What Happens if I Get a DUI in South Carolina?

alcohol car keys

Being charged with a DUI is an overwhelming experience. Even if this is only your first DUI, you can expect to face serious penalties. The penalties you will face will depend on your blood alcohol content at the time of your arrest. Having an experienced Chesterfield criminal defense lawyer on your side can go a long way. Our firm has significant experience combatting DUI charges on behalf of our clients in South Carolina, and we are prepared to fight for you, every step of the way. Continue reading and reach out to our experienced firm to learn more about how we can help. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What are the penalties for a first-offense DUI with a BAC lower than .10%?

If you are arrested for driving while under the influence and you are found to have a BAC of lower than .10% but higher than .08%, you will most likely receive a DUI. The consequences for this are as follows:

  • You will face a 6-month driver’s license revocation
  • You may go to jail for up to 30 days
  • You will face a $400 fine

What happens if I get a DUI with a BAC of .10% and .16%?

As your BAC increases, you can expect to face higher fines and harsher penalties. For a BAC of .10%-.16%, you will most likely face the following consequences:

  • A 6-month driver’s license revocation
  • You may go to jail for up to 30 days
  • You will face a $500 fine

How long will I go to jail if I was arrested with a BAC of .16% or higher?

Finally, if you are arrested and you have a blood alcohol content of .16% or higher, you will most likely go to jail for up to 90 days. You will also face additional very serious penalties, such as a $1,000 fine and the 6-month revocation of your driver’s license. Further, you should note that anyone who is convicted of driving while intoxicated will develop a criminal record. Having a criminal record can make your life extremely difficult, as it will become more challenging to get certain jobs, live in certain places, and even secure certain loans. This is why anyone who has been charged with a DUI should not proceed without a competent Chesterfield criminal defense lawyer on their side. Our firm is here to fight for your rights, every step of the way. All you need to do is pick up the phone and give us a call today.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED SOUTH CAROLINA FIRM

Our legal team has significant experience helping clients through a wide array of legal matters, including those involving criminal law, personal injury law, divorce & separation, and family law. For competent and trustworthy legal counsel, simply contact The Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation with our legal team.