New South Carolina DUI Law Signed

Governor signs legislation increasing penalties for drunk driving in South Carolina.

Governor Mark Sanford signed bill H.3496 into law, strengthening the DUI laws of South Carolina by adding new penalties and closing several loopholes.

The law establishes a tiered system of penalties, with increased consequences for elevated blood alcohol content. Penalties will be imposed for any motorist who refuses to submit to a breath test when driving under the influence in South Carolina is suspected. Both first time and repeat offenders will experience greater consequences if convicted, and the option of community service has been eliminated for second or subsequent offenses.

The goal of the legislation is to give law enforcement the tools to make the roads safer, and to reduce the legal strategies often used by South Carolina DUI defense attorneys. The new law goes into effect in 2009.

Are you looking for a South Carolina DUI Attorney?