Richland County Felony DUI Attorney
In 2008, the state of South Carolina adopted a number of measures to bring its DUI laws into agreement with existing drunk driving laws in a majority of other states. As a result, the penalties for repeat or felony drunk driving are now more severe. Additionally, the look-back period to determine whether or not you are a repeat DUI offender is now 10 years. As such, if you have been convicted for DUI anytime in the 10-year period prior to your most recent DUI, you will be charged and sentenced as a repeat DUI offender. Further, like many others states, South Carolina now requires a repeat DUI offender to install an ignition interlock device if they want to receive an occupational or "DUI hardship" license.
The consequences of a second, third, or felony DUI are serious. To understand the options available to you, contact Columbia repeat and felony DUI defense attorney David B. Tarr today.
Repeat and Felony DUI Penalties in South Carolina
While each case is different, in general, if you are arrested on a repeat or felony DUI charge, you face the following kinds of penalties:
Second DUI Offense
- A fine between $2,100 and $5,100
- A one year suspension of your driver's license
- Five days to one year in jail
- Enrollment in, and completion of, a drug/alcohol program
- Installation of an ignition interlock device for two years
Third DUI Offense
- A fine between $3,800 and $6,300
- A two year suspension of your driver's license
- 60 days to three years in jail
- Enrollment in, and completion of, a drug/alcohol program
- Installation of an ignition interlock device for three years
Fourth DUI Conviction
- A one to five year prison sentence
Penalties increase in cases where a person's blood alcohol count (BAC) is 0.10 or higher, if a minor is in the car at the time of your arrest, or if you are involved in an accident.
The Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device and DUI Convictions
In order to receive a DUI hardship license allowing you to drive to and from work or school, you must install an ignition interlock device. An ignition interlock device works like a Breathalyzer and attaches to your car. In order for your car to start, you must blow into the device and register a BAC of 0.02 or lower. If you test over 0.02, your car will not start and a "FAIL" result will be recorded by the device. If your BAC is measured below 0.02, your car will start.
Periodically, however, you will be required to blow into the ignition interlock device as your drive. If at any time your BAC exceeds 0.02, your lights will flash, your car horn will sound, and your wipers will go off. Failed recordings will be logged by the device and could result in a revocation of your occupational license.
Contact Columbia, South Carolina Repeat DUI Offender Attorney
A second or felony DUI is a serious matter. There may be factors surrounding your case that provide grounds for requesting a dismissal of the charges against you or a reduction in your sentence. To learn how I can help you, contact Columbia, South Carolina repeat DUI defense lawyer David B. Tarr today.