Apr 30, 2013 | DUI & DWI, Felony DUI, Uncategorized
At Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP we understand that each and every DUI case in the state of South Carolina is unique, and must be 
treated differently than a previous DUI case. In South Carolina, a DUI can be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Felony DUI’s typically result when one’s decision to drive under the influence results in some sort of accident that ends up in “death” or “great bodily injury.”
Here, a 30-year-old South Carolina resident was operating his vehicle, which contained three passengers; a 29-year-old woman, and two children, when his vehicle collided into a tree. The woman and the children were taken to the hospital where the woman was pronounced dead hours later. This is a very tragic situation that could have been prevented had the man not been drinking. However, it is also important to ensure that the man’s rights are also taken into account when prosecuting him.
A felony DUI conviction can mean some incredibly serious penalties for the defendant; especially if a death has resulted. Fines can be as much as $25,000, and jail time as much as 25 years. Therefore, it is extremely imperative that one being charged with such a crime consults with competent defense counsel.
At Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP we will take the necessary steps to ensure that the accused is receiving the proper defense. We have a combined 75 years of experience in handling client cases, and will bring that experience to the table for every one of our clients. For a consultation, you can reach us at our Fort Mill, South Carolina office at 803-548-4444, or toll-free at 877-374-5999.
Apr 29, 2013 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized
Two Charlotte residents were seriously injured in a potentially life-threatening accident when a car ran off the road and struck the side of a building this past weekend.
Apparently a silver SUV was driving and at the time of incident, was at the intersection of Ardery Kell and Rea Road, closer to the Ballantyne side of Charlotte.
There are no details to what actually led to the crash, and alcohol has not been ruled out as a factor. All that is known as of now is that the accident occurred around 10:30 a.m.
Emergency crews arrived on scene just a few minutes later to clear the debris and help the victims. In fact, one of the victims had to be cut from their vehicle with what is commonly referred to as ” the jaws of life.”
Medics arrived on scene thereafter, and took all three injured parties to Carolinas Medical Center, in Dilworth for observation and treatment.
As of right now, the two people in the silver SUV are still in the hospital with, as stated above, potentially life-threatening injuries. The third person was treated for less serious injuries, and sent home the next day.
The roadway was cleared about an hour after the accident occurred. Few details are currently available concerning the accident; yet the investigation and details is still underway and shortly to be released.
Any type of serious injury can bring harm to the victim and his/her loved ones. One may have an action to recover damages for injuries sustained during an accident. Contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower,LLP to consult with one of our personal injury attorneys.
Our personal injury attorneys understand the emotional and financial hardships facing persons injured in an accident and want to help you or someone you might know. We are licensed in both North and South Carolina, where you can contact us at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.
Apr 29, 2013 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized
Travellers driving home from church Sunday morning were disappointed to see that traffic 
was at a complete stop on their way to Sunday brunch.
The police reports have stated that a car accident that happened in the early hours Sunday morning closed two lanes until Sunday afternoon.
The location of the car accident was around mile marker 11 on Interstate -77, just past the John Belk Freeway Exit onto Interstate 277. The accident blocked two lanes of traffic for most of the morning and afternoon; forcing crews to work around the clock to clear the way for other drivers.
As of this moment, the exact cause of the accident is still a mystery to all, but the investigation in discovering that cause is still very much underway.
Any type of serious injury can bring harm to the victim and his/her loved ones. One may have an action to recover damages for injuries sustained during an accident. Contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower to consult with one of our personal injury attorneys. Our personal injury attorneys understand the emotional and financial hardships facing persons injured in an accident and want to help you or someone you might know. We are licensed in both North and South Carolina, where you can contact us at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.
Apr 29, 2013 | Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Felony DUI, General, Uncategorized
In almost four months, two specific York County deputies have charged alm
ost 40 people with DUIs int he state of South Carolina. That means that those two deputies average almost 5 DUIs a month, a piece.
As this firm has discussed before, in December of last year, York County created a DUI Enforcement Team to begin the statewide crackdown on drinking and driving. The whole reason of this teams being is to target drivers who consume alcohol and then drive a car, truck, or even motorcycle.
The Sheriff’s office has released statements saying that “ the initiatives have paid off and makes the county roads safer,” thus making the Enforcement team all worthwhile.
Moreover, in addition to the 39 DUI charges, the two deputies have issued nearly 500 traffic citations. These citations range from simple seat-belt violations to speeding coupled with reckless driving.
Accordingly, the new grant money for the DUI Enforcement Team helps pay for the deputies new patrol cars, salaries, and police equipment.
There were a total of 239 DUIs issued last year, and the sheriffi’s office has reported that this is a 61% increase in DUIs from the year before.
Of the 39 DUI charges given thus far, 33 of those people have gone to court and pled guilty to either drunk driving, or a mitigated lesser charge. Sadly, these 33 people went to court without the proper legal representation.
Don’t get caught up in the court system and feel like you need to go at it alone. Sometimes it seems easier to plead guilty and have the whole thing put behind you, before you have time to really think. At Reeves,Aiken, and Hightower, LLP, we are equipped to do all the thinking for you. We can go to court for you and fight for your rights against your DUI or other traffic citation charges.
Instead of pleading guilty, contact us today at 877-374-5999 and let us do the worrying for you. Your first consultation is free.
Apr 29, 2013 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized
Two North Carolina men were just identified in a terrible car crash that took place in York County on Saturday night.
According to the police reports, the location of the accident was on South Anderson Road, York, South Carolina.
The two young men, ages 27 and 29, were respectively from Mint Hill and Spring Lake, NC. The York County Coroner has stated that the cause of both men’s death was the impact of the car crash, although toxicology reports are still being conducted.
The details of the accidents are as follows: Around 5 p.m. the 27-year-old was driving his 4-door Toyota, with the 29-year-old sitting in the passenger seat. According to the reports, it was the 27-year-old who then side-swiped another vehicle, consequently being forced off the roadway and into a tree.
Both of the North Carolinians were reported to of been wearing their seat-belts at the time of the incident.
The driver of the vehicle that was side-swiped was a 22-year-old female from Catawba, SC. She was also wearing her seat-belt, but suffered injury and was transported to Piedmont Medical Center for treatment. She is expected to make a full recovery.
The driver of the other car involved, a 22-year-old woman from Catawba, was taken to Piedmont Medical Center with minor injuries. She was also wearing a seat belt, Kelly said.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a vehicle collision, call the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP. We can help you with your personal injury claim. For a consultation, you can reach our Charlotte, North Carolina office at 704-499-9000. Further, if you have been injured in South Carolina, you can reach our Baxter Village office in Fort Mill, South Carolina at 803-548-4444, or toll-free at 877-374-5999.
Apr 29, 2013 | Motorcycle Accidents, Uncategorized
Finally, it’s spring, and the weather is warming up again. So now is the time for some basic motorcycle maintenance to be safe on the road. Here we explain the basics.
Motorcycle Maintenance for Safety
While riders know they need regular maintenance, sometimes they just want to ride now. However, it is important to first check over your motorcycle. Then you can ride safely with confidence. So start with a full visual check of your motorcycle from front to rear. In addition to making sure all bolts are secure, also look at brake pads, belts, and hoses for issues. Also change all fluids, including oil, brake fluid, and chain lube. When in doubt, replace parts sooner than later. Rather, don’t wait to save money. In fact, you can save money in the long run by avoiding unnecessary and expensive repairs. Moreover, the last place you want to discover a problem is while riding down the highway.
Tires and Brakes
Because everything starts and finishes with your tires, make sure they are ready to go. After all, they are the only thing between you and the road. So absolutely make sure they are in good shape with no “flat” or worn spots. In addition, keep your bike and tires slightly off the ground during storage months. Also be sure the tires are properly inflated. While too much pressure can cause tire failure, too little can cause handling and steering problems. And when you need new tires, don’t get the cheap ones. Rather, spend the few extra dollars to protect yourself and get back home to your family.
Just like good tires, don’t take chances with your brakes. Seems like everyone wants speed when they should really focus on how quickly a motorcycle can stop. While going fast is fun, being able to stop in time will save your life. So regularly check your brake linings, cables, and fluids and know you can stop when necessary. Since this is so important, you probably should do a check every time you get ready to ride. Rather than risk serious injury, put safety and regular motorcycle maintenance first. And finally, ride like your life depends on it.
