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Strategic Legal Representation for Driving with an Unlawful Alcohol Concentration Charges in Richland and Lexington Counties
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our Columbia DUAC defense attorneys understand how confusing and stressful it can be to face a Driving with an Unlawful Alcohol Concentration (DUAC) charge. Many people are surprised to learn they can be charged even if they don’t appear impaired or weren’t driving erratically. In South Carolina, simply having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher while driving is enough to be arrested and charged with DUAC.
DUAC is a serious offense that can lead to fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation, and even jail time. It can also damage your personal and professional reputation—especially if you’re a student, service member, or working professional in Columbia.
Call our Richland and Lexington County defense attorneys today for a confidential consultation if you’ve been charged with DUAC. We’re here to help.
Understanding DUAC in South Carolina
Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-2933, drivers can be convicted of DUAC if they operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Unlike DUI (Driving Under the Influence), DUAC does not require proof of actual impairment. The presence of an unlawful alcohol concentration alone is enough for a conviction, making it a per se offense.
Key points about DUAC:
- No proof of erratic driving or impairment is required.
- Applies only if your BAC is 0.08% or higher.
- Refusing a breath or blood test may result in automatic license suspension.
A DUAC charge can move quickly through the legal system. Don’t delay—immediately get experienced legal help by contacting our skilled Columbia criminal defense attorneys.
DUAC Penalties in Columbia, South Carolina
The penalties for a DUAC conviction can be harsh, even for first-time offenders. In addition to criminal penalties, administrative consequences through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) can severely impact your daily life.
Penalties may include:
- Fines ranging from $400 to $1,000.
- Jail time from 48 hours to 90 days.
- Driver’s license suspension for 6 months or more.
- Mandatory Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP).
- SR-22 insurance requirements (high-risk insurance).
- Installation of an IID for 3 months or more.
Subsequent offenses can lead to longer license suspensions, higher fines, and longer jail sentences. A conviction will also appear on your criminal record. The stakes are too high to face DUAC charges without representation. Let us fight to protect your freedom and driving privileges.
How We Defend DUAC Charges in Columbia, South Carolina
While DUAC charges are based on BAC results, that doesn’t mean a conviction is guaranteed. Our Columbia defense attorneys know how to examine the circumstances of your arrest and the procedures law enforcement follows to identify any constitutional or procedural violations.
We challenge DUAC charges by:
- Reviewing the legality of the traffic stop.
- Challenging the reliability of breath or blood test results.
- Questioning the accuracy and calibration of testing devices.
- Investigating whether proper testing procedures were followed.
- Determining whether implied consent rights were read correctly.
We aim to dismiss or reduce the charges or secure alternative resolutions that protect your future.
Serving Columbia’s Diverse Population
Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson, and a growing professional community. We represent students, service members, and residents throughout Richland and Lexington Counties who have been charged with DUAC.
We understand the importance of protecting your record, reputation, and future opportunities. We’re ready to stand by you if you are stopped in downtown Columbia, Five Points, or near a campus or military base. You deserve a defense attorney who understands the stakes. We’re here to help.
We Also Focus on the Following Criminal Defense Services in Columbia:
- Drug Crimes Defense
- DUAC Defense
- DUI Defense
- Stolen Vehicle Possession Defense
- Sexual Conduct With a Minor Defense
- Shoplifting Defense
- Traffic Violation Defense
- Assault & Battery Defense
- Burglary Defense
- Domestic Violence Defense
- Gun Crimes
Contact Our Columbia DUAC Defense Lawyers Today
A DUAC charge doesn’t have to define your future. At the David W. Martin Law Group, we provide aggressive, knowledgeable legal representation to protect your rights and limit the consequences you face.
Call our Columbia DUAC defense attorneys today at (803) 219-4902 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help.
