DUI/DWI Recent Legal Changes in South Carolina

What recent changes have been made to our state’s DUI/DWI laws in South Carolina?

1. The legal limit for driving under the influence in South Carolina has been reduced from 0.10 to 0.08 effective December 8th, 2018.

2. A BAC of .15 or higher is considered an aggravated DUI and will receive a mandatory jail sentence of at least 48 hours.

3. DUI offenders who have 3 or more prior convictions within the past 10 years are subject to a minimum jail sentence of 15 days.

4. Ignition interlock devices are mandatory for all offenders convicted of a second or subsequent DUI offense when the offender’s BAC is over 0.15.

5. The provisions of South Carolina’s Child Endangerment Law (Sections 56-5-2945 and 56-5-2947), which holds a driver accountable for driving under the influence with a child under 16 in the vehicle, now apply to cases involving alcohol or any other controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy.

6. The law now includes provisions allowing for home detention, allowing for DUI offenders to serve their sentences at home instead of in prison, if they meet certain eligibility requirements.

7. The fines for DUI convictions have been increased significantly with first offense fines ranging from $400 to up to $5,000 depending on the defendant’s BAC and the number of prior convictions (if any). Fines are also mandatory for all offenders convicted of an aggravated DUI (BAC .15 or above).

Have there been updates to the legal BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) limit in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina recently updated its legal BAC limit from .08 to .10. The new law took effect on October 1, 2020.

How have penalties for first-time DUI offenders changed in recent years in South Carolina?

In recent years, South Carolina has implemented stricter penalties for first-time DUI offenders. The minimum fine for a first-time DUI offense is now $400, and the maximum jail sentence is up to 30 days. Additionally, an ignition interlock device may be required to be installed in the offender’s vehicle, and a suspended license has a minimum duration of six months. Furthermore, first-time DUI offenders may be required to take part in an alcohol and drug safety education program or be placed on probation for up to two years.

Are there new ignition interlock device (IID) requirements or policies in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina has introduced new ignition interlock device (IID) requirements as part of its Ignition Interlock Program. As of April 1, 2020, individuals convicted of a first offense of driving under the influence (DUI) must install an IID in their vehicle for at least 6 months, unless they are approved for early removal. Additionally, any individual convicted of a second or subsequent DUI offense must have an IID installed in their vehicle for at least one year.

Have there been changes to the process of DUI checkpoints and stops in South Carolina?

Yes, there have been changes to the process of DUI checkpoints and stops in South Carolina. For example, in 2019, South Carolina implemented a new law that requires officers to inform drivers of their right to refuse to take a chemical test at a DUI checkpoint. Also, the state now requires officers to have reasonable suspicion before conducting a traffic stop. Furthermore, an officer must now provide the driver with a written copy of the results of any breathalyzer or blood test that was administered. Finally, law enforcement must document all sobriety checkpoints they plan to conduct on any given night.

What impact have recent legal changes had on DUI/DWI sentencing in South Carolina?

Recent legal changes have had a major impact on DUI/DWI sentencing in South Carolina. In 2020, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety passed a law that raised the penalties for DUI/DWI offenses. The law makes it a felony for anyone convicted of a DUI/DWI with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent or higher. Offenders found guilty of this charge will face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and the loss of their license for at least one year. Additionally, the law now requires that all DUI/DWI offenders must complete an alcohol and drug assessment and follow any recommended treatment prior to being eligible for a driver’s license reinstatement.

Are there new diversion or treatment programs for DUI offenders in South Carolina?

Yes, there are several new diversion and treatment programs for DUI offenders in South Carolina. These include the state’s 24/7 Sobriety Program, which requires participants to submit to twice-daily testing for alcohol or drug use, and the Ignition Interlock Device Program, which requires offenders to install an interlock device in their vehicle that prevents it from starting if the driver’s breath alcohol content is above a certain limit. Additionally, South Carolina offers an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, which provides education and treatment services to those convicted of DUI offenses.

Has the process for DUI/DWI testing or blood draws been modified in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the process for DUI/DWI testing or blood draws has not changed. According to South Carolina state law, all drivers who are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs must submit to a chemical test of their breath, blood, or urine. Refusal to submit to a chemical test will result in an automatic license suspension.

Have recent changes affected the availability of plea bargains in DUI cases in South Carolina?

Recent changes to DUI laws in South Carolina have had little to no effect on the availability of plea bargains in DUI cases. Plea bargains are typically offered by prosecutors in DUI cases as a way to avoid time-consuming and expensive jury trials. Therefore, plea bargains remain available in DUI cases in South Carolina.

Are there specific changes in DUI laws for underage drivers in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina has specific DUI laws for underage drivers. Under South Carolina law, any driver under the age of 21 who is found to have a BAC of .02% or higher is guilty of DUI. This is known as “Zero Tolerance” and carries significant penalties, including:

• Mandatory license suspension for up to 6 months

• Up to 90 days in jail

• Fines up to $200

• Required alcohol/drug abuse education classes.

Have there been updates to DUI laws regarding marijuana or other drugs in South Carolina?

Yes, in June 2019, South Carolina passed a bill (H.3993) that made changes to South Carolina’s DUI laws regarding marijuana and other drugs. The bill created a new offense for driving under the influence of drugs (DUOD) and added a provision that allows for an officer to request a blood sample or other biological sample from a driver if the officer has reasonable suspicion that the driver is impaired by drugs. It also increased the penalties for DUOD convictions and clarified the language related to chemical tests for DUOD offenses.

What changes have been made to DUI penalties for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the DUI penalty for CDL holders has been amended to meet stricter federal requirements. The penalties for a first DUI offense are now as follows: (1) mandatory suspension of CDL privileges for one year; (2) mandatory six months of jail time; (3) fines of up to $25,000; and (4) participation in an alcohol/drug program. For subsequent offenses, the penalties are more strict, including a lifetime disqualification of CDL privileges and an additional three years in jail.

Are there new reporting requirements for DUI/DWI convictions to other states in South Carolina?

No, there are no new reporting requirements for DUI/DWI convictions to other states in South Carolina. All DUI/DWI convictions must be reported to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles in order to fulfill the requirements of the Interstate Driver License Compact.

How have recent changes impacted the use of body cameras or dashcams during DUI stops in South Carolina?

Recent changes in South Carolina have impacted the use of body cameras and dashcams during DUI stops, primarily due to the implementation of a new law that requires all South Carolina law enforcement officers to wear body cameras while on duty. This law, which was passed in June 2019, was established to increase transparency and accountability of the state’s law enforcement officers. Additionally, the law requires all dash cameras to be activated when a DUI stop is made in order to capture the entire incident on film. These changes have provided more clarity and protection for both law enforcement officers and drivers during DUI stops, helping to ensure that justice is served.

Have there been changes to DUI laws related to accidents causing injury or death in South Carolina?

Yes, there have been changes to DUI laws related to accidents causing injury or death in South Carolina. DUI causing great bodily injury or death is now a felony offense, and offenders face harsher penalties. Great bodily injury sentences now carry a minimum of 30 days in jail and a maximum of 15 years in prison. Meanwhile, the penalty for DUI involving death can range from two to 25 years in prison.

Are there new policies or laws regarding DUI expungement or record sealing in South Carolina?

Yes. As of 2019, South Carolina has a new law that allows for the expungement of an individual’s DUI conviction if they have been free from conviction for five years since the termination of the sentence. This includes any fines, restitution, and court costs associated with the conviction. Additionally, the individual must not be currently charged with or convicted of any other criminal offense. The law also allows for record sealing for those convicted of a DUI-related offense.

Have recent legal changes affected DUI insurance rates in South Carolina?

Yes, recent legal changes have affected DUI insurance rates in South Carolina. The state has adopted a law that requires all drivers convicted of a DUI offense to purchase an SR-22 insurance policy, which is a type of high-risk car insurance. This type of policy is more expensive than traditional auto insurance, and drivers convicted of a DUI could see their rates increase significantly. Additionally, drivers convicted of a DUI may be required to take a defensive driving course in order to reinstate their license. The costs associated with these courses can also affect DUI insurance rates in the state.

What changes have been made to DUI/DWI court processes and procedures in South Carolina?

Recent changes to DUI/DWI court processes and procedures in South Carolina include the addition of ignition interlock devices for all DUI/DWI offenders. These devices are installed in the offender’s vehicle and must be used to start the vehicle, and the device prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath. In addition, offenders who are enrolled in DUI/DWI court programs must submit to random drug and alcohol tests, comply with an approved treatment plan, and attend court hearings. Other changes include mandatory community service for all DUI/DWI offenders and the use of a graduated license system that restricts a person convicted of DUI/DWI from driving certain vehicles and for certain purposes.

Are there additional resources or diversion programs for individuals with substance abuse issues in South Carolina?

Yes, there are many additional resources and diversion programs for individuals with substance abuse issues in South Carolina. There are several organizations that provide resources and programs for individuals struggling with addiction, including the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS), the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), and numerous non-profit organizations that provide support, counseling, and other services. Additionally, many counties throughout the state offer their own recovery and diversion programs.

What is the process for staying informed about ongoing and future changes in DUI/DWI laws in South Carolina?

1. Visit the South Carolina Department of Public Safety website, which provides information on state DUI/DWI laws.

2. Follow the state’s Supreme Court website for any DUI/DWI-related rulings or cases.

3. Subscribe to South Carolina legal-focused newsletters and blogs that focus on DUI/DWI law updates.

4. Attend DUI/DWI-related legal seminars and conferences.

5. Follow relevant state and local media for any changes in DUI/DWI laws in the state.

6. Stay connected with local organizations and associations that are related to DUI/DWI law in the state.