A DUI conviction is not just a legal matter—it can have huge consequences that affect nearly every aspect of your life. From employment opportunities and professional licensing to your ability to drive and travel internationally, the repercussions of a DUI in South Carolina can last for years.

If you have been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in South Carolina, you need to understand the potential risks and take immediate action to protect your future.

Employment Consequences of a DUI in South Carolina

1. Job Loss or Termination

Many employment contracts include morality clauses or require employees to disclose criminal charges or convictions. If your employer has strict policies regarding criminal records, a DUI conviction could result in immediate termination.

If your job requires driving, such as commercial trucking, delivery services, sales, or rideshare driving, a DUI can make it impossible to continue working in that role if your license is suspended. Even if you are not required to drive for work, employers may view a DUI as a sign of irresponsibility or poor decision-making.

2. Jail Time.

A DUI conviction in South Carolina can lead to jail time, especially for repeat offenders or cases involving injury or death. Even a first-time DUI can result in several days behind bars, while a felony DUI can mean years in prison. 

Beyond the immediate loss of freedom, incarceration disrupts family life, employment, and financial stability. If you are the primary provider, your absence can create financial hardship for your loved ones, strain relationships, and even impact child custody arrangements. 

3. Difficulty Finding a New Job

Many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process. A DUI conviction will show up on your criminal record, making it harder to secure a new job.

Even if a potential employer does not automatically disqualify applicants with a DUI, you may have to explain the conviction during interviews, which can be uncomfortable and potentially impact the hiring decision.

Some industries have zero-tolerance policies regarding criminal records, including:

• Government positions
• Healthcare (doctors, nurses, and medical professionals)
• Education (teachers and school administrators)
• Finance and banking
• Military and law enforcement
• Construction Positions

A DUI conviction could disqualify you from working in these fields entirely or make it much harder to secure employment.

4. Ignition Interlock Device

• Amendments to South Carolina’s Emma’s Law, effective May 2024, establish a mandatory ignition interlock device requirement for all individuals convicted of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02% or greater. 
• The legislation mandates the installation and utilization of devices that require breath alcohol testing prior to vehicle operation and during operation via random re-testing. 
• Compliance periods are stipulated as follows:
  • six months for first-time offenders
  • one year for second-time offenders
  • three years for third-time offenders. 
• Given the potential legal and practical implications of these devices, consultation with a qualified South Carolina DUI defense attorney is strongly advised to fight this.

5. Professional License Suspension or Revocation

If you hold a professional license (such as a doctor, nurse, lawyer, or financial advisor), a DUI conviction can trigger disciplinary action from your licensing board.

Professions that may be affected by a DUI conviction include:

• Medical professionals (Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists)
• Attorneys and legal professionals
• Machinery Operators and Construction Positions
• Commercial drivers (CDL holders)
• Captains and Maritime Professionals
• Sales Professionals & Real Estate Professionals
• Students – Schools can take disciplinary actions
• Pilots (FAA regulations prohibit pilots with certain DUI convictions)
• Military personnel and government contractors
• Educators and childcare providers

Many professional licensing boards require disclosure of a criminal conviction and may suspend or revoke your license, depending on the severity of the charge.

Loss of Driving Privileges & Its Effect on Employment

6. Driver’s License Suspension

A DUI conviction in South Carolina automatically results in a driver’s license suspension. Even a first-time DUI can lead to a six-month license suspension.

For individuals who rely on driving for work, such as truck drivers, delivery drivers, or sales professionals, losing a license can mean LOSING YOUR JOB.

Even if driving is not a direct part of your job, not being able to drive to and from work can make employment difficult. If you live in an area without reliable public transportation, your ability to keep your job may be at risk.

7. Increased Insurance Costs for Employment

A DUI conviction can drastically increase your car insurance premiums, sometimes doubling or tripling your rates. Some insurance companies may even cancel your coverage altogether.

If your job requires you to drive a company vehicle, your employer’s insurance provider may refuse to cover you, making it impossible to continue working in that position.

Travel Restrictions & DUI Convictions

8. Difficulty Traveling Internationally

A DUI conviction can limit your ability to travel to certain countries.

Some countries refuse entry to individuals with a criminal record, while others require a special waiver or permit before allowing entry. Countries with strict DUI travel restrictions include:

• Canada
• Mexico
• China
• Japan
• United Arab Emirates
• South Africa

If you travel internationally for work or personal reasons, a DUI conviction can make travel significantly more difficult and, in some cases, impossible.

Family & Custody Consequences of a DUI

9. Impact on Child Custody & Family Law Cases

If you are involved in a child custody dispute, a DUI conviction can be used against you in family court.

The court will consider:

• Whether alcohol or drug use affects your ability to care for your child.
• Whether the DUI puts your child at risk (especially if a child was in the vehicle at the time of the arrest).
• Whether the DUI is part of a pattern of irresponsible behavior.

A DUI conviction could negatively impact your custody arrangement, resulting in reduced visitation rights or even loss of custody in extreme cases.

The Stigma of a DUI Conviction

10. Damage to Reputation & Personal Relationships

A DUI conviction carries a significant social stigma. Even if you are a first-time offender, friends, colleagues, and family members may judge you harshly or view you differently.

This can impact your professional reputation, personal relationships, and community standing. Employers, clients, and business partners may hesitate to associate with someone who has a criminal record.

Protect Your Future – Fight Your DUI Charge

The consequences of a DUI conviction can be long-lasting and life-altering. However, a DUI charge does not have to define your future.

If you are facing a DUI charge in South Carolina, the time to act is now. The sooner you have an experienced DUI defense attorney on your side, the better your chances of avoiding the severe consequences of a conviction.

Call Mastantuno Law Firm today at (843) 720-3741 for a consultation. Let us fight for your rights and protect your future.