In South Carolina, as in all states across the country, the legal limit for an adult’s blood alcohol content while operating a motorized vehicle is .08. When their BAC level is above the legal limit, the individual may face drunk driving charges.
At first, this may seem straightforward. However, DUI charges come in varying levels of severity. Some are misdemeanors while others are felonies. It always depends upon the circumstances surrounding the incident that led up to the pressing of charges.
A South Carolina man is facing drunk driving charges after officers claim he was driving down the road at over 100 mph while weaving in and out of traffic. The 25-year-old man was pulled over. When officers approached the vehicle they allegedly found an open can of beer and a half empty gallon-sized bottle of vodka. The man was charged with DUI third offense and having two open containers of alcohol in his vehicle.
In South Carolina, when a Breathalyzer results in a high breath test, the penalties become more severe. A high breath test is a BAC level higher than .15. Unfortunately, in this man’s case, his breath test resulted in a BAC level of .18. A high breath test can result in an automatic revocation of their license to drive for a period of at least 60 days. This is made possible under South Carolina’s implied consent laws.
There are DUI defense lawyers in South Carolina that are equipped to defend cases of this nature. There are certain circumstances and situations that can lead to inconsistencies in a Breathalyzer or DataMaster test. Fortunately, DUI defense attorneys are familiar with these inconsistencies and can use their knowledge of past situations to advocate for the rights or defendants that have had a high breath test and are facing potentially severe penalties.
Source: WISTV.com, “Sheriff: Man driving 107 mph was drunk, had no license,” Jason Old, Feb. 4, 2014
