Mar 20, 2013 | DUI & DWI, Felony DUI, Uncategorized
A 30-year-old driver, who lost control of his pick-up truck resulting in the death of his passenger, is being charged with Felony DUI by the SC Highway Patrol. The crash occurred on US 15 south of Sumter, South Carolina.
Troopers report that the man and his passenger, a 36-year-old Manning man were traveling south on US 15 when he lost control overturning the pick-up truck. Both the driver and the passenger were ejected from the vehicle; however, the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.
A felony DUI charge in South Carolina requires that the person be proven to have (1) operated a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol or both, and (2) did something else against the law, whether traffic law or duties imposed by the court, and (3) proximately causes great bodily injury or death to a person other than himself, including passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
Great bodily injury is an injury that “creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.”
If you or someone you know is facing a charge of DUI with the aggravating factor of “great bodily injury” attached to such charge, call the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP. We are here to assist you with your legal question and invite you to schedule a consultation. Just call our Baxter Village office in Fort Mill, South Carolina at 803-548-4444, or toll free at 877-374-5999.
Mar 19, 2013 | DUI & DWI, Felony DUI, Uncategorized
Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a criminal offense in the state of South Carolina, and may be punishable of up to a $6000 fine, and/or up to three years imprisonment. Further, an operator may lose the privilege to operate for up to two years. Felony BUI penalties may carry penalties of up to a $25,000 fine, and as much as 25 years imprisonment. This is very similar to driving under the influence laws in the state of South Carolina.
The next condition one may have to fulfill when charged with BUI is the mandatory and successful completion of a South Carolina Boating Safety course and an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action course. These are required at the operator/violators expense.
Boating under the influence is similar to driving under the influence as to what is considered a BUI. BUI is defined as being under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that you cannot operate in a safe manner. The state of South Carolina considers a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher to be under the influence of alcohol. Further, if a person is under the age of 21, they may not operate the boat if they have a .02 concentration or over.
By boating on South Carolina waters, you are deemed to have consented to alcohol testing by the DNR. If you or a loved one has been charged with such an offense, contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP for a consultation. You can reach our Baxter Village office in Fort Mill, South Carolina at 803-548-4444, or toll free at 877-374-5999.
Mar 18, 2013 | DUI & DWI, Felony DUI, Uncategorized
A Spartanburg, South Carolina man has been charged with Felony DUI after leaving the scene of a collision. He collided with a 12-year-old boy who was riding his bicycle on the sidewalk; the boy suffered a broken leg.
The accident took place near the corner of North Forrest Street and St. John Street in the morning on February 13th. Witnesses’ report that sparks from the boy’s bicycle could be seen as the man was pulling his car from the scene. He is being charged with Felony DUI with great bodily injury which is punishable of up to 15 years in prison. “Great Bodily Injury” is defined as “bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of a function of any bodily member or organ.”
Therefore, the man, as a result of his actions while under the influence, faces charges that are much more serious than a DUI. He is now being charged with a felony. If you or a loved one is being charged with DUI, or felony DUI contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP. Call our Baxter Village office in Fort Mill, South Carolina at 803-548-4444, or toll free at 877-374-5999.
Mar 18, 2013 | DUI & DWI, Felony DUI, Uncategorized
A flight from Kershaw Deputies leaves a Camden, South Carolina man with charges for DUI, Driving Under Suspension, Failure to Stop for a Blue Light, Resisting Arrest, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana. When the man was pulled over by deputies, he exited the vehicle, and led police on a foot pursuit on Tickle Hill Rd.
The deputies therein gave chase, and the man was caught with the assistance of the Police K-9, and another traffic officer. While the man was in the process of being apprehended, police allegedly noticed the man toss a bag, which they say was later determined to be marijuana. The man was treated with his dog bites, and then taken to Kershaw County Detention Center.
If you have been charged with DUI, Felony DUI, or any other charge related to drinking contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP. You can contact our Baxter Village office in Fort Mill, South Carolina at 803-548-4444, or toll free at 877-374-5999.
Mar 18, 2013 | DUI & DWI, Felony DUI, Uncategorized
A 43-year-old Kershaw man was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and Child Endangerment after an incident where the man was allegedly asleep at the wheel of his car with the engine running and the car in drive.
The Kershaw police administered a breathalyzer test which registered a .17, over two times the legal limit. He was taken into the Kershaw County Detention Center. The child was released to her grandmother.
The charge of DUI can be serious enough. However, when this is coupled with a charge of child endangerment, or any other aggravating circumstances, the potential for jail-time becomes a reality. If you have been charged with a DUI, Felony DUI, or any other drinking related charged, contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP. We are ready to assist you with your legal problem. Contact us at 803-548-4444, or toll-free at 877-374-5999.
Mar 15, 2013 | DUI & DWI, Felony DUI, Uncategorized
One who is charged with his or her first offense for driving under the influence, can expect a shock when it comes to penalties and fines they may face. Courts are more lenient to first time offenders than second and third; however, this is not to say that the burdens on the offender are not very severe. Society today has very little tolerance for one who is charged with DUI, or a drinking related crime.
A first offense for DUI can carry the following penalties:
– 6 months suspension of your driver’s license;
– 48 hours to 90 days in jail;
– $400 to $1000 in fines;
– Court fees;
– SR22 insurance requirement;
– Other aggravating circumstances
Therefore, it is extremely important to attempt to avoid some of these negative consequences by presenting mitigating circumstances to the judge. This is best done through the use of competent representation. If you have a question regarding a recent DUI, or drinking related offense, call the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP. For a consultation, call our Baxter Village office in Fort Mill, South Carolina at 803-548-4444, or toll free at 877-374-5999.
