What are the penalties for operating a motor vehicle while under influence of alcohol or drugs?

FIRST OFFENSE

• Fine of $400 or imprisonment for not less than 48 hours or more than 30 days.
• In lieu of the 48 hour minimum imprisonment, the court may allow you to perform 48 hours of public service. If your alcohol concentration is at least 0.10% but less than 0.16%
• Fine of $500 or imprisonment for not less than 72 hours or more than 30 days.
• In lieu of the 72 hour minimum imprisonment, the court may provide for 72 hours of public service. If your alcohol concentration is 0.16% or more
• Fine of $1,000 or imprisonment for not less than 30 days or more than 90 days.
• In lieu of the 30 day minimum imprisonment, the court may provide for 30 days of public service. A first offense charged for this item may be tried in a magistrate court.

SECOND OFFENSE

• Fine of not less than $2,100 nor more than $5,100
• Imprisonment for not less than 5 days nor more than one year. If your alcohol concentration is at least 0.10% but less than 0.16% :
• Fine of not less than $2,500 or more than $5,500.
• Imprisonment for not less than 30 days or more than two years. If your alcohol concentration is 0.16% or more
• Fine of not less than $3,500 nor more than 46,500
• Imprisonment for not less than 90 days or more than three years. A person convicted of or pleading guilty to a second or subsequent DUI must surrender the registration and license plate for all motor vehicles owned or registered to him/her for a period of 30 days unless the vehicle has been confiscated. A fee of $50 must be paid to the DMV for each motor vehicle suspended before any of the registrations or license plates may be registered or before the motor vehicle may be released pursuant to subsection.

THIRD OFFENSE

• Fine of not less than $3,800 nor more than $6,300
• Imprisonment for not less than 60 days or more than three years. If your alcohol concentration is at least 0.10% but less than 0.16%
• Fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $7,500
• Imprisonment for not less than 90 days or more than four years. If your alcohol concentration is 0.16% or more
• Fine of not less than $7,500 nor more than $10,000
• Imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than five years; or

FOURTH OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE

• Imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five years. If your alcohol concentration is at least 0.10% but less than 0.16%
• Imprisonment for not less than two years or more than six years. If your alcohol concentration is 0.16% or more
• Imprisonment for not less than three years or more than seven years. How many years can separate the offenses? Only those violations which occurred within a period of ten years including and immediately preceding the date of the last violation constitute prior violations.

Posted in: DUI

Jebaily Law Firm

Jebaily Law Firm, is one of South Carolina’s long-established and well-respected legal practices. Located in Florence, S.C., we are trial lawyers focused on plaintiff litigation in personal injury, workers’ compensation, social security disability, and criminal defense. Established in 1969, we have more than 100 years of combined legal experience in protecting the rights of clients and advocating for the safety and well-being of South Carolina citizens.