Myrtle Beach DUI Lawyer

Penalties for DUI Convictions in South Carolina

The penalties that you can face if you are convicted of a DUI will vary depending on your recorded BAC level when you were arrested and your DUI history.

For a first-time Dui conviction, your penalties based on BAC level can include:

• BAC less than 0.10%: Between 2 and 30 days in jail; up to $400 in fines; six-month license suspension
• BAC of 0.10% to 0.16%: Between 7 and 30 days in jail; up to $500 in fines; six-month license suspension
• BAC greater than 0.16%: Between 30 and 90 days in jail; up to $1,000 in fines; six month license suspension

The potential penalties for a DUI conviction in South Carolina escalate sharply if you have previous DUI/DUAC convictions on your record. For example, if you were arrested with a BAC level above 0.16% and had been convicted of a DUI twice before, you could be sentenced with up to 5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines, as well as an extensive license suspension and mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) use.

South Carolina Felony DUIs

You can be charged with a felony DUI in South Carolina if:

• You have three prior DUI convictions in the last 10 years; or,
• You are accused of causing serious injuries or death while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Every minute counts when you have been charged with a felony DUI. If convicted, you could be locked in prison for up to 25 years, pay up to $25,100 in fines, and possibly face an indefinite license suspension or revocation. Let our Myrtle Beach DUI defense team fight for your rights when so much is on the line.

Other Consequences to DUI Convictions

If you are convicted of a DUI or DUAC, you have to worry about jail time, fines, and license suspension—but you also have to worry about the unspoken or unexpected consequences that come with those sentencing penalties.

Devastating consequences of a DUI conviction that you might not initially think about are:

• Insurance increase: Your auto insurance policy rates are practically guaranteed to increase if you are convicted of a DUI or DUAC. The insurance company might outright refuse to renew your policy, too. You may also need to purchase an SR-22 insurance policy, which tends to be more expensive than typical insurance for the same coverage levels.
• Permanent criminal record: A DUI or DUAC conviction can stay on your permanent criminal record, often with no opportunity to expunge it. Various consequences can stem from having a permanent criminal record, such as difficulty getting certain loans or finding employment.
• Employment complications: If your work is dependent on your ability to operate a motor vehicle, a DUI conviction could disrupt your income and financial stability, which can lead to a host of other problems.
• Custody issues: In some family law cases, child custody decisions can be complicated by DUI convictions because the judge might worry about your ability to care for your child if you cannot legally operate a vehicle or if you have a history of criminal convictions.

When Should You Hire a DUI Lawyer?

Unsure whether you should hire a DUI lawyer from our firm to represent you, or try to take care of your case on your own?

Ask yourself these questions to see if you should get the representation of a DUI attorney:

• Do you understand South Carolina DUI laws, front to back, top to bottom?
• Do you understand the legal process and courtroom procedures that you are expected to follow?
• Are you prepared to spend a lot of time in court arguing for your rights and countering the arguments of the prosecution?
• Are you concerned about the impact that a DUI/DUAC conviction could have on your permanent record and day-to-day livelihood?

If you hesitated about your answer to any of the above questions, you should discuss your case with a DUI lawyer from Joye, Nappier, Risher, & Hardin LLC to find out what we can do to help. Having an experienced DUI/DUAC defense attorney represent you can help you avoid procedural mistakes that might have upended your entire case. You can also allow them to represent you during all procedures and hearings, so you don’t to worry about fighting the prosecution on your own. Overall, with a DUI lawyer leading the way, you can feel more confident that your defense is being prepared correctly, so you will have a fair chance at pursuing the case outcome you want.

What Happens If I Plead Guilty to a DUI?

If you plead guilty or "no contest" to the charges against you, you will still likely have a criminal conviction placed on your permanent record. For this reason, you shouldn’t expect the prosecution to “go lightly” just because you’re willing to cooperate. Instead, you should discuss your case with our DUI attorneys before making any decisions about plea bargains. This decision can affect the rest of your life, so it's important that you don't rush into it without considering all the repercussions and alternatives.