The effects of getting arrested and charged with DUI in Greenville, SC, can be devastating. There are fines and penalties to contend with as well as possible jail time. Plus, you may also lose one of the privileges you rely on the most on a daily bases – your driver’s license. If you are facing DUI charges and the threat of losing your driver’s license, reach out to a Greenville, SC DUI lawyer to discuss your legal options.
How Long Will I Lose My Driver’s License for After a DUI in Greenville, SC?
In Greenville, there are laws in place that make it illegal to drive after consuming alcohol or other drugs. If you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher, you will be arrested and charged with DUI. Those that are 21 or under can only have a BAC of .02 percent while commercial driver’s license holders are restricted to a BAC of .04 percent.
Even if it is your first DUI offense, you will have your driver’s license suspended. The mandatory driver’s license suspension for the first offense of driving while under the influence in Greenville, SC, is six months. This is the full amount of time you will be prohibited from driving under the law and you will not be eligible for reinstatement of your driving privileges until this suspension period is over.
When you are charged with a second-offense DUI, the time for license suspension doubles to one year. Stiffer penalties are handed down for a third and fourth DUI offense. While under the rule of recidivism, you will lose your ability to drive for five years if charged with a DUI for the third time, a fourth offense will cause you to lose your driver’s license permanently.
How Does an Ignition Interlock Device Effect Driver’s License Suspension
The laws for DUI are severe in Greenville, South Carolina. You do have the right to waive your driver’s license suspension by requesting that an ignition interlock device is installed in your vehicle at your own cost. An ignition interlock device is like a breathalyzer, as you breathe into it and it detects if alcohol is in your system. It will render your vehicle inoperable if you have been drinking. You will have to use this device each time you start your vehicle in order to drive your car.
The option to add an ignition interlock device to your vehicle in lieu of license suspension is only offered for first time DUI offenders with a BAC of .08 to .14 percent. The installation of an ignition interlock device is mandatory for a second offense DUI or more.
How Can a DUI Lawyer Help Me Get My Driver’s License Back?
You will be eligible to reinstate your driver’s license after a DUI charge following the suspension period. All penalties will have to be paid and met as required, but once completed you can apply to the Department of Motor Vehicle for reinstatement of your driving privileges.
The procedure for obtaining your driver’s license will include payment of $100 for the reinstatement fee with the DMV. You will also need proof of SR-22 insurance through an SR-22 form that you can obtain from your insurance company.
You will also likely be required to complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program as administered in Greenville, SC, for your DUI charge. Once you have satisfactorily met these requirements, you will need to submit to a test of your driving skills and knowledge. Upon successful completion of the DMV test, you will be given your new driver’s license without restrictions.
It is important to note that in Greenville, SC, there is a 10-year look back period and if you are arrested for DUI again during this 10-year period, it will be considered a second offense of driving while under the influence. This will come with more severe driving restrictions and license suspension.
Can I Get a Temporary Restricted Driver’s License After a DUI in Greenville, SC?
Even though a DUI arrest causes immediate suspension your driving privileges, you may be eligible for a temporary restricted driver’s license. This will give you the ability to drive in Greenville, SC, with some restrictions until a judge determines if the suspension will be upheld.
To be granted a restricted license you need to have an administrative hearing following your DUI arrest scheduled. You can apply to the DMV for the temporary license using the paperwork that proves you have a hearing date. A $100 reinstatement fee will be required to the DMV as well as
You will want to apply for an administrative hearing immediately upon your DUI arrest as it can take up to a week for the date to be set for your hearing. You will have to pay a $200 fee for the administrative hearing to take place.
During your administrative hearing, it will be determined if your driver’s license will be suspended based on the DUI charges you are facing. If it is decided that the suspension will not be upheld, you will immediately receive your driver’s license back, and your driving privileges will be reinstated. If the suspension is ordered to go through, your temporary restricted license will be revoked, and you will no longer be able to drive a vehicle of any kind until your suspension period has ended.
Losing your driving rights is just one of the many penalties that occur after a DUI charge. Multiple offenses mean stiffer penalties, fines, and license suspension periods. The best way to avoid losing your driving privileges is to avoid operating a vehicle while under the influence. Always have a safe ride home planned and never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.
Consult with a Greenville DUI Lawyer About Your Case During a Consultation
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Greenville, SC, an attorney at The Bateman Law Firm can help you with your case. Our qualified attorneys are knowledgeable about driving while under the influence laws and can provide you the legal assistance you need for your case. Contact us today to set up a consultation to discuss your legal options in your DUI case.