12/26/2025
Did you know South Carolina ranks #2 in the nation for DUI fatalities? Now that Christmas is over, most people are getting ready to bring in 2026 with family, friends, and late night parties.
From mid to late December until early January, we often see an uptick in roadblocks and law enforcement saturation. These are specifically targeting drivers who are operating vehicles while under the influence.
A few pointers on avoiding a DUI or DUAC charge:
1. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.
2. Before attending parties or gatherings, always have a designated driver on standby.
3. Even if you’ve only had a couple of drinks, if you are stopped, whether it be for bad driving, a burnt out tag light, or going through a road block, you could still blow higher than is legal. Keep in mind, if you blow .15 or higher, or refuse to blow, your license will be suspended.
If you are in an accident and someone suffers great bodily injury or killed, your DUI could be upgraded to Felony DUI. These offenses can carry from 30 days to 15 years in prison for Felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury or 1 to 25 years for Felony DUI resulting in death. This is in addition to fines, drivers license suspensions and ignition interlock device requirements.
If you have a commercial driver’s license, you are held to a higher standard and your penalties could be far greater than a “normal” licensed driver, even if the DUI was received in your personal, non-commercial vehicle.
We encourage you to prioritize responsible choices and avoid any situation that could lead to an impaired driving charge. However, if you find yourself in a position where you have been charged with a DUI or DUAC in South Carolina, give us a call. We would love to discuss your case with you!