DUI Lawyer in Beaufort, South Carolina

For many people, a drunk driving charge is their first and only brush with the law. However, a conviction for Driving Under the Influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) can have disastrous consequences for you, your family, and your career. An experienced South Carolina DUI lawyer can help you navigate the criminal legal process, provide advice and legal guidance, and work to minimize the consequences of a DUI charge.

Jennifer Bouley is a DUI lawyer who is committed to providing caring and compassionate defense for people charged with drunk driving in South Carolina. A thorough investigator and researcher, she will carefully analyze the circumstances of your case, identify all viable defenses, and work to have the charges reduced or the case against you dismissed.

If you were charged with drunk driving in South Carolina, a DUI lawyer at Bouley Law can help. Contact our law firm today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how Bouley Law can help.

Overview of South Carolina Drunk Driving Laws

Under South Carolina’s DUI laws, a driver can be charged with drunk driving if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol to an extent that their ability to operate a motor vehicle is “materially and appreciably impaired.”

South Carolina also has a per se DUI law under which a person can be charged with DUI in the following circumstances:

• A driver who is over 21 and has a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08% is considered legally impaired and can be charged with DUI.
• Drivers who hold a Commercial Driver’s License can be charged with DUI if they have a BAC of .04% or higher.
• Drivers under age 21 can be charged with DUI if they have a BAC of .02% or higher.

A driver can also be charged with DUI if they are operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of prescription, over-the-counter, or recreational drugs.

Penalties for South Carolina DUI Conviction

The penalties for a South Carolina DUI conviction vary based on a driver’s level of impairment and whether they have prior DUI convictions.

First-Offense DUI

• A first-time DUI with a BAC under .10% is punishable by a $400 fine, between 48 hours and 30 days in jail, a 6 month driver’s license suspension, and mandatory completion of an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP).
• A first-time DUI with a BAC between .10% and .15% is punishable by a $500 fine, between 72 hours and 30 days in jail, and a 6 month driver’s license suspension.
• A first-time DUI with a BAC of .16% or higher is punishable by a $1,000 fine, between 30 and 90 days in jail, and a 6 month driver’s license suspension.

Second Offense DUI

• A second-offense DUI with a BAC under .10% is punishable by a fine of $2,100 to $5,100, between 5 days and 1 year in jail, and a 1 year driver’s license suspension.
• A second-offense DUI with a BAC between .10% and .15% is punishable by a fine of $2,500 to $5,500, between 30 days and 2 years in jail, and a 1 year driver’s license suspension.
• A second-offense DUI with a BAC of .16% or higher is punishable by a fine of $3,500 to $6,500, between 90 days and 3 years in jail, and a 1 year driver’s license suspension.

Third Offense DUI

• A third-offense DUI with a BAC under .10% is punishable by a fine of $3,800 to $6,300, between 60 days and 3 years in jail, and a 2 year driver’s license suspension.
• A third-offense DUI with a BAC between .10% and .15% is punishable by a fine of $5,000 to $7,500, between 90 days and 4 years in jail, and a 2 year driver’s license suspension.
• A third-offense DUI with a BAC of .16% or higher is punishable by a fine of $7,500 to $10,000, between 6 months and 5 years in jail, and a 2 year driver’s license suspension.

Fourth Offense DUI

A fourth offense DUI conviction will result in a permanent driver’s license revocation and a prison sentence of 1 to 7 years, depending on the driver’s BAC level.

Ignition Interlock Device

After a second or subsequent DUI conviction or if the driver’s BAC is .15% or higher, the driver must have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed, at their expense.

The IID requires that the driver blow into the device before starting the vehicle. If the device registers the presence of alcohol, the vehicle will not start.

DUI Resulting in Injury or Death

A driver involved in an accident that results in injury or death to another person while under the influence of drugs or alcohol faces enhanced penalties.

• A DUI that results in great bodily injury to another person is punishable by 30 days to 15 years in prison and a fine of $5,100 to $10,100.
• A DUI that results in the death of another person is punishable by 1 to 25 years in prison and a fine of $10,100 to $25,000.

Why You Need a South Carolina DUI Lawyer

A South Carolina DUI conviction carries serious penalties, including jail time, heavy fines, license suspension, and mandatory participation in rehabilitation programs. Repeated offenses or aggravating circumstances, like causing injury or death, can result in even harsher penalties.

If you are facing South Carolina DUI charges, you need an experienced DUI lawyer who can explain the charges, protect your rights, and minimize the consequences so you can move forward with your life.

How Bouley Law Can Help

South Carolina DUI lawyer Jennifer Bouley is a talented and dedicated advocate who is committed to defending the rights of the accused. Located in Beaufort County, she defends people facing DUI charges throughout South Carolina. She will carefully analyze your situation, help you evaluate your options, and mount a vigorous defense designed to reduce the severity of the charges or penalties you face.