If you’ve just been arrested for your first DUI in Conway, South Carolina, you’re probably feeling scared and uncertain about what happens next. You may be wondering: Will I go to jail? Will I lose my license? How will this affect my job?
The truth is, a first-time DUI is serious—but with the right steps, you can protect your future. Here’s what you need to know.
1. First-Time DUI Penalties in South Carolina
Even if it’s your first offense, a DUI conviction carries heavy penalties, including:
- Fines and court fees
- Up to 30 days in jail (though alternatives may be possible)
- 6-month driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP)
- A permanent criminal record
The penalties can increase if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is high or if there were aggravating factors, such as an accident.
2. Your License May Be Suspended Immediately
In South Carolina, if you blow over the legal limit or refuse the breath test, your license can be suspended right away.
But here’s the key: You only have 30 days to request a hearing to challenge this suspension. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your driving privileges long before your case is resolved.
A DUI lawyer in Conway, SC can handle this process quickly to help keep you on the road.
3. Mistakes During the Arrest Could Work in Your Favor
Police officers must follow strict rules when conducting a traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer tests. If they made mistakes—like pulling you over without probable cause or mishandling the test equipment—a lawyer can challenge the evidence.
Sometimes, this can result in reduced charges or even a dismissal.
4. Alternative Sentencing May Be an Option
For first-time offenders, South Carolina courts sometimes allow alternatives to jail, such as:
- ADSAP education classes
- Community service
- Probation
An experienced Conway DUI defense lawyer can negotiate for these alternatives, helping you avoid the harshest penalties.
5. Don’t Face Your First DUI Alone
A first-time DUI is a turning point—it can either follow you for years or be handled in a way that minimizes damage. Having the right attorney is the difference between the two.
Attorney Melinda Knowles has years of experience defending Conway residents against DUI charges. She knows the local courts, the judges, and the prosecutors—and she fights to protect your future.
Take Action Today
If you’ve been charged with a first DUI in Conway, SC, the worst thing you can do is wait. Every day that passes limits your options and puts your license at greater risk.
📞 Call Melinda Knowles, Attorney at Law, today for a confidential consultation.
Get an experienced advocate on your side and take control of your case.