Drunk Driving DUI Law

South Carolina DUI law declares it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle in South Carolina while under the influence of alcohol and/or legal or illegal drugs, or a combination thereof.

In order to be convicted of South Carolina DUI, the prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a person’s mental and physical faculties are materially and appreciably impaired due to the ingestion of alcohol that the person cannot operate a vehicle safely on the roads of South Carolina.

South Carolina DUI law provides for enhanced punishment for those with a blood or breath alcohol level (BAC) of .08% or higher. Multiple offenses also trigger enhanced punishment pursuant to South Carolina drunk driving laws. Repeat DUI offenders are those who are arrested for drunk driving more than once every 10 years. South Carolina drunk driving law mandates that a fourth-offense DUI conviction will be treated as a felony, and South Carolina DUI law does recognize convictions from other states.

Generally, South Carolina has post-conviction driver’s license suspensions and restrictions. However, for those arrested for DUI in South Carolina with BAC’s of .08 or greater, there are pre-conviction licensing actions. On a first-offense DUI, the license is suspended for 30 days.

On a second-offense DUI, it is suspended for 60 days. Restricted driver’s licenses are available, but it is critical that you contact a qualified DUI defense lawyer right away if you are arrested for South Carolina drunk driving and give a chemical test of .08% or greater.

South Carolina DUI convictions will be reported to other states through the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. If you are arrested for South Carolina DUI, drunk driving, or any South Carolina drinking and driving offense, it is imperative that you contact a DUI defense lawyer in South Carolina to protect your rights.

If you are in need of a South Carolina DUI attorney you should visit the South Carolina DUI Attorney Directory.
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