DUI Laws in South Carolina

Why risk losing your driver’s license, your driving privileges, your freedom? South Carolina has strict DUI arrests and convictions laws. Any motorists caught driving under the influence of alcohol on the roads of South Carolina will be reported to other states through the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. If you choose to drive a vehicle in South Carolina, you have automatically given your consent to submit to a breath, blood or urine test to check for the presence of alcohol and/or drugs in your system. South Carolina DUI laws are not to be taken for granted – you will be punished severely when caught.

Your Rights as a Motorist

If you are stopped and charged with driving under the influence in South Carolina, the arresting officer must read you your rights and explain to you that you have the right to refuse to take the test. Refusing to take the test however, may result in penalties that are greater than a DUI conviction. The arresting officer must also advise you of your right to a blood or urine test whether or not you submit to the breath test. If you request additional tests to prove your innocence, you will have to pay for the requested test or tests. The arresting officer will be required to provide you with assistance in obtaining any additional tests you requested, such as transport to the testing facility.

Videotaping by Law Enforcement Officers

South Carolina is the only state in the nation with mandatory videotaping by the arresting officer of the DUI arrest and breath test. Videotape is considered to be the most accurate, honest, representation of what happens in the field following a South Carolina DUI arrest.

South Carolina DUI Punishment

Enhanced punishments are given to any motorist with a blood alcohol level of .08 or above. If you are a repeat offender and have multiple DUI convictions, this could trigger enhanced punishment according to South Carolina drunk driving laws. Also a fourth DUI arrest and conviction in South Carolina or any other state is treated as a felony in South Carolina.

South Carolina DUI Penalties

In the State of South Dakota, DUI fines and penalties may vary according to the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) found in your system when arrested. It is against the law to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above .08. it is also against the law to drive in the State of South Carolina under the influence of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, inhalants and other intoxicating substances.

South Carolina DUI Attorney can help

If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI in South Carolina you should seek the help of a Qualified DUI attorney. In order to be convicted of South Carolina DUI, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt, that your mental and physical faculties are seriously impaired due to the consumption of alcohol and that you are not able to operate a vehicle safely on the roads of South Carolina due to your impairment. Enlisting the service of a qualified South Carolina DUI attorney or lawyer to protect your rights can help your case.