After the panic from getting arrested for a DUI in Spartanburg, SC has subsided, you may find yourself reeling from the possible costs involved. While there is no doubt severe penalties for driving while under the influence, understanding these costs can help determine what your responsibilities will be and how much it will take to cover the expenses of your Spartanburg DUI charge.
How Much Are the Fines for a DUI Charge in Spartanburg, SC?
There are laws in place in Spartanburg, SC, that prohibit driving while under the influence. These laws impose penalties and fines that can cost you upwards of $10,000 if you are caught driving with a blood alcohol level of .08.
If it is your first offense of driving while under the influence, you will be arrested and have to pay fines that can range from $400 to $1000. A second offense DUI imposes even higher penalties and can cost you $2100 to $6500, depending on what the judge orders you to pay.
Getting arrested for a DUI multiple times can increase your fine and penalty costs significantly. A third-time offense will run you $3800 to $10,000 while a fourth offense can be as expensive as $10,000.
Will I Lose My License After a DUI Charge in Spartanburg, SC?
While it can be damaging to your lifestyle to have to pay monetary penalties for a DUI charge in Spartanburg, SC, this is not the only way these offenses can cost you money. Getting your license suspended as a result of your conviction can be a costly turn of events, too.
Even if it is your first offense for driving while under the influence, you will lose your driver’s license for at least six months. This will make it difficult for you to get to and from work and can also affect your personal life, as you will now have to rely on friends and family to take you where you need to go.
Having multiple offenses for DUI means more time with a suspended driver’s license. This time period can be from one year for the second offense to permanent suspension of your driving privileges for a fourth offense. This is a cost that no one wants to endure as it makes your life inconvenient and insufferable.
Will I Go to Jail for a DUI Charge in Spartanburg, SC?
Another way that a DUI charge can cost you money is with the amount of time that you will have to serve in jail. Even a first offense DUI in Spartanburg, SC, can mean jail time. This could be as little as 48 hours or as long as 90 days, depending on the severity of the offense.
A second-time DUI means five days to three years in jail, while getting arrested four or more times can cause you to serve up to seven years in jail. Not only will you have to sit in jail, but you will miss valuable time with your family and friends.
Will I Have to Get an Ignition Interlock Device for a DUI in Spartanburg, SC?
You will have to pay even more penalties if you are arrested multiple times for DUI and the DMV orders an ignition interlock device to be installed on your vehicle. Not only is this done at your expense, but it can be quite a costly endeavor. There is the cost to install the device as well as the expense of having to have it analyzed each time.
An ignition interlock device is like a breathalyzer for your vehicle that will not let you operate your car if you have been drinking. You have to blow into the device each time you want to start your car as well as while you are driving to keep your vehicle running.
Not only is this device expensive to have on your vehicle, but it can cause embarrassment and shame if others are to see you using it while you are driving. Think about the cost of having to start your vehicle this way at work or blowing into the device when you drop your kids off at school each morning. This can be devastating in its own regards in addition to the monetary investment in the device.
Is a DUI Consider a Felony in Spartanburg, SC?
In addition to the burden of getting a DUI, there is the possibility of having a felony charge on your record. If a car accident occurs while driving under the influence and it leads to bodily injuries, then you will be considered a felon. This will be a part of your permanent record and it will appear each time that a background check is performed.
Having a felony on your record could be detrimental in several ways. It could prevent you from gaining willful employment with a new employer. It could also cost you your current job if your employer has a policy prohibiting criminal charges. This could be a lifelong effect of being arrested for a DUI in Spartanburg.
Additional Costs Associated with a Spartanburg DUI Charge
Some other additional costs for your DUI in Spartanburg, SC that you need to consider include court fees and any fees associated with drug or alcohol treatment. All of these services will also come out of your pocket.
You will also need to factor in the cost of hiring a qualified attorney to represent you in your DUI case. An attorney is the most necessary part of a good defense, particularly in guiding you through the legal process as well as helping you reduce any DUI penalties and fines.
The cost of getting arrested for driving while under the influence is significant on all accounts. There are monetary penalties to consider as well as possible jail time, loss of your driver’s license, and the potential for lifelong criminal charges on your record. The only way to avoid these costs is to avoid driving when you have been drinking and always plan for a safe ride home.
Do I Need an Attorney for a DUI Charge in Spartanburg, SC?
When you are facing a DUI charge in Spartanburg, SC, you need the help of a qualified attorney. The Bateman Law Firm can help. Our experienced attorneys can walk you through the legal process and help you with your DUI case. We are knowledgeable about South Carolina DUI laws and can help you get the justice you deserve. Call us today for a consultation on your DUI case.