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Last Modified on Sep 14, 2026
Facing a DUI charge in South Carolina is both upsetting and overwhelming. One of the first questions those arrested will ask is, “How much does a DUI lawyer cost in South Carolina?” This is an understandable question, and getting a full idea of the involved costs will help you make informed decisions about hiring the right Sumter DUI lawyer for your case. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we can answer all your questions.
Typical DUI Attorney Fees in South Carolina
South Carolina DUI attorneys generally charge within a few ranges based on how complicated the case is. For a first-offense DUI with no accident, injury, or high BAC, a flat fee of about $1,500 to $5,000 is common. Cases involving a repeat offense, an accident, or a BAC over 0.15% often run $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
A felony DUI, such as one involving a serious injury or death, can cost $10,000 to $25,000 or more because of the extra time and preparation involved. Some attorneys bill by the hour instead of a flat fee, and hourly rates in South Carolina typically fall between $150 and $500. These are general market ranges, not a quote for your case. Your actual cost depends on your attorney and the specific facts of your charge.
Factors That Affect the Costs of Hiring a DUI Lawyer
For many individuals facing a DUI charge in South Carolina, the thought of hiring a DUI lawyer can bring about financial anxiety. Many people may be tempted to represent themselves to save money. However, trying to save money in this way can actually cause further harm and financial damage later.
Determining how much it costs to hire a DUI attorney is not always straightforward, either. Several factors may apply to your case that will impact the total fees involved. It is a good idea to know these factors before heading into your consultation with a lawyer. They include the:
- Complexity of your case. If this is your first DUI offense and there are no aggravated factors present, such as injuries, death, or a high BAC, then the costs involved will typically be less than those for a case where severe consequences are possible or those involving repeat offenders. Nationwide, about one in four people arrested for DUI has a prior DUI arrest or conviction, according to a multi-state analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Experience of your lawyer. A highly skilled and experienced attorney may charge higher fees than one with a smaller record of success or someone just starting out. The advantage of hiring an experienced and skilled lawyer is that they can typically provide a much stronger defense.
- Location. The location of your case will also impact the fees involved. Legal fees in large areas, such as Charleston or Greenville, will likely be more expensive than in cases held in small towns and counties, like Florence or Manning.
- Additional expenses. Be prepared for extra costs that might arise during your case, including court filing fees, fees for securing evidence and police reports, and fees related to expert witnesses, such as toxicologists. You should also budget for South Carolina’s mandatory Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP), which generally runs about $500 for the education track and up to $2,000 if treatment is required, plus a $100 driver’s license reinstatement fee once your suspension period ends.
During your initial consultation with an attorney, you will want to bring up all these factors and ask the lawyer how they will affect your case. This will allow you to get a better idea of the possible fees involved.
What South Carolina Law Says About DUI Penalties
Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-2930, the fine and jail exposure for a first-offense DUI depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest. A BAC under 0.10% carries a fine of up to $400 or 48 hours to 30 days in jail. A BAC between 0.10% and just under 0.16% raises the fine to $500, or the court can order 72 hours to 30 days in jail instead. A BAC of 0.16% or higher can bring a $1,000 fine or 30 to 90 days in jail.
A first conviction also carries a six-month driver’s license suspension, and everyone convicted of DUI in South Carolina must complete ADSAP before their license can be reinstated. Penalties increase substantially for a second, third, or later offense within a ten-year period, and and, since May 19, 2024, South Carolina’s “All Offender” law has required an ignition interlock device for every DUI conviction, no matter the BAC level or whether it’s a first offense.
South Carolina also has an implied consent law: if you refuse a breath, blood, or urine test after a DUI arrest, you may face a separate license suspension even if you are never convicted of DUI. You generally have a limited window after your arrest to request a DMV hearing to challenge an administrative suspension, so acting quickly matters.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Worth It in South Carolina
While an attorney’s fees might appear high at first, the consequences of not hiring an experienced lawyer can be far costlier. When you are convicted, in addition to higher insurance rates and the typical fines involved, it can also become harder to secure certain jobs, since many employers run background checks that will show a DUI conviction. This can cause both you and your loved ones several hardships in the long term. Hiring a lawyer now could help you avoid some of these consequences.
About the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III
Since 1996, the team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has been serving residents of South Carolina in a wide range of DUI cases. We understand the seriousness of the charges being brought against you, so we can use our experience to provide you with a strong defense. We focus on building the strongest defense the facts of your case allow, from challenging the traffic stop to questioning breath or blood test results.
FAQs
How Long Can a DUI Case Take in SC?
A DUI case in South Carolina can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the charge, the strength of the evidence, and how busy the court is. A longer case can also mean higher legal fees.
What Additional Expenses Could Arise From a DUI Conviction?
A DUI conviction can bring court fees, a higher auto insurance rate, and a license reinstatement fee on top of the criminal fine. You will also need to pay for South Carolina’s mandatory ADSAP program before your license is reinstated.
What Penalties Could I Face for a DUI?
Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-2930, a first-offense DUI can bring a fine of $400 to $1,000 or 48 hours to 90 days in jail, depending on your BAC, plus a six-month license suspension. Penalties increase for repeat offenses and can include mandatory jail time and a longer suspension.
What Questions Should I Ask During a Consultation With a Lawyer?
During your initial consultation with a DUI lawyer, you should ask several questions to make sure they are the right fit to defend your case. These include:
- How much will my case likely cost me?
- What is your overall experience with handling DUI cases in South Carolina?
- Do you think my case will go to trial?
- What is included in your fee, and what costs are billed separately?
Hire a DUI Lawyer Serving South Carolina Today
If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI in South Carolina, it is crucial that you hire a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. We understand that the costs involved might seem overwhelming at first. However, when you hire the right attorney, they can help you avoid some of the larger costs of a conviction.
