If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in South Carolina, you likely have already considered the potential penalties. These may include astronomical fines, driver’s license suspension, and even serving jail time. Depending on the specifics of your arrest, you may face a prolonged loss of your driving privileges, significantly impacting your freedom and ability to fulfill your daily obligations. As such, it’s crucial to understand how long your driver’s license could be suspended for a DUI offense. Please continue reading to learn how long you will lose your license after a DUI in South Carolina and why connecting with an experienced Chesterfield County DUI Lawyer is in your best interest.
What Are South Carolina’s Implied Consent Laws?
If you operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, you will be charged with DUI, which is a serious offense that carries harsh penalties. It’s crucial to understand that the severity of your penalties will depend on various factors. The primary factors include whether you submitted to a chemical test, your blood alcohol BAC, whether there are any aggravating circumstances, and your criminal record (if any).
The period of your driver’s license suspension will depend on the unique details of your case. When you accept the privilege to drive in the state of South Carolina, you give your consent for testing of breath, blood, or urine to determine the presence of alcohol and/or drugs in your system if you are alleged to have committed a DUI offense. If you refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test, you can lose your license immediately, regardless of whether you were driving under the influence. Refusing a chemical test will likely result in your driver’s license being suspended for six months, assuming this is your first offense.
How Long Can Your Driver’s License Be Suspended After a DUI in South Carolina?
If you decide to submit to a chemical test under the implied consent law, and you are over the legal limit, and this is your first DUI offense, you will likely face a six-month driver’s license revocation. If this is your second offense DUI, you will lose your driver’s license for an extended period. This offense carries a one-year driver’s license revocation penalty. A third-offense DUI can result in a two-year driver’s license revocation. However, if the DUI conviction occurs within five years from the date of your first offense DUI, your license suspension may last for four years. Further, your driver’s license will be permanently revoked if this is your fourth or subsequent DUI offense.
Losing your legal privilege to drive is a severe consequence of this offense in South Carolina. For this reason, if you are facing DUI charges, please don’t hesitate to contact a determined Chesterfield County DUI charge, who can provide a vigorous defense. At the Cockrell Law Firm, P.C., we are prepared to represent your interests and defend your rights. Contact our firm today to discuss your case.
