Most of SC’s laws are designed to protect the public from harm – DUI penalties are no exception. And, it may not take much to be considered “under the influence.”
Under current law, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of between .06 percent and .08 percent can be considered with other factors to charge a driver with driving under the influence. When a driver is found to have a BAC of .08 percent or higher, he or she will be charged with DUI.
The potential consequences are stiff, if you’re convicted of DUI charges.
First DUI Offense
For a first offense, drivers face a fine of up to $400 (in real terms, the number is closer to $1,000 after surcharges and assessments) and/or imprisonment from 48 hours to 30 days plus suspension of your driving privileges for six months.
Second DUI Offense
With a second offense, the amount of the monetary penalty rises to between $2,100 and $5,100 (close to $11,000 after factoring in the surcharges and assessments), between five days and one year of jail time, and a interlock device for 2 years(IID).
Third DUI Offense
Three-time offenders can expect fines of between $3,800 and $6,300 (more than $13,000 after the additional charges). Plus imprisonment of between 60 days and three years, and a interlock device for 3 years(IID). However, the penalties escalate sharply if the third offense is within three to five years of the driver’s first offense.
Subsequent Offenses
Subsequent offenses will provide a convicted driver with permanent revocation of driving privileges and up to five years in prison.