In South Carolina and all over the nation, drunk driving can have a range of negative consequences. Additionally, there are many different types of drunk driving offenses, each of which can carry its own distinct set of penalties and punishments. As a driver, it’s important for you to fully comprehend these offenses to make certain you are aware of just how serious a drunk driving charge can be.
As stated by MoneyCrashers.com, types of drunk driving offenses can vary quite a bit from state to state. For instance, driving under the influence (DUI) is based on the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of his or her arrest. In this case, drivers with a BAC greater than the legal limit (which is 0.08 percent), can be arrested without need for further evidence. This is also sometimes referred to per se DUI.
Conversely, a law enforcement official can also charge a motorist as driving while impaired (DWI). This charge largely involves the law enforcement official’s observations and judgment of whether a motorist was actually impaired behind the wheel. This typically entails administering a field sobriety test, which utilizes certain actions and maneuvers to establish a driver’s level of impairment. An officer may also call into question the driver’s actions behind the wheel (such as swerving), which can indicate alcohol consumption.
Drivers with extremely high BACs can also be subject to aggravated per se DUIs. This usually includes BACs ranging between 0.15 percent and 0.25 percent, which is well past the recognized legal limit. In this case, penalties are often far more severe, including lengthy jail sentences and exorbitant fines.
