What Are The Legal Limits for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) When Driving?
South Carolina has clear legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits. For most drivers, that limit is 0.08%. If you’re pulled over and your BAC is at or above that level, you can be charged with driving under the influence, even if you feel sober. Facing a DUI charge? At the Law Office of Mo Abusaft, we’ve worked with numerous clients who never expected a night out or a wrong turn to lead to handcuffs, court dates, and the risk of a criminal record.
Our Gaffney DUI defense attorney can challenge how your BAC was measured, whether the stop was lawful, and whether the state has enough evidence to convict you at all.
Understanding Legal BAC Limits in Gaffney is Crucial
The BAC laws in SC follow national standards but are enforced very aggressively. Here’s a breakdown:
- 0.08% BAC or higher – Illegal for most drivers
- 0.04% BAC or higher – Illegal for commercial drivers
- 0.02% BAC or higher – Illegal for drivers under 21 (Zero Tolerance Law)
What many people don’t realize is that you can still be charged with DUI even if your BAC is below 0.08% if the officer believes your ability to drive was impaired.
BAC is typically measured with a breathalyzer or blood test. However, these tests aren’t always accurate. They can produce inflated readings because of improper calibration, medical conditions like acid reflux, or even mouthwash. You should likewise know that law enforcement follows implied consent rules, meaning you’re expected to submit to a BAC test if you’re lawfully arrested for DUI. If you refuse, your license can be suspended even if you’re later found not guilty.
What a DUI Conviction Can Cost You
If you get convicted of a first-time DUI, you could face:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
- License suspension
- Ignition interlock requirements
- Permanent criminal record
Unfortunately, the consequences don’t end in the courtroom. Your job, insurance rates, and professional licenses could also be on the line.
How a Gaffney DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help
From the legality of the traffic stop to the accuracy of the breath test, a reputable Gaffney DUI defense attorney can help you challenge every part of your case. Your attorney will focus on the following when building your defense:
- Was the stop legal? Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over.
- Was the arrest lawful? Officers must follow specific protocols during DUI arrests.
- Was the BAC test reliable? Testing equipment must be calibrated and maintained correctly.
- Can the state prove impairment? In many cases, the prosecution’s case is weaker than it looks.
Your Gaffney DUI defense lawyer can likewise help you navigate the administrative license suspension process and explore alternative sentencing options if applicable. SC law gives you just 30 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to challenge your license suspension, so you must act promptly. That hearing can make a major difference in whether you’re allowed to keep driving while your case moves forward.
Get Legal Help from Our Seasoned Gaffney DUI Defense Lawyer
One mistake shouldn’t cost you everything. If you’ve been charged with DUI in South Carolina, our Gaffney DUI defense attorney can help you fight the charge and take control of your case. Call the Law Office of Mo Abusaft at 864-406-8941 or complete our online contact form to arrange your free case review today.