What started as a fun night out ended with a mistake – driving while intoxicated. A DUI in South Carolina is a serious offense and can have serious consequences. So what do you do?
The correct answer: Stay calm.
When facing the consequences of a DUI, it’s important to make wise decisions, understand your rights, and comply with all legal requirements. This guide can help you understand what steps to take following a DUI arrest.
Seek Legal Counsel
Grounds for getting a DUI in South Carolina include a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. You can also receive a DUI for driving under the influence of any drug, intoxicant, or alcohol. If this happens, seeking legal counsel is the first step you need to take. Not only will an experienced DUI attorney aid you in better understanding regulations, but they will ease the court process once your case has arrived at that point.
Report to Court
Even if you are a first-time DUI recipient, you will have a mandatory court date included with the offense. Depending on your BAC, you might receive jail time or fines upon reporting to the court. In South Carolina, first offenders are still eligible for receiving jail time as punishment for a DUI. Generally, the minimum time is 48 hours to 30 days.
However, if your BAC was at least 0.10 percent but less than 0.16 percent, the minimum sentence is automatically set to seven days. If your BAC was 0.16 percent or greater, the minimum sentence is fixed to between 30 and 90 days. You must take reporting to the court seriously. Fines can reach up to $1,000 and the law mandates that all DUI recipients complete the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP).
Do Your Time
The final step is to carry out your punishment — without any further violations appearing on your record. Should additional charges, offenses, or violations pop up during your jail time or treatment, the consequences can extend or worsen. At this point in the DUI process, many people begin to think back on their decision-making.
Get Legal Help for Your DUI Arrest
Managing your South Carolina DUI offense doesn’t have to be stressful, complicated, or overwhelming. DUI attorney Sara A. Turner is here to help. As she has spent most of her legal career protecting the rights of her clients, Sara has made nearly 400 appearances in court practicing criminal defense. Her experience in DUIs and title of Best Family Law Attorney make her an educated choice when seeking legal counsel to battle criminal offenses. When you choose Sara, you’re choosing justice.
Are you ready to get the help you need for battling your DUI conviction? Contact the law offices of Sara Turner today.
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