What are the penalties for a DUI conviction?
Answer:
A DUI conviction can involve fines, jail exposure, licensing consequences, and requirements beyond the criminal sentence. The applicable penalties depend on factors such as the offense history and alcohol-concentration category. Insurance, alcohol-safety program, and ignition-interlock requirements should also be reviewed.
Current-law note — October 16, 2026: South Carolina’s ignition-interlock policy effective May 19, 2024 applies interlock requirements to DUI convictions. Review the current requirements rather than assuming an interlock is simply optional.
The consequences of a DUI conviction are not limited to the fine or jail term announced in criminal court. South Carolina uses different sentencing categories, and the applicable penalties depend on the facts, including prior offenses and the alcohol-concentration category established in the case.
A refusal to submit to chemical testing can also create a separate administrative licensing action. That action and the criminal prosecution should be reviewed together, because each can affect the person’s ability to drive and the steps needed to regain driving privileges.
Insurance requirements are another concern. A DUI conviction may require proof of financial responsibility through an SR-22 filing, and the duration and applicable requirements should be confirmed for the individual case.
Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program requirements and ignition-interlock rules can also affect what a person must do after a conviction or suspension. An ignition-interlock device requires a breath sample before a vehicle can be started and imposes ongoing compliance obligations.
A DUI defense attorney should explain both the criminal penalties and these additional consequences. Understanding the full picture helps you assess the choices available in your case rather than treating a fine as the only cost.