Crantford Meehan has helped me extremely through the hardest time in my life and has gotten me such an AMAZING recovery after my accident. I highly recommend them to any and everyone I know. Even after my own mother got into an auto accident, they have helped us both successfully move forward with our lives...
An intoxicated driver has impaired vision, hearing, reaction time, and judgment. It doesn’t matter whether a driver consumes alcohol or drugs before getting behind the wheel. The danger they pose to others’ lives and welfare is the same.
If a drunk driver injures you or a loved one in Charleston, South Carolina, you shouldn’t have to foot the cost of your medical recovery or missed time at work. The Charleston drunk driving accident attorneys at Crantford Meehan can guide you through your legal options in a free consultation. Call our office today at (843) 396-3674.
DUI Laws in Charleston, South Carolina
The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in South Carolina is 0.08 percent. Officers are to presume that someone is driving under the influence if they test at or above the limit. However, just because a driver is under the limit does not mean they won’t face penalties. Even if someone’s BAC is 0.05 percent or higher, they may still be charged with DUI if they are not visibly sober.
If an officer asks to test someone’s blood, breath, or urine for alcohol or drugs, that person is assumed to consent. If they do not, they could face a 90- to 180-day suspension of their driver’s license.
If someone previously guilty of DUI offends again, the penalties they face will increase. The maximum penalties for misdemeanor DUIs include the following:
- First offense – The first offense carries a maximum fine of $400, a prison term of 48 hours to 30 days, and a 6-month driver’s license suspension.
- Second offense – The second offense carries a maximum fine of $5,100, a prison term of five days to one year, and a one-year driver’s license suspension.
- Third offense – The third offense carries a maximum fine of $6,300, a prison term of 60 days to 3 years, and a two-year driver’s license suspension. If the third offense was within five years of the first, the license suspension could last up to four years. Law enforcement could also confiscate the driver’s vehicle if a third or subsequent offense were within a decade of the first.
- Fourth offense or later – The fourth offense and any subsequent offenses carry a prison sentence of up to five years. The DPS may also permanently revoke the offender’s driver’s license.
If someone causes severe injury or death while driving under the influence, it is a felony DUI offense. The penalties for felony DUI depend on the circumstances of the accident:
- Bodily injury only – If the driver causes “great bodily injury” but not death, they could face a fine of up to $10,100 and up to fifteen years in prison.
- Death – If the drunk driver caused someone’s death, they could face a fine of up to $25,100 and up to 25 years in prison.
