Drennan Law Firm's Blog

Millions of Americans use alcohol frequently, and thousands of them get arrested in South Carolina every year for driving under the influence (DUI). People who get behind the wheel after drinking enough to become impaired endanger themselves and everyone else on the road, which is why impaired driving is illegal even if no one gets hurt.

Quite a few people who could find themselves facing criminal charges related to impaired driving wind up in their current situation because of a problem with alcohol abuse or dependency. For these individuals, voluntarily deciding to join a substance abuse program or undergo alcohol abuse counseling could be a very wise decision.

You enjoy going out for a night on the town. In fact, that time away from work and other responsibilities is a great way to recharge. If alcohol is a part of that time out, it's important to be responsible with how you drink. If you drink too much, you could become intoxicated, make poor decisions and even end up with a DUI.

Did you know that over 216 million people in America have tried alcohol? It's a normal part of life, and it's something that can help people relax. Of course, while there are some positives to drinking, there are many downsides that have to be considered carefully.

South Carolina, like other states, prohibits people from driving when they are impaired by alcohol. South Carolina's blood alcohol content limit is .08%, which means that anyone at or over that limit can be charged with a DUI. If you are under the limit, you may still face a DUI if you fail the roadside sobriety tests or if there is other evidence of intoxication or impairment.

If you are not from South Carolina but are facing a DUI, you can still face criminal penalties. If you are under 21, you can have your license automatically suspended for three months. You will lose it for six months if you have a prior offense. The law allows a BAC of up to .02% before penalties for the zero-tolerance law apply. If you refuse to consent to BAC testing, then you will have your license automatically suspended for six months on a first offense and a year for a second or subsequent offense.

When you plan a night out for drinking, one thing you have to be cautious of is how much alcohol you have. The number of drinks matters, as does the percentage of alcohol and the way your body is metabolizing it.

It's not always simple to know your limit, which is why it's advisible to stop drinking an hour or two before you intend to leave an event. Additionally, it's a smart choice to carry a smartphone Breathalyzer or a pocket-sized breath test to guarantee that you're legal to drive.