How Long Will a DUI Stay on My Criminal Record?
If you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol in South Carolina, it will leave a permanent mark on your record. While some criminal charges – under the right circumstances – can be expunged or removed from the convicted person’s criminal record – DUI is not one of them. Both the legal and the social consequences of a DUI conviction are serious, which makes having the skilled legal representation of an experienced Greenville DUI defense lawyer backing you up the best path forward.
DUI Charges in South Carolina
To be convicted of DUI in South Carolina, the state must prove that you were operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol to the degree that your ability to drive safely was impaired. This generally means having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that meets or exceeds the legal limit of .08 percent. However, a BAC of .05 to .08 percent also qualifies if the officer can infer from other evidence, such as your driving, that you were under the dangerous influence of alcohol.
A first DUI conviction can carry all the following penalties:
- Fines of up to $400 in addition to assessments and surcharges that can more than double this amount
- From 48 hours to 30 days in jail
- A six-month driver’s license suspension
Your Criminal Record
While the fines and penalties associated with DUI are serious, the social consequences that go along with having a criminal record are lasting and can directly affect your future. The fact is that your criminal record is a matter of public information that potential employers and landlords tend to take very seriously. The social consequences of a DUI conviction can include all the following:
- An overall decline in your social standing in the community
- Difficulty renting a home
- Being approved for a home loan
- Finding a job or advancing your career
- Challenges related to furthering your education, which can include gaining acceptance to the school of your choice, living on campus, or receiving federal financial aid
- Losses related to any professional licensure you hold, which could be void altogether
The effects of a DUI conviction are far too serious to ignore. Your skilled DUI defense attorney appreciates the challenges you are facing and will spare no effort in their quest to help keep a conviction off your record.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Greenville DUI Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with DUI in South Carolina, you are facing serious consequences that could derail your future. The savvy Greenville DUI defense attorneys at Ryan Beasley Law dedicate our imposing practice to skillfully guiding challenging cases like yours forward toward optimal conclusions, and we are here for you, too. Your case is important, so please reach out and contact us online or call 864-362-2352 for more information about what we can do to help you today.