A Laurens, South Carolina man is being charged with DUI after a crash that landed seven people in the hospital. The 40-year-old man has been charged with two counts of Felony DUI with great bodily injury, according to the 7th Circuit Solicitor.
The Solicitor said the crash occurred on Highway 221 while the man was driving his 1998 Ford truck, while attempting to pass a Geo at a speed of 70 m.p.h. which was 25 miles over the speed limit. The impact caused the Geo to hit a mailbox, smashed through a tree, finally stopping at a fence. The driver sustained a head injury, while her brother, as passenger sustained a broken shoulder, ribs, and vertebrae.
All in all, the crash injured all 7 people who were involved in the accident. Even the driver was rushed to the hospital. Further, when the S.C. Highway Patrol investigated the crash, the troopers said that the driver of the Ford truck was allegedly under the influence of Valium, OxyContin, and Marijuana.
In South Carolina, a driver can be charged with Felony DUI in South Carolina if, while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, that person causes great bodily injury or death to another person while operating a motor vehicle. This is a serious charge, and if convicted, will land the driver in jail. This is why it is so important to have knowledgeable attorneys to ensure your rights are protected and penalties are minimized.
If you or someone you know is convicted of a Felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury, the punishment may include the following:
- A mandatory fine of not less than $5,100, nor more than $10,100;
- Mandatory imprisonment for not less than 30 days nor more than 15 years;
- Driver’s license suspension during the term of imprisonment plus 3 years.
However, if you are convicted of Felony DUI that results in a death, the punishment includes the following:
- A mandatory fine of not less than $10,100, nor more than $25,100;
- Mandatory imprisonment for not less than 1 year nor more than 25 years;
- Driver’s license suspension during the term of imprisonment plus 3 years.
The law further states that no part of these mandatory sentences may be suspended. This is why it is so important for you to have competent counsel on your side. Therefore, if you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, Felony DUI, or drinking related charge, call the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP at our Baxter Village office located in Fort Mill, South Carolina for a consultation. You can reach us at 803-548-4444, or toll-free at 877-374-5999.