Guides to a DUI in Columbia and South Carolina
One question per page, answered from the S.C. Code and the official offices that handle DUI cases in Richland and Lexington counties. Each guide lists its sources and the date it was last reviewed.
Your license
The DMV hearing and the 30-day deadlineHow to request a DUI contested-case hearing with the SC Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings within 30 days, the $200 fee, and the $100 temporary alcohol license.Refusing the breath test (implied consent)What SC's implied consent law says about refusing a DUI breath test: the required warnings, suspension lengths, video rules, and your right to your own test.SR-22 insuranceWhen SC requires an SR-22 after a DUI, how your insurer files it, how long it lasts, and what to know if you live out of state, from S.C. Code Title 56.Ignition interlockWho needs an ignition interlock after a South Carolina DUI, how long it stays on, the point system, costs, the $100 restricted license, and the penalties.ADSAP in Richland CountyWhat ADSAP is, who must complete it after an SC DUI, enrolling at LRADAC in Columbia, what to bring, the $2,500 cost cap, and how long it takes.
The court case
Richland County DUI, step by stepHow a DUI case moves in Richland County, SC: booking at Alvin S. Glenn, bond court, the DMV deadline, which court hears it, and what follows a conviction.Bail and bondsmenHow bond works after a Columbia or Richland County DUI arrest: bond court at Alvin S. Glenn, what it accepts, the 15% bondsman fee cap, and your rights.DUI penalties, first to fourth offenseFines, jail, interlock and license rules for a first, second, third, and fourth SC DUI or DUAC by BAC tier, plus felony DUI, summarized from the S.C. Code.
Getting help
Choosing a DUI lawyerHow to find and choose a DUI lawyer in Columbia, SC: the SC Bar referral service, the Fifth Circuit Public Defender, what a lawyer reviews, and what to ask.Students and out-of-state driversArrested for DUI in Columbia with an out-of-state license? How SC suspends your privilege, what your home state is told, court dates, ADSAP, and USC rules.
Other situations
Boating under the influence (BUI)South Carolina's BUI law for boats, jet skis, and sailboats on Lake Murray: penalties, boating suspensions, the 180-day refusal rule, ADSAP, and SCDNR.Expungement and your recordWhat SC law says about DUI expungement: no provision for a conviction, but dismissed or not-guilty charges can be cleared. Fees, timing, and what stays on file.
These guides are general information, not legal advice. Penalties and requirements can change; confirm with the court or a licensed attorney.