First Offense
If you are convicted of a 1st offense DUI and the breath test result was 0.09 or less or you refused the test, a conviction will result in a sentence of 2 to 30 days in jail or a fine of about $1000. If the breath test result was 0.10 to 0.15, a conviction results in a jail sentence of 3 to 30 days or a fine of roughly $1200. If the breath test result was 0.16 or greater, a conviction results in a sentence of 30 to 90 days or a fine of over $2000.
A conviction for any 1st offense DUI results in a license suspension for a period of 6 months. Before being re-issued a drivers license you will have to enroll in the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP). The cost of ADSAP ranges from $500 to $2500. Additionally, SR-22 insurance must be purchased for a period of 3 years.
A DUI conviction will appear on your criminal record and can never be expunged, destroyed, or otherwise removed.
Second Offense
A charge of DUI 2nd offense must be defended in the Court of General Sessions. A conviction of a 2nd offense DUI results in a jail sentence of 5 days to 1 year and a fine of roughly $2100 to $5100 if you refused the breath test or the result was 0.09 or less; a sentence of 30 days to 2 years and a fine of $2500 to $5500 if the breath test result was 0.10 to 0.15; or a sentence of 90 days to 3 years and a fine of $3500 to $6500 if your reported blood alcohol concentration was 0.16 or higher.
A conviction for any 2st offense DUI results in a license suspension for a period of 1 year. Before being re-issued a drivers license you will have to enroll in the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP). The cost of ADSAP ranges from $500 to $2500. Additionally, SR-22 insurance must be purchased for a period of 3 years.
Third Offense
A charge of DUI 3rd offense must be defended in the Court of General Sessions. A conviction of a 3rd offense DUI results in a jail sentence of 60 days to 3 years and a fine of $3800 to $6300 if you refused the breath test or the result was 0.09 or less; a sentence of 90 days to 4 years and a fine of $5000 to $7500 if the breath test result was 0.10 to 0.15; or a sentence of 6 months to 5 years and a fine of $7500 to $10,000 if your reported blood alcohol concentration was 0.16 or higher.
A conviction for any 3rd offense DUI results in a license suspension for a period of 2 years. Before being re-issued a drivers license you will have to enroll in the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP). The cost of ADSAP ranges from $500 to $2500. Additionally, SR-22 insurance must be purchased for a period of 3 years.
As you can see, the penalties for even a first offense DUI are stiff and any DUI charge should not be taken lightly. Our Charleston DUI attorneys would be happy to discuss your case with you, and our DUI consultations are free of charge. If you have been charged with DUI in the Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Goose Creek, North Charleston, Moncks Corner or Summerville, SC areas, Contact Us Now.
DUI Attorneys Serving Charleston, SC
Our law firm represents those charged with DUI in the Charleston, SC areas, including Charleston, Summerville, Mt. Pleasant, North Charleston, Goose Creek, Hanahan, James Island, West Ashley, Daniel Island, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Awendaw and Moncks Corner. If you have been charged with DUI, give our Charleston, SC DUI lawyers a call to discuss your case.
