Will an Out-of-State DUI Offense Impact My South Carolina License?

In the event that you get charged with a DUI, this offense will be permanently added to your record. This is regardless of whether this occurred in another state, as it will be shared with South Carolina’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and law enforcement. What’s more, is that you may face penalties by the state you were charged in along with additional penalties by South Carolina. Read on to discover how an out-of-state DUI offense may impact your license and how a seasoned Chesterfield County DUI lawyer of The Cockrell Law Firm, P.C., can work on your behalf in building a defense.

How will an out-of-state DUI offense affect my South Carolina license?

It is common for states to work together when it comes to enforcing a driver’s license suspension penalty. So, in the event that you receive an out-of-state DUI and are sentenced to a suspended driver’s license, this status will be upheld in the state of South Carolina, as well. Not only will you have to complete this sentence to its fullest, but you will also have to meet all the requirements that South Carolina’s DMV has established before you are legally able to drive again.

What are other penalties for an out-of-state DUI offense?

If you are found to be driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or greater, then you will most likely be facing DUI charges in most states, including South Carolina. That said, if you get an out-of-state DUI offense, South Carolina’s DMV will apply the following penalties toward your driving privileges:

  • A suspended driver’s license for six months.
  • A restriction from a temporary license, unless it was your first offense and your BAC was less than 0.15%.
  •  An installation of an ignition interlock device to your vehicle, and its applicable costs.

It is important to note that if this is your second or third DUI offense, the penalties toward your driving privileges will be much more severe. This will be in addition to fines and potential incarceration.

Nonetheless, you must keep in mind that no matter what state you get charged with a DUI, this is a serious offense. To best protect yourself from the consequences that are ahead of you, it is in your best interest to retain the services of a competent Chesterfield criminal defense lawyer today. Do not hesitate in giving us a phone call.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED SOUTH CAROLINA FIRM

For competent and trustworthy legal counsel involving criminal law, personal injury law, divorce & separation, and family law, contact The Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation.