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Driving under the influence of alcohol in South Carolina is a serious charge that can lead to serious consequences. A conviction can lead to potential jail time, steep fines, increased insurance rates, and suspended driving privileges – in addition to difficult social consequences. If you’ve been charged with DUI, the most important first step you can take is to retain the professional legal guidance of an experienced Kingstree, SC, DUI attorney.
The Charge of DUI
If you are charged with DUI, it means that the police have probable cause to believe that you were driving under the influence of alcohol, which in South Carolina and most other states translates to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. It’s important to note, however, that a DUI charge can also apply if your ability to drive safely is determined to be impaired by alcohol – even if you don’t reach the legal limit. In other words, the police don’t need an immense amount of evidence to charge you with DUI.
The Severity of the Charge
The severity of the DUI charge you face will hinge on a range of variables.
If the Charge against You is a First Offense, and You Refused a Breath Test
If you have been charged with a first DUI offense and you refused to take the breath test, you’ll face all the following legal consequences:
- Jail time of up to 30 days
- Fines of up to $1,067 – or at least 48 hours of community service
- A six-month ignition interlock requirement
- Successful completion of a state program for alcohol and drug safety
- A three-year requirement of SR-22 insurance for high-risk drivers
Refusing to take a breathalyzer test is unlikely to do your case any favors. To begin, there is an automatic driver’s license suspension of six months that can interfere with your ability to earn a living – even if you aren’t ultimately convicted of DUI. And the prosecution may come down harder on you in terms of fines and penalties in response to your refusal.
If the Charge against You Is a First Offense and You Had a BAC of up to .1 Percent
If you are convicted of a first DUI offense with a BAC of from .08 to .1 percent, you’ll face all the same fines and penalties as above, including the 6-month driver’s license suspension, but the related fines will be $1,092. As your BAC rises or the number of DUI convictions you have on your record increases, the steeper your fines and penalties will be.
Speak to an Experienced Kingstree, SC, DUI Lawyer Today
Cezar McKnight at The Law Offices of Cezar McKnight is a reputable Kingstree, SC, DUI attorney who is committed to crafting a strong defense on your behalf, guiding you skillfully through the legal process, and fighting for your case’s best possible resolution. We are here to help, so please don’t wait to reach out and contact us online or call 843-374-4529 for more information about what we can do for you today.