Underage DUI in South Carolina
South Carolina Has A Zero Tolerance Policy
Any person under the age of 21 who drives a motor vehicle after drinking alcohol faces a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Underage DUI in South Carolina is getting tougher by the Legislative Session.
It only takes a blood alcohol concentration of .02% to be charged with penalties for underage drinking and driving. Underage drivers will automatically have their license suspended for at least 3 months.
Consequences of Underage DUI
If you are under 21 and and your blood alcohol (BAC) is at least .02% and less than .08%:
- License (or permit) suspended or withheld for three months for a first offense; six months for a second offense within five years.
- License suspended for six months if chemical test is refused during a first offense; a one-year suspension if it’s the second offense within five years.
You are entitled to an Administrative Hearing to seek reinstatement of your driving privileges while your case is pending.
If you are under 21 and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher, you may be arrested for drunk driving and prosecuted under South Carolina’s Drunk Driving Laws.
Underage Drinking Convictions
BEWARE: A conviction for underage drinking almost always has lasting consequences.
- A student who has been convicted and/or pled guilty to an alcohol or drug related offense will not be eligible for a LIFE scholarship after the expiration of one academic year from the date of the adjudication, conviction or plea.
- A driver who is over the age of 18 but under 21 charged with DUI may additionally be charged with child endangerment and subject to additional criminal penalties if they are carrying a passenger younger than 16.
- A conviction for underage drinking and driving may ruin potential job opportunities.
Contact DUI Defense Lawyer Bubba Cromer for Underage Drinking Arrest
Bubba Cromer, is dedicated to protecting the rights of his clients, providing aggressive representation grounded in his 26 years of experience building, writing and interpreting the laws of South Carolina. In fact, Bubba Cromer served on the House Judiciary Committee, whose job it was to address many of the drug laws on the books today. He has also worked in the Richland County Solicitor’s Office. Contact him today if you have been arrested.