Will I Go to Jail for DUI in South Carolina?

You Can Go To Jail For DUI In South Carolina

You are facing a real possibility of spending a considerable amount of time in jail if you have been charged with a DUI in South Carolina. Even first-time DUI offenders could spend some time in jail if convicted of DUI without quality legal defense from an experienced lawyer.

At Drennan Law Firm, we’ve earned a reputation as the Charleston firm that wins tough DUI cases. From first-time DUI to felony DUI charges, we are prepared to fight aggressively to protect your rights and reputation. There’s no time to waste when your future is on the line; call 843-352-4149 for a free consultation with our experienced South Carolina DUI defense lawyers.

South Carolina DUI Laws And Penalties

South Carolina and Charleston area courts don’t go easy on DUI offenders. DUI jail sentencing penalties are as follows:

  • First-time offender: 48 hours to 90 days in jail, depending on blood alcohol content (BAC) level
  • Second offense within 10 years: Five days to three years in jail, depending on BAC level
  • Third offense within 10 years: 60 days in jail to five years in prison, depending on BAC level
  • Fourth offense (felony DUI) within 10 years: One to seven years in prison, depending on BAC level

Penalties can increase based on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as well as “enhancements” such as causing a motor vehicle accident or an accident resulting in injury. Additional penalties – such as license points – can be levied for accompanying charges such as reckless driving. With your freedom, your financial well-being, your driver’s license and your reputation on the line, it’s crucial to seek the advice of an experienced DUI defense lawyer.

Potential Jail Time For A DUI In South Carolina

The potential jail time you face will be enhanced if you were involved in an auto accident. Keep in mind that jail or prison time is only one aspect of the list of penalties and hardships you will face with any DUI charge. Staunch defense is critical for your success in reducing charges or achieving case dismissal.

While jail is not the only consequence you face after a DUI arrest, there’s something particularly chilling about the idea of sitting behind bars and hearing the metal door slam shut. Being locked away from friends, family and the day-to-day life they have built is the worst punishment one can imagine.

If you have been arrested for a felony DUI, you could even face time in prison where you will have plenty of time to get to know hardened criminals you have no interest in meeting. The best way to avoid jail time, a prison sentence and other criminal consequences of DUI is to have a proven DUI defense attorney from Drennan Law Firm handle your case.

DUI Penalties For Commercial Drivers In South Carolina

In many ways a DUI for a commercial driver will follow the same process anyone else would go through as a result of DUI charges. DUI laws provide for a criminal process that can result in fines, jail time and other penalties as well as an administrative process that can result in the suspension or loss of your driver’s license. The difference is that commercial drivers need their driver’s licenses to make a living. Losing your commercial driver’s license (CDL) can end your career and leave you unable to provide for your family. It’s crucial to fight the charges against you aggressively to preserve your ability to do your job and provide for your loved ones.

Contrary to popular opinion, it is not illegal to drink and drive. Most drivers in South Carolina are allowed to tip back a glass or down a couple of brews and get behind the wheel provided their blood alcohol content (BAC) remains below .08. We say “most drivers” because some drivers do not have that luxury and, as a commercial driver, you may be one of them.

As a commercial driver, you may be barred from consuming any alcohol or nonprescribed drugs while you are hauling loads for your employer. Even if your BAC does not result in a DUI charge or you are able to avoid a DUI conviction, you could be in hot water with your boss and at risk of losing your job due to having alcohol in your system while on the job.

We Can Protect Your Freedoms And Keep You Out Of Jail

DUIs are capable of inflicting incredible damage in the form of criminal penalties such as jail time in addition to the collateral damage of losing your driver’s license and taking hits to your personal reputation. It’s important to have an experienced defense team looking out for your interests and guiding you through the DUI defense process.

Please call us at 843-352-4149 or email us to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at the Drennan Law Firm. We have the answers to all of your DUI questions, and we will help you understand the full legal options available to you in legal proceedings in the Charleston area or anywhere else in the state.