For those officers who do have to prosecute their own cases, we hope even more can be done to develop their skills as a prosecutor, though we wish that rarely needed to happen. Motivation also needs to be addressed and could be built by ensuring that officers have opportunities to interact with victims of DUI crashes and special recognition for high achievers. MADD understands we could play a role in these types of initiatives and new efforts have been implemented such as holding an annual MADD South Carolina Law Enforcement Recognition Dinner where we present “MADDY” awards for excellence. We held our third annual MADDY Awards on May 17, 2024 and had more than 200 attendees. By investing in comprehensive and ongoing training for police officers, including legal knowledge, detection techniques, practical exercises, and collaborative initiatives, law enforcement agencies can significantly improve their effectiveness in detecting and apprehending DUI offenders. Enhanced training not only equips officers with the skills and knowledge needed to uphold road safety but also reinforces public trust in law enforcement's commitment to combating impaired driving. As DUI enforcement evolves with advancements in technology and legal standards, continuous training and education remain essential to achieving lasting reductions in DUI incidents and ensuring safer roadways for all. Sanctions To this point, we have discussed primarily the outcome of the DUI cases monitored rather than the penalties issued to those convicted. The question of what is the penalty for a DUI in South Carolina is not a simple one to answer as the sanctions are tiered based on the BAC of the offender and the number of prior offenses. The table below, used with permission from the Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs’ FFY 2025 Impaired Driving Countermeasures Plan, summarizes DUI penalties in the most efficient manner possible.
Refusal up to BAC of .09
BAC .10-.15
BAC .16 and above
$400 Fine
$500 Fine
$1000 Fine
DUI 1st
Or 48 hrs. to 30 Days in Jail
72 hrs. to 30 Days in Jail
30-90 Days in Jail
6 Mo. DL Suspension
6 Mo. DL Suspension
6 Mo. DL Suspension
Refusal up to BAC of .09
BAC .10-.15
BAC .16 and above
DUI 2 nd
$2100-$4100 Fine
$2500-$5500 Fine
$3500-$6500 Fine
5 Days up to 1 Year in Jail
30 Days up to 2 Years in Jail
90 Days up to 3 Years in jail
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