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Can your license get suspended after a DUI in South Carolina?

On Behalf of | Feb 4, 2025 | DUI |

Every different type of criminal charge carries specific penalties. The law imposes different consequences depending on the severity of the offense and the history of the person accused. Certain types of penalties are standard in a broad assortment of different types of charges.

Most people understand that the courts can impose fines, sentence them to probation or put them in jail after a guilty plea or conviction. There are also certain types of penalties that reflect the nature of the criminal offense. For example, those accused of offenses involving motor vehicles might be at risk of the state suspending or even revoking their driver’s license.

Driving under the influence (DUI) offenses are among the most common vehicle-related crimes. Do motorists typically lose their driving privileges after a DUI conviction?

License suspension is a standard penalty for DUI convictions

Most people who plead guilty to DUI or get convicted in court can expect to lose their driving privileges at least temporarily. Even if a DUI does not involve injury to others or significant property damage, the state can still suspend or even revoke a driver’s license.

Drivers who plead guilty to or get convicted of a DUI offense could lose their license for six months. After a second DUI conviction, that license suspension increases to a full year. Third convictions can result in a two-year suspension in some cases.

If the third offense happens within five years of the first DUI conviction, the state could suspend the driver’s license for up to five years. A fourth conviction can lead to the permanent revocation of a driver’s license.

Those who try to avoid arrest or prosecution by refusing a test don’t necessarily improve their circumstances. The state can suspend a driver’s license for 90 days the first time they refuse a chemical test after arrest. The suspension could last up to 180 days if the driver has a prior DUI conviction on their record.

For those who do not want to lose their driving privileges, defending against a DUI charge may be the best option available. Developing a criminal defense strategy based on the circumstances of a DUI arrest may help a motorist protect their driving privileges.

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