DUI in North Charleston, SC: Penalties, Process, and How to Protect Your License

Thad Doughty

Jan 06 2026 13:00

A DUI arrest is scary—and in South Carolina, the consequences can be severe even for first-time offenders. Whether you were stopped near Ashley Phosphate, Dorchester Road, or downtown Charleston, you need to know what happens next and how to protect yourself.

Here’s a clear overview from Doughty Law.

DUI vs. DUAC in South Carolina

South Carolina recognizes impaired driving through:

  • DUI(Driving Under the Influence): impairment by alcohol, drugs, or both
  • DUAC(Driving with Unlawful Alcohol Concentration): BAC at or above the legal limit, even if “you feel fine”

The legal BAC limit for most drivers is 0.08%. Lower limits apply to commercial drivers and drivers under 21.

Potential Penalties

Penalties depend on BAC level and prior offenses. South Carolina’s 2024 updates strengthened consequences for many DUI convictions.

You may be facing:

  • Jail time
  • Fines and court costs
  • License suspension
  • Mandatory alcohol/drug treatment
  • Ignition interlock requirements
  • SR-22 insurance and higher premiums

Higher BAC levels and repeat offenses can sharply increase mandatory penalties.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest

Typically, the process includes:

  • Traffic stop and field sobriety tests
  • Breath/blood testing (or refusal)
  • Arrest and booking
  • Administrative license suspension through SCDMV
  • Criminal court case (separate from DMV consequences)

Important: your license can be suspended quickly—sometimes before you ever go to court.

Why DUI Cases Are Defensible

Many DUI arrests involve issues such as:

  • Unlawful stop (no valid reason to pull you over)
  • Faulty field sobriety testing conditions
  • Breathalyzer errors or calibration problems
  • Lack of video compliance
  • Medical conditions that mimic impairment
  • Improper blood draw or chain-of-custody errors

A strong defense can reduce charges, protect driving privileges, or even lead to dismissal in some cases.

What Not to Do

Right after an arrest, avoid:

  • Explaining your case on social media
  • Talking to police without counsel
  • Missing DMV deadlines
  • Assuming you “can’t win”

The sooner you act, the more options you keep.

Call Doughty Law for DUI Defense

A DUI charge doesn’t define you—but ignoring it can change your future. Doughty Law in North Charleston defends DUI cases with an eye toward protecting your record, your license, and your livelihood.

Call today to discuss your situation confidentially.