Rock Hill DUI Attorney

Do I Have to Take a Breath Test if I am Arrested For a DUI? 

Yes and no. South Carolina's implied consent law provides that if someone arrested for DUI refuses to take the breath test, the result is a license suspension.
Additionally, if you refuse to take the breath test or take it and register a BAC of .15 or higher and don't successfully challenge the refusal or test result, you will be required to complete the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP), which is a series of education classes, even if the DUI charge is later dismissed.

What is a Temporary Alcohol License in South Carolina?

If you refuse to take the breath test or take the test and register a blood alcohol level or breath alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or higher, your driver's license will be suspended for some time. You have the right to challenge this suspension and obtain a temporary alcohol license, but you must request a hearing in writing within thirty (30) days of the date your license was suspended (arrest date).
 

What is DUAC?

DUAC is an abbreviation for driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration. This is a separate criminal offense in South Carolina. The DUAC law states that it is unlawful for a person to operate a motor vehicle within this state while their alcohol concentration is eight one-hundredths of one percent or more (.08 or higher). If convicted of DUAC, the penalties are the same as if someone was convicted of a DUI with the same BAC reading.

What are the Penalties for DUI in South Carolina?

If convicted of DUI (or DUAC), the criminal penalties that apply are dependent upon whether it is a first, second, third, or subsequent offense, the person's alcohol concentration, and/or if there were any injuries/deaths/property damage. 

For a typical first-time DUI the penalties may include:

• A fine of $400 to $1,000 (plus court costs which can more than double the amount) or imprisonment for not less than forty-eight hours nor more than 90 days (depending upon the person’s BAC level). The court may provide for public service employment for the minimum jail time. 
• If a person is convicted of another DUI or DUAC within 10 years of a prior DUI or DUAC, the penalties are enhanced and become more severe.

Is DUI a Felony in South Carolina? 

In South Carolina, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. Generally, a first or second DUI offense is considered a misdemeanor in the state. However, if certain aggravating factors are present, such as causing serious bodily injury or death while driving under the influence, the offense can be elevated to a felony. Additionally, if a person has multiple prior DUI convictions within a certain time frame, subsequent offenses may also be charged as felonies. It is important to consult with a qualified attorney to understand the specific implications of a DUI charge in South Carolina and to navigate the legal process effectively. 

Driver's License Impacts from a DUI

A DUI (or DUAC) conviction can result in a license suspension, alcohol education program requirement (ADSAP), potential requirement for the use of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, and the driver must maintain higher liability - higher premium insurance for a period of time.

Ignition Interlock Device

What is the Ignition Interlock Device, and will I have to have this device installed on my vehicle?

This device is installed in your vehicle and requires a breath sample. In 2014, Emma’s Law was adopted. This law, among other changes, enhanced the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) program, requiring those convicted of DUI or DUAC first offense with a breath alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or greater had to have this device installed on their vehicle and complete the IID program. If convicted of a DUI or DUAC second or subsequent offense, the IID is required regardless of the BAC. The IID program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Service (SCDPPPS).

For more information about the IID program, use this link to access the SCDPPPS IID brochure on the agency’s website. Ignition Interlock | SCDPPPS

Contact Bruce Law Firm today to meet with our Rock Hill DUI Lawyer!