The state of South Carolina recently passed a bill that increased both criminal penalties and administrative sanctions against individuals who have been arrested for and convicted of DUI. A drunk driving conviction in South Carolina could result in large fines, probate, jail time, the loss of driving privileges and the establishment of a criminal record. DUI cases require timely and experienced representation from a criminal defense attorney.
At Thompson & King, in Anderson, our lawyers have more than 30 years of combined experience providing criminal defense for DUI charges in upstate South Carolina. We will represent you in administrative proceedings to try to secure your driving privileges, as well as in the criminal case.
In South Carolina, the "per se" BAC limit is .08 percent with the enhanced penalty (aggravated) BAC limit at .16 percent.
First-time DUI offenders may face a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail term of up to 90 days. This is in addition to driver's license suspension of six months and mandatory alcohol education and treatment. Second-time offenders face up to three years, third-time offenders up to five years and fourth-term offenders can face a seven-year jail sentence.
The penalty for a refused breath test has also been increased from a mandatory six-month administrative license suspension to an entire year.
While these increased DUI penalties are very serious, an experienced defense lawyer can protect your rights. We will examine the stop, the arrest and every step of the process to make sure that proper procedure was followed and that you were not taken advantage of by the police.
If you are charged with DUI in South Carolina, contact us right away to schedule a consultation with an experienced South Carolina DUI lawyer. Call our Anderson office at 864-202-4601.