Can I go to jail for a DUI in South Dakota?

No matter whether or not the offense is a driver’s first or if he has 3 prior convictions, a DUI charge in the state of South Dakota carries a jail sentence as a possible punishment under South Dakota DUI laws.

• For a first offense, a driver who is convicted of driving with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of 0.08% or greater may receive up to 1 year in jail, along with a year without a driver’s license and a $1,000.00 fine. Along with these penalties being imposed, the driver may have to attend an alcohol assessment to determine whether or not the individual needs further addiction treatment, and must prove to carry a specialized insurance known as an SR-22 policy.  
• Any conviction beyond the first for a DUI conviction in the state of South Dakota may be classified as a felony, which can carry much harsher penalties for a conviction. For instance, a 3rd offense DUI is considered a class 6 felony, which could carry a sentence of up to 2 full years in prison, along with a monetary citation of up to $2,000.00 and license suspension of no less than 2 years.

If you are charged with DUI in South Dakota, it is important you get help from an experienced criminal lawyer right away to deal with the potentially serious nature of the charges against you.