South Carolina DUI 3rd Offense
Driving Under the Influence 3rd Offense is a serious charge. But you should know that no case is hopeless - and just because you were arrested does not mean that you will be convicted in Court. There are several defenses that are available - and the State still must comply with all of the technical requirements for a DUI arrest.
The penalties for those convicted of 3rd offense DUI are greatly enhanced from both a 1st or 2nd level offense.
For blood alcohol levels <0.10
A jail or prison sentence of sixty days up to three years
A fine of approximately $7,0000 - $12,000
For blood alcohol levels of 0.10 through 0.16
A jail or prison sentence of ninety days up to four years
A fine of approximately $10,000 to $15,000
For blood alcohol levels greater than 0.16
A jail or prison sentence of six months up to five years
A fine of approximately $14,000 to $20,000
DUI 3rd charges are prosecuted in the Court of General Sessions. Unlike DUI 1st or 2nd they must be tried by a Circuit Court judge and cannot be referred (unless plead down) to a Magistrate or to Transfer Court. In addition those convicted of 3rd Offense DUI in South Carolina will also face an additional license suspension, mandatory SR-22 coverage, required alcohol and/or drug counseling as well as a requirement for the installation of an interlock device.
Although the underlying DUI law is the same, 3rd Offense DUI cases are substantially more serious due to the substantial possibility of a jail or prison sentence.
South Carolina DUI Law
Information about DUI 2nd
Information about Felony DUI
To schedule a consultation to discuss your 3rd Offense DUI case please contact The Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, directly at (803) 359-3301.