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Charleston Repeat DUI Offender Lawyers

Charleston Repeat DUI Offender Lawyer

Strong advocacy for defendants charged with subsequent DUIs

South Carolina treats repeat DUI offenders more severely because of the fundamental concern that multiple offenders are more likely to have a permanent substance abuse problem. If you’re convicted of a second, third, or fourth DUI, you’ll face longer prison sentences, increased fines, and extended suspension of your driver’s license. You’ll need to attend an “Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program" (ADSAP). At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., our Charleston repeat DUI offender lawyer understands what defenses to assert that give you your best chance of an acquittal, dismissal, or a plea bargain. Call today to discuss your options.

“Remember, an arrest is not a conviction.”    -    Attorney Hough

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What’s the difference between first-time and subsequent DUI convictions in Charleston?

Our Charleston repeat offender lawyer understands that repeat DUI convictions have very harsh penalties. The key differences between a first-time DUI and a repeat DUI are:

  • The length of your prison sentence is longer.
  • The fines for a repeat conviction are larger.
  • You’ll be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for at least two years.
  • Not only will your driving privileges be suspended, but you’ll be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for at least two years.
  • You’ll be ineligible for a restricted driver’s license.
  • You will be evaluated for substance abuse.
  • You will need to attend an ADSAP program.

Collateral consequences may include losing your job or not being able to find a job because you can’t drive to work. For fourth offenses, you’ll be charged with a felony – which affects your ability to find work, rent an apartment, buy a home, and own a firearm.

For first-time offenses, you may be eligible to perform community service in lieu of the 48-hour minimum sentence. That option does not apply if you’re convicted of a repeat offense in Charleson.

Generally, you cannot expunge a DUI, a DUAC, or a felony DUI conviction whether it’s the first or a subsequent conviction.

South Carolina looks back 10 years to determine if you have prior convictions. Convictions older than 10 years do not count towards your repeat offense score.

What are the penalties for repeat DUI or DUAC convictions in Charleston?

Jail sentence, fines, and driver’s license suspension

The statutory penalties for a subsequent DUI offense vary depending on which offense you’ve been charged with and your blood alcohol content (BAC) level:

  • Second offense. Between five days and one year in prison, up to $2,100 to $5,100 in fines, up to $10,744.50 with assessments and surcharges, and a one-year driver’s license suspension.
  • Third offense. Between 60 days to three years in prison, up to $3,800 to $6,300 in fines, up to $10,744.50 with assessments and surcharges, and a two-year driver’s license suspension. The suspension will be four years if the third offense occurs within five years of the first offense. “If the third or subsequent offense occurs within 10 years of the first offense, the vehicle used must be confiscated if the offender is the owner or a resident of the household of the owner.”
  • Fourth or subsequent DUI. One to five years in prison and a permanent revocation of your driver’s license.

The penalties for driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration conviction (.08 or more for most drivers) are the same as for a DUI conviction.

Under the law, the penalties for a felony DUI are:

  • A mandatory fine of $5,100 to $10,100 ($21,119.50 with assessments and surcharges) and imprisonment from 30 days to 15 years when great bodily injury occurs.
  • A mandatory fine of $10,100 to $25,100 ($52,244.50 with assessments and surcharges) and imprisonment from one to 25 years when death occurs.

Additional consequences

If you refuse to consent to a breath, urine, or blood test to determine your BAC level, your license will be suspended for six months for a first offense, and longer if you have prior DUI, DUAC, or felony DUI convictions.

There is a mandatory ignition interlock device requirement for all multiple offenders. To restore your driving privileges, you’ll need an expensive special insurance certificate. If you have too many convictions, your right to drive could be permanently revoked.

The best way to avoid the penalties for repeat offenses is to have your DUI, DUAC, or felony DUI charges dismissed, be acquitted, reduce the criminal charges and penalties pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement. At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., we have 30 years of experience fighting for thousands of DUI defendants. You deserve a Charleston criminal defense lawyer who has this kind of experience.

What happens if I’m arrested for driving while my license is suspended in Charleston?

Do not drive if your license is suspended. Driving on a suspended license is a crime that can result in a prison term of 10 days to three years, fines, and court costs. In addition, your license will be suspended for an extended period and could even be permanently revoked. Our Charleston repeat offender lawyer will explain if you’re eligible for a restricted driver's license.

The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. also aggressively defends clients against other criminal charges, including assault, arson, kidnapping, and charges against college students. We also handle drunk driving defense.

Do you have a Charleston repeat DUI offender lawyer near me?

At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. we meet DUI defendants at our Charleston Office located at 171 Church St #160. We also consult when you’re in custody, by phone, and through video.

Many defendants do have defenses. The prosecution’s case is rarely as strong as they say.

1720 Main St. Suite 105
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Phone: (803) 219-2740
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171 Church Street, Suite 160
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 507-4558
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Get help now. Contact our Charleston repeat DUI lawyer today

At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., we fight to restore your freedom and preserve your driving privileges when you’re charged with a repeat DUI or DUAC. With so much at stake, you need an experienced DUI and DUAC lawyer on your side–one who has helped more than 2,000 DUI defendants. To schedule a consultation at one of our offices in South Carolina, please call us or fill out our contact form.