DUI cases in South Carolina are taken very seriously, and this holds particularly true for repeat offenders. Previous convictions for DUI or DUAC (Driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration) within the last 10 years will count toward that total for a second or third offense. Any DUI conviction taking you to over 3 will be prosecuted as a 3rd offense.
A second offense DUI is charged as a misdemeanor, while a 3rd is recognized as a felony DUI offense. Both second and third offense charges are prosecuted in General Sessions by a state-appointed prosecutor.
A second-time DUI offense will generally result in a short jail sentence, a fine, and a license suspension. There are, however, a multitude of factors that can influence the exact sentencing.
To fully understand how your specific case could develop, or to get answers for any of your legal questions, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced DUI attorney will be able to build a strong defense tailored to your situation.