A driving under the influence (DUI) charge can change the course of your life, placing your job, reputation, or family in jeopardy. You may feel deep shame, guilt, and anger after your arrest, no matter what the circumstances were or why it happened.
Anyone under this much pressure needs a DUI defense attorney like Christopher L. Jones, who has seen defendants from every side of the courtroom. If you are in a situation like this, contact Chris Jones Law today to schedule a consultation with an Anderson County DUI lawyer.
What Are DUI Charges?
This state is tough on intoxicated drivers, and the laws are complex. Your charge may be a DUI, which involves driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, or driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration (DUAC).
A DUAC charge requires you to have had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more. For drivers under 21, not even 0.02 percent is lawful. A DUI charge applies to any driver under the influence of drugs or any amount of alcohol, so long as they were appreciably impaired. These rules are established under South Carolina Code of Laws Unannotated §§ 56-5-2930 and 2933.
The penalties for DUI and DUAC are largely the same, as an Anderson County defense attorney could explain during your consultation. However, a DUI is a felony when an intoxicated driver seriously injures someone or kills them, as per S.C. Ann. § 56-5-2945.
Consequences for DUI and DUAC
In South Carolina, DUI and DUAC defendants have to face both a criminal case, where the court determines penalties, and an administrative case, where the DMV suspends a driver’s privileges and determines when to reinstate them. In both cases, the penalties usually depend on how many offenses you have committed within the past 10 years. A higher BAC can also increase the severity of minimum penalties.
For a first offense, you may have to pay a fine of at least $400 and serve a minimum sentence of 48 hours in jail or public service employment. You must also get an ignition interlock device (IID) license to be used for up to six months. A second offense comes with a fine of at least $2,100, a minimum of five days in jail, and the requirement to use an IID for two years. A third offense DUI results in a fine of at least $3,800, a minimum of 60 days in jail, and the use of an IID for at least three years. Finally, a fourth offense and further comes with a minimum imprisonment of one year and the requirement to use an IID for life.
Felony DUIs lead to a fine of at least $5,100 and 30 days in jail, and if death results, at least one year of imprisonment and $10,100 fine.
All DUI and DUAC offenders must complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, which may cost up to $2,500. Your defense lawyer could answer any questions regarding the consequences for DUI and DUAC in Anderson County following your initial case evaluation.
How Could a DUI Attorney Affect a Case?
An Anderson County attorney could determine whether the charges can stand in your DUI case. The state has to prove the charges, and they need good evidence to do so beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense attorney could challenge them by investigating whether the arrest was lawful, whether the blood, breath, or urine tests were accurate and lawfully taken, and whether any medications or medical conditions could cause a false positive test result.
Contact an Anderson County Attorney about Your DUI Case Today
Seeking professional help for your DUI or DUAC charge is an investment in your future. Without it, you may not be able to keep your current job or pass a licensing exam for your chosen career.
Christopher L. Jones has been a prosecutor and a judge, and now works for clients who need a second chance. Contact Chris Jones Law today to schedule your consultation with an Anderson County DUI lawyer and start managing your case.
