DUI is the operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content above the legal limit set by State Legislature. Concomitantly, BUI is operating a watercraft with a blood alcohol content above the legal limit. The legal limit is currently set by our legislature at .08. Upon conviction, these charges have very extensive consequences to your life if convicted.
Penalties range from monetary fines, suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and mandatory attendance at DUI schools. Additionally, there is the threat of jail time, community service and probation. In the case of BUI, you can be faced with suspension from operating a watercraft for up to 2 years.
One facing such charges must also consider the cost of SR-22 liability insurance to reinstate your driver’s license privileges. SR-22 insurance can be very expensive, typically upwards of $10,000.00 per year. No doubt, the effects of DUI or BUI to one’s personal life, as well as professional life, can be extensive.
- DUI/BUI/DUS/License suspensions
- Bond hearings/bond reductions/bench warrants
- Traffic offenses
- Misdemeanor and felony charges of all types
South Carolinas DUI Penalty System
First Offense:
.08 to .09 gets you $400 fine or 48 hours of community service or 48 hours to 30 days in jail.
.10 to .15 gets you $500 fine or 72 hours community service or 72 hours to 30 days in jail.
.16 or higher gets you a fine of up to $1000, 30 days community service or 30 to 90 days in jail.
Second Offense:
.08 to .09 fines are $2100 to $5100 and 5 days to 1 year in jail.
.10 to .15 gets you $2500 to $5500 in fines and 30 days to 2 years in jail.
.16 or higher gets you a fine of $3500 up to $6500 and 90 days to 3 years in jail.
The Breathalyzer Test
You can refuse to take the breathalyzer test. But it can cost you as well. If you refuse to take the breathalyzer test or register a .15 blood alcohol content (or higher), your driver’s license will be taken immediately and your driver’s privileges will be suspended for up to 6 months. If this occurs, you should promptly request an administrative hearing. This entitles you to return of your driving privileges pending your hearing on the suspension.
DUI Links:
National Highway Transportation Safety Administration — http://www.nhtsa.gov/Impaired
Alcoholics Anonymous — http://www.aa.org/?Media=PlayFlash
SC Alcoholics Anonymous — http://www.aa-carolina.org/aa_links-sc.html
Narcotics Anonymous — http://na.org/
The Digerati Life — http://www.thedigeratilife.com/blog/costs-of-driving-under-the-influence-while-intoxicated/
The Absolute Astronomy — http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Driving_under_the_influence
South Carolina Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP)http://www.daodas.state.sc.us/brochure_adsap.asp
Remember, an arrest is not a conviction. It can lead to one; but it doesn’t have to be one. Likewise, the effects of a conviction can be minimized if given the proper attention required of good defense counsel.
Facing a DUI/BUI charge? Contact The Hanson Law Firm (803) 798-9446.