A Clover, South Carolina man, who was involved in the hit-and-run of a cyclist in July, pled guilty this week to Felony DUI, and leaving the scene of an accident which resulted in death. The man apologized through tears, and uttered that he was sorry to the man’s family. The man was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The cyclist was riding his bicycle on Heckle Boulevard in Rock Hill when the driver’s sedan struck him and threw him off to the shoulder of the road. The man was taken to the hospital where he died shortly thereafter.
The driver, however, fled the scene of the accident; he was later apprehended by authorities after they found the man’s Mazda driving with a flat tire. Police report that two hours after the accident, the man had a blood alcohol concentration (B.A.C) or .08. However, the toxicology report showed Benadryl, Valium, and Klonopin in the man’s system.
Reporters state that Hollis pled guilty to receive a lesser sentence. Felony DUI hit-and-run resulting in death can carry a sentence of up to 25 years in prison and up to $25,000 fines.
The decision to drink and use illegal (and even legal) substances before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle can hold serious implications. Accidents can happen, and if they occur when someone is under the influence of a controlled substance, criminal penalties may drastically increase. Depending on the situation, a person can be charged with DUI, Felony DUI, DUI resulting in serious bodily injury, and even DUI resulting in death. For the reason stated above, it is important that when one makes the decision to drink alcohol, or use other substances, they do not drive a vehicle.
However, alcohol can lower one’s inhibitions to the point that prudent decisions may not be made. When you or a loved one has been implicated in an infraction associated with driving under the influence, you must have effective representation. Call the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP. We have experience in dealing with alcohol related offenses. You can reach our Baxter Village office in beautiful Fort Mill, South Carolina at 803-548-4444 or toll free at 877-374-5999. We would be delighted to assist you.