21st century society rightly frowns on the decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Where once driving while drunk was considered a relatively minor issue, to be dealt with privately, it is now considered a serious public danger.

As such, prosecutors take DUI charges quite seriously. If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI, you can’t expect mercy or leniency from the prosecutor or the judge. You need a skillful defense.

Bill Nettles has been practicing for decades. He’s an experienced criminal defense lawyer and knows how to successfully represent his clients and fight for their rights.

If you’ve been accused of a DUI in South Carolina, please call the Law Office of Bill Nettles today at 803-814-2826.

South Carolina’s DUI Law

DUI is a state-level offense, so it’s South Carolina’s law you must look to when considering possible sentences and relevant statutory factors.

Under South Carolina law, you are said to be driving under the influence of alcohol if you are over the age of 21 and your blood alcohol content is greater than .08. If you’re under the age of 21, the BAC threshold drops all the way to .02.

There are a range of possible sentences, including:

  • First offense: 48 hours to 90 days in jail, a fine of $400 to $1,000 and a six-month license suspension
  • Second offense: Five days to three years in jail, a fine of $2,100 to $6,500 and a one-year license suspension
  • Third offense: 60 days to five years in jail, a fine of $3,800 to $10,000 and a two-year license suspension
  • Fourth offense: One to seven years in jail, a fine of up to $10,000 and a permanent license suspension

The state has a 10-year “lookback period” during which a previous DUI is considered for sentencing. You will be required to equip an ignition interlock device on your car after your second offense.

Even if you receive a sentence on the low end of the possible range, a DUI conviction is a massive disruption. Few people can easily weather the loss of their driver’s license, and a significant fine can be difficult to pay. Furthermore, DUI is a felony, which means it will go on your record and must be disclosed on job applications.

We cannot promise you an acquittal or a favorable plea bargain result. But you deserve the sort of high-quality legal representation Bill Nettles has been providing for decades.

If you’ve been accused of a DUI or any other crime in South Carolina, please call the Law Office of Bill Nettles today at 803-814-2826. We’re located in Columbia, but we handle cases in Charleston, Greenville and every other South Carolina community.

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