In South Carolina, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense that carries harsh penalties, including hefty fines, loss of driving privileges, and potential jail time. However, the consequences of an offense of this nature are far-reaching, impacting your relationships, career, and reputation. As such, if you are facing DUI charges, you may be wondering whether you can have your charges reduced to a lesser offense. Please continue reading to learn whether this is possible and how a competent Chesterfield County DUI Lawyer can help defend your rights.
What Constitutes a DUI in South Carolina?
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that you can be charged with a DUI in South Carolina if you are found operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is charged to anyone found behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater. However, keep in mind that you can still face a DUI charge with any amount of alcohol in your system if the officer determines it has impaired your ability to safely navigate the roadways.
While many assume they will only get a slap on the wrist for their first DUI offense, this is far from the truth. In reality, the greater your BAC at the time of your arrest, the harsher the consequences you will face. For instance, a first-offense DUI with a BAC of less than 0.10% can result in a $400 fine, a six-month driver’s license revocation, and up to 30 days of incarceration.
Can I Get a DUI Reduced to a Lesser Offense?
Facing a DUI charge in South Carolina can be incredibly daunting as you face long-term consequences. However, depending on the unique circumstances of your case and the evidence against you, it may be possible to have your DUI charges reduced to a lesser offense. In some states, there is a “wet reckless” statute, which is essentially a reckless driving charge that involves alcohol. In South Carolina, there’s no such thing as a wet reckless charge. Instead, prosecutors may negotiate DUI charges down to an ordinary reckless driving charge which has comparatively milder penalties.
If you please guilty to a lesser offense, it offers several benefits, including significantly less than the fines for DUI, a conviction for reckless driving won’t increase your insurance rates as much, and you won’t face prosecution as a repeat offender if you get arrested for a DUI again.
Nevertheless, before you decide to plead guilty to a reduced charge, it’s in your best interest to consult an experienced Chesterfield County DUI lawyer who can help you determine whether this is the best course of action given the unique circumstances of your case. Connect with our firm today to learn more about how we can assist you during these difficult times.
