In a previous post, we’ve discussed what the penalties for driving under the influence look like in South Carolina. With multiple offenses you can face up to seven year of jail time, $10,000 in fines, a revoked license, or have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. Having to face jail time and heavy fines are just a part of the struggle for those who’ve been convicted for driving under the influence. Death is a very real possibility. Of all the traffic related deaths in the United States, nearly one-third of them involved alcohol impaired driving according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Along with campaigns to stop impaired driving, many other deterrents are used to help reduce impaired driving fatalities. If you’re convicted of your second DUI in the Palmetto State, you are required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car. This is a device that uses a breathalyzer test connected to the car’s ignition. It will only let you start the engine if your breath registers below a predetermined limit, usually a BAC of 0.02 or below. Not only is the installation of this device embarrassing, it’s a red flag to law enforcement. However, on the other hand, the CDC has found that “when installed, interlocks are associated with nearly a 70% reduction in re-arrest rates for impaired driving,” meaning reduced arrest rates.
All this can be avoided with the help of a good DUI lawyer’s help. Contact De Bruin Law Firm today to get a free consultation on your case where we can look over all the intricacies and fight to keep you from disastrous penalties that could ruin your life.
