If you are convicted of a DUI (driving under the influence), or DUAC (driving with an unlawful amount of alcohol) in your system, you can be subject to both criminal and administrative penalties that include fines, jail time, and DUI license consequences.
South Carolina takes drunk driving very seriously and your license can be revoked immediately if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is found to be above .08 or you refuse to take the test. This is just one reason why you need our experienced DUI lawyers Greenville to fight the DUI license suspension.
Call us now at 864-523-7776 if you’re facing charges. We can put our knowledge and experience to work for you right away.
License Consequences for a DUI in South Carolina
Your driver’s license is in jeopardy if you’re charged with DUI in South Carolina. Not only can a DUI conviction lead to your driver’s license getting suspended, but also an implied consent violation, which is refusing to take the breathalyzer test or taking it and getting a result of .15 or greater.
The length of the suspension typically varies depending on the circumstances, and you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you are allowed to drive again. Call DUI lawyers in Greenville at 864-523-7776 to learn more about DUI license consequences in SC.
How Long Is Your License Suspended for DUI in SC?
The DMV will suspend your driver’s license if you are convicted of DUI. The length of your suspension depends on the same 2 factors: your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels and the number of DUI convictions in the last 10 years.
First DUI Offense
For a first DUI offense in SC, your driver’s license will be suspended for 6 months. If your BAC was .14 or below, you may be eligible for a provisional driver’s license. If your BAC was .15 or higher, you must install an ignition interlock device for 6 months.
Second DUI Offense
For a second DUI offense in the past 10 years, your driver’s license will be suspended for 1 year. You will be required to enroll in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) and install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for 2 years before you can drive again.
Third DUI Offense
For a third DUI offense in the past 10 years, your driver’s license will be suspended for 2 years or 4 years if it happens within 5 years of the first offense. You will be required to enroll in ADSAP and install an ignition interlock device for 3 years or 4 years if the third DUI offense happened within 5 years after the first conviction before you can drive again.
Fourth and Subsequent DUI Offense
For a fourth or subsequent DUI in the past 10 years, you face permanent driver’s license revocation. However, you can petition the court for reinstatement after 7 years. You will also be required to enroll in ADSAP and install an ignition interlock device and keep it on your vehicle for the rest of your life before you can drive again.
Is Your License Suspended Immediately After a DUI in SC?
If you’re arrested for DUI in South Carolina, you will be subject to the state’s “implied consent suspension” law. If you refuse a breathalyzer test, your driver’s license will be suspended immediately under this law for at least 1 to 15 months depending on whether it’s your first, second, third, or fourth refusal.
If you submit to the breathalyzer test and your BAC is found to be .15 or higher, your license will also be suspended immediately. The length of the suspension is 6 months for a first offense, with escalating penalties for each subsequent offense.
If you want to learn more about DUI license consequences, contact our legal team today at 864-523-7776.
Reach Out to Us if You’re Facing a DUI License Suspension
A DUI has a serious impact on your driving record and can impact your life significantly in many different ways. That’s why you should never delay in getting the legal representation you need when facing DUI license suspension in South Carolina.
If you are facing DUI charges, contact our experienced Greenville DUI lawyers right away. Our legal team will work aggressively to defend you against the charges you face and may even be able to help you avoid a license suspension. Call us today at 864-523-7776 to discuss your case.
