Being convicted of a DUI is not just about paying a fine or serving a short time in jail. For many people, the real damage happens behind the scenes – in higher insurance premiums, lost employment opportunities, licensing issues, and more. Here’s a breakdown of what you really face if you are convicted of driving under the influence in South Carolina (or elsewhere) – and why having strong legal representation matters.

1. Immediate Financial Penalties following a DUI in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the financial impact of a DUI conviction extends far beyond the initial ticket. While many people think of a DUI as a one-time fine, the truth is that each conviction comes with mandatory assessments, surcharges, license suspensions, and often jail time – all of which compound quickly.

According to the S.C. Code of Laws Sections 56-5-2930, 56-5-2940, 56-5-2950, 56-5-2990, 56-5-6240 on SC Laws Relative to Impaired Driving –

• For a first-offense DUI, you face a fine of up to $400, which increases to approximately $992 once the state adds required court assessments and surcharges. The court may also impose 48 hours to 30 days in jail and a six-month license suspension.
  
• A second DUI offense carries fines ranging from $2,100 to $5,100 (or roughly $10,744.50 with surcharges), plus five days to one year in jail and a one-year license suspension.
  
• A third offense DUI in SC increases the fine to $3,800–$6,300 (or about $13,234.50 with surcharges) and includes 60 days to three years in jail. Your driver’s license will be suspended for at least two years, and longer if the offenses occur within a five- or ten-year window.
  
• For a fourth DUI or subsequent offense, penalties rise dramatically – one to five years in prison and permanent revocation of your driver’s license.

Felony DUI Charges – Results in Great Bodily Injury or Death

• If the DUI results in great bodily injury or death, the charge becomes a felony DUI with mandatory fines ranging from $5,100 to $25,100 (totaling up to $52,244.50 with surcharges) and 30 days to 25 years in prison, depending on the severity of the outcome.

In addition to these fines and penalties, offenders typically face the cost of towing and impoundment, bail, mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs, and license reinstatement fees, all of which can push the total financial impact of a DUI conviction well into the tens of thousands of dollars.

2. Insurance Rate Increases & High-Risk Driver Status

One of the most costly long-term consequences of a DUI conviction in South Carolina is the impact it has on your auto insurance. While a first-time DUI may cost several hundred dollars in fines, the financial hit from higher premiums can last for years, often far exceeding the original penalty.

• In South Carolina, a DUI conviction raises the average annual cost of car insurance by roughly 40%, increasing premiums from about $1,414 to $1,980 per year. That’s a smaller percentage increase than the national average of 65%, but it’s still a major long-term financial burden. Over just five years, that rate difference can add more than $2,800 in extra insurance costs alone.
  
• Following a DUI, most insurance companies classify you as a high-risk driver, which automatically limits your options and triggers steep rate adjustments. According to recent state data, State Farm tends to offer the most affordable post-DUI rates in South Carolina – averaging around $1,358 per year – while GEICO ranks among the most expensive, averaging $2,125 per year. Other insurers, including Travelers, Progressive, and USAA, fall somewhere in between.
  
• Securing new coverage after a DUI can also be difficult. Some carriers may refuse to renew your policy altogether, while others may require you to file an SR-22 certificate – a document proving you carry the state’s minimum required liability insurance. Filing an SR-22 can raise premiums further and remain on your record for up to three years.

Ultimately, the best way to minimize long-term costs after a DUI is to compare rates across multiple insurers, maintain a clean record going forward, and consult an attorney early in the process. In many cases, timely legal action can help reduce charges or penalties – which can make a measurable difference in how insurers assess your future risk.

3. License Suspension, Reinstatement & Monitoring Devices

After a DUI conviction in South Carolina, your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked for a prescribed period, and reinstating it requires more than simply paying fees. For many drivers, the path back to legal driving includes mandatory programs, device installations, and strict compliance requirements.

Under the new law effective May 19, 2024, anyone convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving with an Unlawful Alcohol Concentration (DUAC) must install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID/IID). 

The period for which the IID must remain installed depends on how many prior offenses you have and other factors.

New South Carolina DUI Law: How the All-Offender Requirement Impacts Offenders

Reinstatement also typically involves:

• Completing the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) and submitting proof of completion.
  
• Paying the standard reinstatement fee of $100 for a DUI-related suspension, plus any other unpaid fees or fines.SCDMV Online
  
• If you owe substantial reinstatement fees, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) offers a 12-month payment plan under certain eligibility conditions. SCDMV Online 

Failing to comply with any of these requirements – including skipping the interlock installation – will prolong your suspension or prevent reinstatement altogether. SCDPPPS – Ignition Interlock

4. Employment, Career, and Licensing Consequences Following a DUI

A DUI conviction can have serious implications beyond the courtroom – especially for professionals whose careers depend on trust, licensure, or clean background checks.

In South Carolina, licensing boards for fields such as healthcare, education, law, real estate, and commercial driving may open investigations after a DUI conviction. The outcome often depends on factors like whether anyone was injured, your prior record, and whether the offense occurred on the job. First-time offenders who report the conviction promptly and complete any required programs often avoid license suspension or formal discipline.

Certain careers face stricter standards, including:

• Commercial drivers (CDL holders) – risk of immediate license suspension and loss of employment
  
• Pilots and aviation personnel – subject to FAA reporting requirements and potential airline termination
  
• Law enforcement officers – may face internal investigations, suspension, or dismissal
  
• Healthcare professionals – doctors, nurses, and pharmacists can face board review or disciplinary action

For others, the long-term damage often comes through:

• Failed or flagged background checks during hiring
  
• Employment restrictions in positions involving public safety or government work
  
• Lost advancement opportunities or reduced employability in competitive fields
  

If you hold a professional license or work in a regulated field, consulting an experienced DUI attorney early can help protect your credentials, ensure compliance with reporting rules, and minimize the career fallout from a conviction.

Contact Mastantuno Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation

5. Indirect and “Soft” Costs

Beyond the dollars, there are many costs that are harder to measure but very real.

• Transportation costs if you lose your license and must rely on taxis, rideshare, public transit.
  
• Emotional, mental and social consequences: stress, embarrassment, family strain, changed lifestyle.
  
• Potential civil liability: if someone is injured due to the DUI, you may face restitution or lawsuit costs beyond the criminal penalties.
  
  

6. How to protect your rights and minimize long-term harm

Act quickly

After a DUI arrest, engaging a lawyer early can help preserve evidence, challenge procedures and reduce the risk of conviction or enhanced penalties.

Understand all the costs

Ask your attorney not just about the fine, but about insurance hikes, license monitoring devices, lost work, and other cascading impacts.

Be proactive with your insurance

Notify your agent, compare rates, explore whether high-risk driver programs apply, and budget for several years of higher premiums.

Plan for driving restrictions

If your license may be suspended or you face work-only or IID requirements, plan alternative transportation so your employment and daily life aren’t derailed.

Document everything

Keep records of fees paid, program attendance, vehicle inspections, insurance notifications, and any employment impact – this will help if you later negotiate insurance or job issues.

Maintain your professional reputation

If your career or licensing body may be impacted, speak with your attorney about disclosure requirements, mitigation options and how a DUI could affect your livelihood.

Conclusion

A DUI conviction is far more than a legal infraction – it can be a long-term drag on your finances, your career, your personal freedom, and your future. The true cost often emerges gradually, as insurance premiums soar, driving privileges disappear, jobs are jeopardized, and hidden fees pile up. At Mastantuno Law Firm in Charleston, we understand that protecting your rights means more than just fighting the charge – it means preserving your future. If you are facing DUI charges, act promptly, get informed, and choose representation that sees the full picture.

Contact Mastantuno Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation. Let’s get in front of this.