Dealing with a first-time DUI charge can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience. From license suspension to potential jail time, the consequences of a first DUI conviction in South Carolina are serious.
We’ll explain the penalties for a first-time DUI offense and why it’s crucial to have an experienced Greenville DUI lawyer defending you!
What to Expect After a First DUI in South Carolina
South Carolina has strict DUI laws. After a first conviction, you may face fines of up to $400 ($992 with assessments and surcharges). You might also be required to complete community service or serve jail time of up to 30 days. If your BAC was 0.15% or higher, you may face more significant fines and a longer license suspension.
It’s important to note that other factors could impact your case outcome as well. For example, if there was an accident involved or if anyone was injured due to your drunk driving, then the legal repercussions would be even more severe than those without any aggravating circumstances.
Don’t take a DUI charge lightly! Seek representation from an experienced Greenville DUI attorney.
What Happens to Your Car?
If you are charged with DUI in Greenville, your car will be impounded. This can happen even if you aren’t the owner of the vehicle. The police officer will call a towing company to take your car and store it until it is released by an authorized person.
You may have to pay fees for towing, storage, and release of your car. These fees can add up quickly, so it’s important to act fast to get your vehicle back.
Once your case has been resolved or dismissed, you can retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot by presenting proof of ownership and paying any outstanding fees.
What Happens to Your Driver’s License After a First DUI?
After your arrest, the arresting officer will take away your driver’s license. You may qualify for a provisional license if it’s your first DUI, your BAC was below .15, and you didn’t refuse the breath test. This provisional license allows you to drive until your case is resolved.
Your license will be automatically suspended for six months if you refuse the breathalyzer test. A first DUI conviction means losing your license for six months.
You May Be Able to Challenge the License Suspension
After being arrested for a DUI, your license will be suspended automatically by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The length of this suspension varies depending on several factors such as whether or not you refused to take a chemical test and the severity of your offense.
If you want to challenge the suspension and get your license reinstated early, your lawyer will need to schedule an administrative hearing with the DMV. This outcome of the hearing determines whether or not the DMV restores your driving privileges.
During this hearing, the DMV will determine if there were any issues with how law enforcement handled your arrest and whether or not there was reasonable suspicion for a traffic stop. It’s important to have a skilled Greenville DUI attorney representing you.
Make Sure that You Attend the Court Date
One of the most important things that you need to do after receiving a DUI charge in Greenville is to make sure that you attend your court date. This is not just a suggestion, it is an absolute requirement.
Missing your scheduled court appearance can result in severe consequences such as having an arrest warrant issued against you or even being charged with additional crimes like failure to appear.
Choose a Skilled Greenville DUI Attorney to Defend You!
Dealing with a first-time DUI charge can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience. It is important to remember that you do not have to go through it alone. A skilled Greenville DUI attorney can help guide you through this confusing period and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
From understanding South Carolina’s strict laws to navigating your court appearance and potential administrative hearing, having an experienced legal team on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
If you or a loved one is facing a first-time DUI charge in Greenville, don’t wait. Contact us today at 864-523-7776!
