What are the Consequences of Multiple DUIs?
In South Carolina, motorists who operate under the influence are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The state considers a driver to be operating a motor vehicle illegally if the individual’s blood alcohol level is 0.08% or greater. If you are found in violation of the law, expect to pay hefty fines, serve time, and have your driving privileges suspended.
In this blog, our Greenville, SC, DUI lawyers discuss the penalties for multiple DUI offenders in the Palmetto State.
First-Time DUI Offender
Under South Carolina law, first-time offenders will be sentenced to 48 hours in prison, serving a potential sentence of 30 days, fined $400, and have their license suspended for six months. Offenders with a BAC of 0.16% or greater will be fined $1,000 and sentenced anywhere from 30-90 days in jail.
However, if your BAC is 0.14% or less and the incident took place on May 18, 2024, or prior, you can apply for a restricted or provisional license. With a provisional license, you will only be allowed to drive to school, work, a medical facility, or an alcohol-treatment program.
Second-Time DUI Offender
A second-time DUI offender may be sent to jail anywhere from five days to one year. The individual may be fined $2,100 to $5,100. The individual’s license will be suspended for a one-year period.
Fines and the prison term increase with an elevated BAC. If a driver has a BAC of 0.16% or greater, fines will jump to $3,500-$6,500. Mandatory imprisonment will be 90 days, with a maximum sentence of three years.
Third-Time DUI Offender
According to South Carolina Code §56-5-2930 (3), a third-time offender will be sentenced between 60 days to three years in prison. Fines will range from $3,800 to $6,300. Additionally, a motorist who is convicted of a third DUI offense will face license suspension for two years. If your DUI offenses have occurred within five years, your license will automatically be suspended for four years.
A third offense within a ten-year period is punishable as a felony DUI in South Carolina. If bodily harm occurs, expect to pay fines ranging anywhere from $5,100 to $10,100, with potential imprisonment from 30 days to 15 years. If death occurs, expect to pay fines ranging anywhere from $10,100 to $25,100, with potential imprisonment from one to 25 years.
Fourth-Time or Subsequent DUI Offender
A fourth-time offender will be sentenced to one to five years in jail. If your BAC is above 0.16%, you face three to seven years in jail. Fourth-time offenders will have their licenses permanently revoked.
Habitual Traffic Offender Charge for Multiple DUIs
According to South Carolina Code §56-1-1020, if you have ten or more traffic violations within a three-year period, you will be charged as a habitual traffic offender. Besides the three convictions, separate offenses for reckless homicide and manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle can result in this charge. If convicted, you face significant jail time, steep fines, and permanent license revocation.
Speak with our Greenville, SC, Felony DUI Lawyers Immediately
If you have committed multiple DUI offenses, you potentially face severe penalties. Acquiring skilled representation is your first step in protecting your civil liberties. To find out what our Greenville, SC, felony DUI lawyers can do for you, reach out to our office online or by phone.