A second DUI in South Carolina is generally classified as a Misdemeanor — fine AND imprisonment (prior within 10 years).
Jail: 5 days (under 0.10) / 30 days (0.10–0.159) / 90 days (0.16+) – 1 year (under 0.10) / 2 years (0.10–0.159) / 3 years (0.16+); mandatory min service of the minimum sentence is mandatory and may not be suspended, though the judge may order it served on weekends or at night
Fine: $2,100–$6,500 ($2,100–$5,100 under 0.10; $2,500–$5,500 at 0.10–0.159; $3,500–$6,500 at 0.16+. The fine may not be suspended below $1,100)
License suspension: 1 year – 2 years (0.16+); hardship: Ignition Interlock Device Program
Ignition interlock: Required — Required; the interlock period lengthens with offence number and BAC tier.
From the second offence onward the statute imposes a fine AND imprisonment, unlike the first offence where it is one or the other.
Lookback period: 10 years. § 56-5-2930(D): only violations occurring within ten years including and immediately preceding the date of the last violation count as priors. Convictions from other states, and South Carolina convictions under § 56-5-2933 (driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration), count as prior offenses.
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