South Carolina DUI/DWI Penalties
If you have been charged with drunk driving in South Carolina, it is important that you fully understand all of the consequences that you may be facing. At my law firm, the Law Office of David B. Tarr, LLC, I focus my efforts solely on representing the rights and interests of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. For more than 15 years, I have provided strong, knowledgeable DUI/DWI defense services to clients throughout the state. I understand South Carolina's drunk driving laws and how they will apply in each unique situation.
South Carolina's DUI/DWI Penalties Are Now More Severe
In 2008, a number of changes to South Carolina's DUI laws were signed into law. There are now substantial fines, jail sentences and license suspensions involving high-blood alcohol content (BAC) and repeat-DUI convictions. These changes include the following South Carolina DUI/DWI penalties:
First-Time DUI
- A BAC between .08 and .15: a fine of $500, plus court costs; three to 30 days in jail or 72 hours of community service
- A BAC of .16 or higher: a $1,000 fine, plus court costs; 30 to 90 days in jail; 30 days of community service
Second DUI Conviction
- Second DUI conviction (within 10 years of first): a fine between $2,100 and $5,100, plus court costs; a jail sentence of five days to one year in prison
- A BAC between .10 and .15: a fine of $2,100 to $5,100, plus court costs; a jail sentence of 30 days to two years in prison
- A BAC of .16 or higher: a fine of $3,500 to $6,300, plus court costs; a jail sentence of 90 days to three years in prison
Third DUI Conviction
- A third DUI conviction (within 10 years of first): a fine between $3,800 and $6,300, plus court costs; a jail sentence of 60 days to three years in prison
- A BAC between .10 and .15: a fine between $5,000 to $7,500, plus court costs; 90 days in jail to four years in prison
- A BAC between .16 and above: a fine between $7,500 to $10,000, plus court costs; six months in jail to five years in prison
In addition to these criminal consequences, you may also be facing the loss of your driver's license, problems finding employment and, if you are a college student, the potential loss of your federally funded loans or grants.
Contact Me, David B. Tarr, to Learn About Columbia's Drunk Driving Laws
Whether you are facing a conviction for your first or fifth DUI, seek my legal counsel to learn what potential DUI penalties you are facing. Contact my South Carolina law firm online or call me at 803-753-1824 or toll free across the state at 866-959-4706 to schedule your free initial consultation.