Have You Been Arrested for DUI in Columbia, South Carolina?
When you face a DUI, it is vital to remember that it is not a situation that law enforcement will take lightly. A DUI can lead to other individuals being seriously injured or even killed; therefore, the firm advises you to take action toward being knowledgeable of all DUI penalties. The consequences of a DUI can greatly impact your life, so it is their desire and duty to protect your freedom by using their experience and diligence to uphold the law. Our Columbia DUI attorney will explain the process and fight for your rights.
Two Different Hearings
A DUI has two possible processes that can affect your case. The first is a civil hearing, and the second is a criminal hearing. Each hearing carries severe consequences that can endanger your freedom. Many situations lead to jail time, fines, and time spent in the South Carolina Alcohol and Drug Safety Program (ADSAP). In a criminal conviction, you could face the following penalties:
- License suspension for six months
- Up to 30 days in jail
- ADSAP: $500 - $3,000
- SR-22 insurance for three years
- Permanent criminal record
- DUI listed on driving record
A civil conviction does not carry the same weight as a criminal conviction, but it is still a serious penalty that should be avoided. For a civil conviction, you could face the following:
- License suspension for one to six months
- Mandatory ADSAP
- SR-22 insurance for three years
- Implied consent violation on record
Other Penalties
Beyond having your driver’s license suspended, spending time in jail, and obtaining a permanent mark on your criminal or driving record, there are other serious penalties for a DUI conviction. For those who are caught driving with blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher, they can be at risk for mandatory alcohol education and assessment. This is an alcohol instruction and prevention program that is used to help those who are DUI offenders. This can sometimes replace an incarceration sentence.
The penalties for a DUI often depend on the number of offenses that have been committed. Law enforcement imposes severe punishment for first-time DUI offenses to ensure the situation does not become a habit. For first-offense DUIs, your sentence is a minimum of 48 hours and a maximum of 30 days in jail. If the BAC level is between 0.10% and 0.15%, your jail sentence will be a minimum of 72 hours. For those with a reported BAC of 0.16% or higher on a first offense, the minimum jail sentence is 30 to 90 days. The penalties will then increase depending on the number of offenses.
Your first step to avoiding these penalties and obtaining peace of mind is to contact The Laubshire Law Firm, LLC. They have the ability to fight your DUI charge, so call today!
