penalties in South Carolina for DUI?
There are both criminal and civil penalties associated with driving under the influence in South Carolina (Charleston, Berkeley & Dorchester Counties). A conviction on criminal charges could lead to large monetary fines and fees, jail-time, community service and mandatory substance abuse treatment. There is a good chance that your automobile insurance will be cancelled and you will be required to get expensive, high-risk coverage in place of your previous insurance. We cannot emphasize enough that the penalties, fines and other headaches associated with DUI increase with any additional DUI violations.
Additionally, conviction for drunk driving in South Carolina results in a criminal record, which could affect your current employment and have a negative impact on your future employment opportunities for the remainder of your working-years. In some instances you could be restricted from renting a car, opening a credit account and even traveling abroad.
In a separate civil action, if you refused to submit to a test for blood alcohol content or you registered a BAC of .15% or higher, South Carolina will seek to suspend your driver’s license. You could actually win your DUI and still lose your license. Please note that you can petition the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for an Administrative Hearing and try to save your driving privileges and license, though you must petition for said hearing within 30 days of your arrest for DUI. Failure to do so will result in loss of your right to a hearing and the automatic suspension of your license.
DUI Lawyers MILLER|CONWAY can help you with all aspects of your DUI defense, including representing you at the DMV hearing and aggressively defending you in the courtroom.
Protect your rights and your future. Contact MILLER|CONWAY to learn more about handling your DUI.