Georgia and South Carolina DUI Defense Attorneys
Experienced DUI Lawyers Serving Charleston, Beaufort County, Jasper County, Savannah, Chatham County, Effingham County, Pooler, Rincon, and Throughout the Low Country
Accused of DUI? Protect Your Rights and Future.
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge is a serious offense in South Carolina and Georgia. If convicted, you face severe consequences, including:
- Driver’s license suspension or revocation
- Jail or prison time
- Hefty fines
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
- A permanent criminal record
At Bannon Law Group, LLC, our trusted DUI defense attorneys have extensive experience defending clients against DUI charges. We understand that a DUI conviction can disrupt your personal and professional life, and we are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for your future.
Call 843-865-8922 or contact us today for a confidential consultation with a skilled DUI lawyer.
Understanding DUI Laws in South Carolina and Georgia
Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits:
- Adults (21+ years): BAC of 0.08% or higher
- Commercial Drivers (CDL): BAC of 0.04% or higher
- Underage Drivers (under 21): BAC of 0.02% or higher (Zero tolerance policy)
DUI Without a Chemical Test
You can still be charged with a DUI even without a blood, breath, or urine test. Prosecutors can prove DUI based on observations of impaired driving behavior, such as:
- Swerving between lanes
- Failing sobriety tests
- Slurred speech or unsteady movement
Our attorneys are skilled in challenging the validity of these subjective assessments and protecting your rights.
Types of DUI Cases We Handle
At Bannon Law Group, LLC, we defend clients against a variety of DUI charges, including:
- First-Time DUI Offenses
- Second, Third, or Subsequent DUI Offenses
- Felony DUI
- DUI with Injury or Death
- DUI on a Military Base
- Commercial Drivers License (CDL) DUI
- Underage DUI (Zero Tolerance)
- Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
- Flying Under the Influence (FUI)
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, contact us immediately to start building your defense.
DUI Penalties in South Carolina and Georgia
South Carolina DUI Penalties:
First Offense:
- Jail time: 48 hours to 90 days
- Fines: Up to $1,000
- License suspension: 6 months
Second Offense:
- Jail time: 5 days to 3 years
- Fines: $2,100 to $6,500
- License suspension: 1 year
Third Offense:
- Jail time: 60 days to 5 years
- Fines: $3,800 to $10,000
- License suspension: 2 years
Georgia DUI Penalties:
First Offense:
- Jail time: 1 to 10 days (probation possible)
- Fines: $300 to $1,000
- License suspension: up to 1 year
Second Offense:
- Jail time: 90 days to 12 months (minimum 3 days in jail)
- Fines: $600 to $1,000
- License suspension: 3 years
Third Offense:
- Jail time: 120 days to 12 months (minimum 15 days in jail)
- Fines: $1,000 to $5,000
- License suspension: 5 years
Penalties can increase significantly if aggravating factors are present, such as high BAC levels, repeat offenses, or accidents causing injury or death.
Additional Consequences of a DUI Conviction
Beyond legal penalties, a DUI conviction can have far-reaching impacts, including:- Employment challenges – Many employers conduct background checks and may refuse to hire someone with a DUI record.
- Increased insurance rates – A DUI can cause your auto insurance premiums to skyrocket.
- Travel restrictions – Some countries may deny entry based on DUI convictions.
DUI Defense Strategies
At Bannon Law Group, LLC, our attorneys employ a variety of defense strategies tailored to each case, including:- Challenging Breathalyzer and Blood Test Results – Questioning the accuracy and calibration of testing devices.
- Field Sobriety Test Defense – Arguing that environmental factors or medical conditions affected test performance.
- Illegal Stop Defense – Contesting the validity of the traffic stop if there was no probable cause.
- Rising BAC Defense – Arguing that BAC levels increased between the time of driving and the time of testing.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges
1. Can I refuse a Breathalyzer or Blood Test in South Carolina or Georgia?
Refusing a breathalyzer or blood test can lead to automatic license suspension. In South Carolina, your license could be suspended for up to 6 months, while in Georgia, refusal results in a 1-year suspension under implied consent laws.2. Will a DUI conviction appear on my criminal record?
Yes, a DUI conviction results in a permanent criminal record. However, some first-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs or conditional discharges that can help avoid a criminal record.3. Can a DUI be expunged from my record?
In most cases, DUI convictions cannot be expunged. However, a skilled attorney may help mitigate the consequences or explore alternative sentencing options.4. What should I do immediately after being arrested for DUI?
- Remain calm and polite.
- Do not admit guilt or provide additional information beyond what is legally required.
- Request an attorney immediately.
- Document everything you remember about the stop and arrest.