Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) is never pleasant, and unfortunately, one mistake can quickly turn into serious legal consequences. If you are facing a DUI charge, you must understand the Greenville DUI penalties you may be facing and how to protect your rights.
Christopher L. Jones understands the charges against you and how they could impact your life. As a skilled DUI attorney with experience as a former prosecutor and a municipal judge, he could provide you with the one-on-one service you deserve. Contact Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, today to schedule a consultation.
What Matters Most in a DUI Case?
South Carolina takes DUI charges seriously. Whether you are charged with DUI or driving with unlawful alcohol concentration (DUAC), the penalties are the same.
DUI charges refer to situations in which a driver possesses a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. However, even with a BAC as low as 0.05, an officer can still charge you if there is other evidence or impairment. Regardless of the charge, your BAC will likely be the most significant contributing factor when determining the penalties you face in your Greenville DUI case.
What to Expect After a DUI or DUAC Charge
The penalties for Greenville DUI and DUAC charges vary, and the higher the BAC, the more severe the consequences.
First Offense
A BAC of less than 0.10 could result in a $400 fine or two to 30 days in jail, and up to six months with a suspended license. A BAC of 0.10-0.16 has an increased fine of up to $500 or three to 30 days in jail, and up to six months without a license. For those with a BAC greater than 0.16%, $1000 fines or up to 90 days in jail are possible, along with a six-month license suspension.
Second Offense
For two-time offenders, the lowest BAC level will still lead to a $5,100 fine, five days to a year in jail, and a license suspension of up to one year. For higher BAC levels, a person could receive a penalty of up to $6,500 in fines, three years in jail, and a year without a license.
Third Offense
A third offense of this kind could result in up to $10,000 in fines, five years in jail, and two years of a suspended license.
Fourth Offense
A fourth offense DUI is a felony, meaning permanent license suspension and up to seven years in jail.
How a Lawyer Could Help
Working with a seasoned Greenville attorney like Christopher L. Jones could help you avoid the harshest DUI penalties. Common defenses include:
- Improper testing, including incorrectly administered breathalyzer or field sobriety tests
- Officer failure to inform you of your Miranda Rights
- No established probable cause
- Inconsistencies or errors in police reports or other paperwork
Proving there were errors in your arrest or charge is often challenging, but consulting with an attorney could help you build the strongest defense possible.
Contact Christopher L. Jones to Discuss DUI Penalties in Greenville
Good people make mistakes, and being charged with DUI does not automatically mean you should face maximum consequences. Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, could help those accused of DUI escape the harsher Greenville DUI penalties. Contact us today to begin the legal process and protect your rights.
