Is your license suspended after a DUI?

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If you are arrested for a South Carolina DUI, do you automatically have your license suspended? The answer is no, unless you fall under a certain category.

When will your license be suspended?

You will have your licensed suspended if you are arrested for DUI and the following occurs:

  • You fail to provide a breath sample in the datamaster machine which is commonly referred to as a refusal;
  • You did provide a breath sample and it registered over 0.15% BAC.

Typically the officer will take your license from you before you are taken to jail and wait for a bond hearing.

Did you get a notice of suspension?

Once your license is suspended the officer will hand you a notice of suspension. Your license suspension begins immediately and it is unlawful to drive until you get a temporary alcohol license if you qualify. The most important decision you can make at this stage is to contest the suspension by requesting an administrative hearing immediately. You only have 30 days from the date of suspension to request this hearing or you waive that right. A Charleston DUI lawyer will know how to do this for you. If your unsure about the status of your license then go to the DMV online and check your status.

What happens if you drive anyway?

If you are caught driving during an implied consent suspension you will face an additional criminal charge for driving under suspension.  This means you will be arrested, taken to jail, and have to make bond again in order to be released from jail. If convicted your license will be suspended.

Charleston DUI Lawyer

If your license has been suspended because of a DUI arrest, contact a Charleston DUI lawyer to get the guidance you need to apply for a valid driving license and fight your DUI arrest.  The Dale Savage Law Firm offers free consultations and can be reached at (843) 530-7813.

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