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DUI Laws in South Carolina

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DUI, or driving under the influence, is a serious misdemeanor offense in South Carolina.  To prove a DUI, the state must show beyond a reasonable doubt:

  • the accused was operating a motor vehicle
  • under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance, or both, and
  • the accused’s “faculties to drive a motor vehicle are materially and appreciably impaired” (the accused was unable to operate a car safely)

In South Carolina there is a presumption that an individual is unable to drive safely if their blood alcohol content was 0.08% or above.  The state can try to prove that the individual was unable to drive safely even if his or her blood alcohol content was under 0.08%.  Likewise, the defense can argue that the individual was able to drive safely if their blood alcohol content was above 0.08%.  Obviously a persuasive South Carolina DUI lawyer like those at Reeves, Aiken & Hightower helps.

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We practice DUI defense throughout South Carolina, including in the cities of Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, York, Columbia, Charleston, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant.

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