Jump To Navigation
DUI/DWI

Richland County DUI DWI Lawyer

Quality DUI/DWI Defense for South Carolina Since 1995

An arrest for drunk driving in South Carolina is a serious offense that could complicate your life long after your initial conviction. If you are convicted on charges of drunk driving or DUI/DWI, you could face:

  • Loss of your driver’s license and driving privileges
  • Temporary loss of your motor vehicle
  • Jail time
  • Stiff fines and court costs
  • Higher motor vehicle insurance premiums
  • Embarrassment for you and your family

Additionally, if you drive a commercial truck or company car, you could lose your job. Penalties and fines increase in cases where a minor is in your car at the time of your arrest or if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is over a certain amount. If you received a DUI after being in an accident, you could face additional criminal charges as well.

While you may be eligible for a restricted license, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device at your own expense and pay maintenance fees. If anything about your South Carolina DUI/DWI arrest was not exactly "by the book," you should contact me right away.

South Carolina's DUI 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 BAC and repeat DUI convictions. These changes include the following DUI penalties:

First-Time DUI

  • A BAC between 0.08 and 0.15: a fine of $500 plus court costs; three to 30 days in jail or 72 hours of community service.
  • A BAC of 0.16 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; no option for community service.
  • A BAC between 0.10 and 0.15: a fine of $2,100 to $5,100, plus court costs, and a jail sentence of 30 days to two years in prison.
  • A BAC of 0.16 or higher: a fine of $3,500 to $6,300, plus court costs, and 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, and a jail sentence of 60 days to three years in prison.
  • A BAC between 0.10 and 0.15: a fine between $5,000 to $7,500, plus court costs, and 90 days in jail to four years in prison.
  • A BAC between 0.16 and above: a fine between $7,500 to $10,000, plus court costs, and six months to five years in prison.

Columbia, South Carolina DUI/DWI Defense Attorney

I am David Tarr of the David B. Tarr, LLC law firm in Columbia, South Carolina. My law practice is 100 percent DUI/DWI defense and criminal defense. From my days as a public defender 15 years ago, where I honed my criminal defense skills representing hundreds of indigent clients, I have dedicated my entire legal career to protecting the rights of people just like you.

Reach me locally in Columbia at (803) 753-1824. Toll-free across the state, call (866) 959-4706. Your first consultation with me is absolutely free.

Benefit from My 24/7 Availability. Call My David B. Tarr Law Office Now.

My track record of success with negotiations and litigation of all kinds proves that I can fight for you in administrative hearings. I will defend you against DUI/DWI charges, underage drinking, and other juvenile crime charges or serious traffic violations.

Committed to Protecting Your Rights in DUI/DWI Cases Across the State

I understand the nuances of police procedure and I work to sow the seeds of doubt regarding whether you were stopped properly, whether your Breathalyzer test was correctly administered, or whether police violated your rights. I can show once again that sobriety tests are designed for failure and argue for a dismissal or reduction of the charges against you. I can negotiate for lesser, alternative penalties, and I will work diligently on your behalf to restore your suspended license and driving privileges.

Timing in these cases is essential, so contact me right now by local or toll-free phone. During your free initial consultation with me, we can discuss what has happened and how I can help you.

Those phone numbers again: (803) 753-1824 in Columbia, (866) 959-4706 outstate.