What Happens When You Get a DUI in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?

A drunk driving arrest in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina can feel like a nightmare. Whether you are a resident of South Carolina or on vacation, a DUI charge can significantly affect your reputation, career, and future prospects. You need representation you can trust to help you navigate the damaging consequences.

Attorney Barboza has earned a reputation for her strong defense and compassion for her clients. Having an experienced Myrtle Beach DUI lawyer on your side can help you protect your rights and fight for your best interests.

Will I Go to Jail for a Myrtle Beach DUI?

There is a very real possibility that you could spend a considerable amount of time in jail for a DUI in Myrtle Beach. Under South Carolina law, whether this is a first-time offense or not matters substantially.  

Potential Jail Sentences for Driving Under the Influence

Myrtle Beach is widely considered one of the biggest spring break destinations in the US. With thousands of visitors every year, law enforcement strongly prosecutes drunk driving. Your time in jail greatly depends on your blood alcohol content (BAC). However, for DUI less than .10, the potential sentence is as follows:

• 1st-time offense: 48 hours to 30 days
• 2nd conviction (within 10 years): 5 days to 1 year
• 3rd conviction (within 10 years): 60 days to 3 years
• 4th conviction: 1 to 5 years
  

A fourth DUI conviction is considered a felony offense. Several factors can influence a potential jail sentence, including BAC, implied consent laws, whether you were in an accident, and whether the accident caused great bodily injury.

If you have recently been arrested and are facing DUI charges, it may be in your best interests to share the details of your case with a skilled criminal defense attorney in Myrtle Beach. We can help you understand the possible consequences and strategize a strong defense.

What if I Get a DUI While on Vacation in Myrtle Beach?

The last thing on your mind while on vacation is what to do in the event of an arrest. Every state has unique driving under the influence laws and penalties. It may be crucial to your defense to have local representation with an established relationship with the prosecutors and court system.

States generally share information regarding impaired driving via The Driver License Compact (DLC). The DLC exchanges information between states and various jurisdictions regarding licenses, records, convictions, and more. South Carolina is among the 45 states currently participating in the DLC.

A tourist DUI lawyer in Myrtle Beach often guides visitors through the state’s DUI laws and how their arrest can potentially impact them back home. While a dismissal or reduction of a charge is never guaranteed, you can have a DUI attorney evaluate the particulars of your situation.

Why Choose Barboza Law

No one will work harder for you than Barboza Law. Founding Attorney Sabreena Barboza has years of experience helping people facing DUI charges. She has garnered a strong reputation for tirelessly advocating for her clients in Lancaster, Rock Hill, Myrtle Beach, and surrounding areas.

If you or a loved one have been charged with a DUI in Myrtle Beach, reach out to Barboza Law.

Call (803) 973-6003 to schedule a consultation today.