When you are arrested for driving while under the influence (DUI) in South Carolina, it’s important to understand what will happen to your vehicle. Please continue reading to learn whether your vehicle will be impounded by the police and how a determined Chesterfield County DUI Lawyer can assist you.
Will My Vehicle Be Impounded After a DUI?
Following a DUI arrest, the fate of your vehicle typically falls into three categories:
- Release to a responsible party: Law enforcement may allow you to contact a friend or relative to retrieve your vehicle from the scene. Alternatively, they might permit a passenger to operate your vehicle as long as they have a valid driver’s license and can operate the car safely.
- Impoundment: In most cases, and usually without the opportunity to arrange for its retrieval, law enforcement will impound your vehicle. This means the vehicle will be towed and held by the police. To reclaim your vehicle, you will need to take specific steps such as presenting necessary documents, paying associated fees, and sometimes waiting out a mandatory holding period. This is implemented to protect the public and prevent future offenses.
- Police discretion: Law enforcement typically has discretion in determining the outcome of a vehicle following a DUI arrest. While the aforementioned scenarios are common, each case is unique, and the appropriate course of action will be determined by law enforcement using reasonable judgment.
The decision to impound a vehicle after a DUI arrest is influenced by several key factors including an exceptionally high blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the availability of a sober driver, the location and time of the arrest, and any prior DUI offenses. The police generally deem it necessary to remove a vehicle from the road to enhance public safety.
If your car has been impounded, it’s crucial to act quickly. You should inquire about the specific location of your vehicle and determine the requirements for reclaiming it. Additionally, you should enlist the help of an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex process of retrieval and defend your charges.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, those who are found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater while behind the wheel can face DUI charges. It’s important to understand that regardless of whether it’s your first, second, third, fourth, or subsequent DUI offense, the greater your BAC at the time of the arrest, the harsher your penalties will be. Upon a conviction for a first-offense DUI with a BAC of less than .10%, you can face up to 30 days of incarceration, a $400 fine, and a six-month driver’s license revocation, among other consequences.
If you have been charged with DUI in South Carolina, please don’t hesitate to contact a skilled Chesterfield criminal defense attorney from the Cockrell Law Firm, P.C., who can fight to minimize the penalties you face. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can fight for you.
