What are the penalties for a second DUI offense in South Carolina?

The penalties for a second offense DUI are significantly more punitive than the punishment for a first offense. There is a fine of not less than $2,000.00 but no more than $5,100.00. Probably the more important punishment, in addition to the fine, is incarceration up to one year and a person who pleads guilty or is found guilty to a driving under the influence second charge must spend at least five days in jail. The five days cannot be suspended. Your license will be suspended for one year and there is no provision for any special, restricted license. Again the higher the breath alcohol reading, the higher the fine imposed. A conviction for driving under the influence second offense carries an additional condition. You will be required to install, at your expense, an interlock device on your motor vehicle. You will have to offer a clean breath sample into the device before the automobile’s ignition will function. If you have been drinking, the device will shut down the ignition system.