Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol can result in harsh criminal penalties, including jail time, fines, and driver’s license suspension/revocation. However, if you are convicted of operating a vehicle while impaired with a minor child passenger younger than 16 years old at the time of the arrest, you may face increased punishment due to a child endangerment charge.
In South Carolina, a child endangerment charge is generally applied on top of the DUI charge. Therefore, a DUI involving a child passenger can lead to facing two charges at the same time.
The following are the penalties associated with DUI child endangerment in South Carolina:
Incarceration for up to half of the maximum jail sentence for the DUI offense
An additional fine of up to half of the DUI offense
Driver’s license suspension for 60 days (If a driver is found to be operating a vehicle in an intoxicated state and endangering the child, then a conviction is punishable by permanent license revocation)
If a child passenger suffers bodily injury after an intoxicated driver gets involved in a car accident, the DUI offense becomes a felony offense, which carries a minimum jail term of one (1) year and a minimum fine of $2,500. These serious consequences can be quite daunting; yet, you have an opportunity to protect your rights and freedom with the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, our legal team has successfully handled a wide range of DUI cases in South Carolina since 2004. We can investigate your arrest, collect and evaluate evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and help you get the best possible result in court.
Contact us today at (803) 359-3301 for a free initial consultation. Ready to defend you immediately!