Nationally, DUI Checkpoints on St. Patrick’s Day Land Several People in Jail
Across the country, several cities set up DUI checkpoints to help monitor drunk or impaired driving on St. Patrick’s Day.
In Kansas City, Missouri, an overnight DUI checkpoint led to 31 arrests. Police stopped 596 vehicles on Monday, March 17th, during a five-hour DUI checkpoint. Officers also issued tickets for other traffic violations, including seven citations for driving with a suspended license, and two hazardous driving citations. Police also arrested two people for possession of marijuana.
In Huntsville, Alabama, a DUI checkpoint led to five people being arrested for drunk driving. Two others were arrested for felonies, six vehicles were impounded, and 78 citations were issued. According to the Alabama State Justice Department, in 2013, 15,000 people were arrested on DUI charges. With that knowledge, police set up a DUI checkpoint to help prevent dangerously drunk drivers from causing accidents.
In Tuscon, Arizona, police at a DUI checkpoint stopped 977 vehicles over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and arrested 233 of those impaired drivers. According to reports, 81 of those arrests were for extreme DUI. Last year, there were fewer participating officers, 56 extreme DUI arrests, and 212 other DUI arrests.
DUI Charges In South Carolina
A felony driving under the influence charge, as related to the serious harm or death of another is the most devastating consequence of a drunk driving accident, and can cause lasting damage for all parties and families involved.
A felony DUI conviction for causing great bodily injury includes a mandatory minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 15 years imprisonment, plus a mandatory fine of at least $5,000, not to exceed $10,100. Also, the DMV must suspend the convicted person’s driver’s license for the term of imprisonment plus three years.
A DUI conviction that includes a felony conviction for causing the death of another includes a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 1 year in prison with a maximum 25 years imprisonment, and a minimum mandatory fine of not less than $10,100 nor more than $25,100. Additionally, the convicted person’s driver’s license is suspensed for the term of imprisonment plus five years.
In South Carolina, you can be charged with driving under the influence ofprescribed or over-the counter drugs or medication in addition to driving while under the influence of illicit drugs. States are under pressure to tighten laws for convicting DUIDs and set clear legal definitions. For now, DUID lawyers may have more opportunities for reducing and expunging driving under the influence of drug charges. Note: A DUID that involved illicit drugs may have other criminal drug charges attached.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Felony DUI Charges in South Carolina
The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help with any of the following traffic charges:
- speeding,
- following too closely,
- driving with a suspended license, DUS
- DUI,
- driving without insurance,
- careless driving, and
- reckless driving.
If you face DUI charges, whether it is your first charge, or felony DUI, you could feel alone and afraid. Just because you drink and drive, especially if you are not the designated driver, does not automatically mean that you are guilty. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have helped people who face DUI charges since 1996. We offer free, confidential consultations so you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity. Contact us for help today. 803.252.4800
