According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, you could face a fine of up to $400 and a 30-day license suspension for first-offense DUI charges. Although this might not seem like a significant issue, the consequences could be worse than you realize. Many aggravating circumstances could make penalties more severe, even if it is your first time driving under the influence. You may want to discuss potential defense strategies with our DUI defense attorney in Greenville, SC.
Aggravating Circumstances Can Make a First-Time DUI Much Worse
You should know that even if you have never before faced DUI charges, your first offense could still be grave with aggravating circumstances. These might include causing injuries, causing death, driving with children in the vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, and much more.
In these situations, you could face felony charges. It makes sense to organize an effective defense in this scenario, since your lack of prior convictions will not automatically save you from severe penalties.
First-Time DUI Charges Lay the Foundation for Increasing Penalties
Once you have a single DUI conviction on your record, any subsequent DUI convictions automatically lead to more severe penalties. For example, a second DUI offense can lead to up to one year behind bars, a one-year license suspension, and a fine of over $5,000.
A third offense may lead to up to three years behind bars and a two-year license suspension. You might also face a fine of over $6,000. However, the consequences of a third-offense DUI in South Carolina depend heavily on when your first offense occurred.
If your first offense occurred within five years of your third-offense, the DUI could lead to a four-year license suspension. If the first offense occurred within 10 years of the third offense, your vehicle will be confiscated by the authorities.
The most severe penalties are reserved for those who commit fourth or subsequent DUI offenses. This could result in the permanent revocation of your driver’s license and a five-year prison sentence.
Based on these increasingly severe penalties, it makes sense to address your first offense DUI charge effectively. If you “nip this in the bud” and avoid conviction, then you cannot face these heightened penalties.
Even a First-Offense DUI Can Affect Your Reputation and Career
When the court convicts you of driving under the influence, this conviction goes on your criminal record. This could affect your reputation and your career options going forward. Professional drivers may be particularly affected by a DUI charge, as their careers depend on their licenses.
Speak With Beasley Tomlinson Law About DUI Defense Strategies
Even if you’re still not sure whether you need a defense lawyer, it may be worth discussing your legal options with one of these professionals. The consequences of a first-time DUI can be more severe than many realize, although the specific penalties depend entirely on your unique situation. Discuss your circumstances with Beasley Tomlinson Law by calling or reaching us online.