SC Flying Under the Influence Charges
South Carolina and Federal law make it illegal to fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs (FUI). You can be accused of SC flying under the influence charges regardless of whether you are serving as a pilot or simply acting as a flight crew member. SC flying under the influence charges may be brought against pilots, engineers, and navigators assigned to duty in an aircraft during flight time.
Operating or acting as a flight crew member of an aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law.
If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime in South Carolina, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect your rights. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC handle all criminal charges, practicing in courts throughout South Carolina, and we provide an aggressive and proactive defense to every client we represent.
SC Flying Under the Influence Laws
You may be convicted of an FUI if you operate or are in control of an aircraft or act as a flight crew member of any aircraft in SC:
- within 8 hours of alcohol consumption;
- while under the influence of alcohol;
- while using any drug that affects your faculties in any manner contrary to safety; or
- if you have a .04 or higher BAC when you are operating or flying the plane.
Your consent to take a breathalyzer (breath alcohol test) test is implied, like South Carolina’s boating under the influence and drunk driving laws. However, the consequences of refusing to take a breathalyzer are different when you are arrested for flying under the influence.
If you are convicted of controlling a plane while drunk, you will be charged separately for your refusal to take a breathalyzer, subjecting you to an additional $200.00 fine and/or not less than 48 hours in jail.
Penalties for flying under the influence conviction include fines, jail time, increased insurance costs, modification, suspension, an amendment to and/or revocation of your airman’s certificate, and, most importantly, potentially irreversible damage to your professional career.
Contact an SC Flying Under the Influence Lawyer
If you have been arrested on suspicion of flying under the influence, you need a criminal defense attorney to ensure that you do not unknowingly waive any important rights. Contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today for a no-fee case evaluation.
