South Carolina Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for South Carolina. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed South Carolina attorney for advice specific to your situation.
South Carolina Quick Facts
- State Capital: Columbia
- Region: South
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Illegal
- Felony Theft Threshold: $2,000+
- Murder SOL: None
South Carolina DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | 48 hours–30 days jail, $400 fine, 6-month suspension |
| Second Offense DUI | 5 days–1 year, $2,100–$5,100 fine, 1-year suspension |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 3rd offense within 10 years |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
Felony DUI if serious injury or death occurs
South Carolina Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Illegal |
| Medical Program | No |
| Recreational Use | No |
| Small Amount Penalty | Misdemeanor: up to 30 days, $200 fine (first offense, 1 oz or less) |
| Large Amount Penalty | Felony for larger amounts or repeat |
South Carolina has no medical marijuana program
South Carolina Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $2,000 |
| Felony Threshold | $2,000+ or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 30 days |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 10 years (grand larceny) |
South Carolina petit larceny under $2,000
South Carolina Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None |
| Felony (General) | None (no general SOL for felonies) |
| Misdemeanor | 2 years |
| Fraud | None |
| Theft | None |
| DUI / DWI | 2 years |
| Assault | None |
South Carolina has NO statute of limitations for felonies