Drunk Driving Accidents Can Lead to Felony DUI in South Carolina
A felony DUI 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.
Strom Law Firm, L.L.C. South Carolina Felony DUI Attorneys are committed to managing the legal burdens of a DUI felony case, so that clients and their families can focus on coping with the tragedy itself.
The SC Felony DUI Defense Attorneys can Help with the Following:
- DUI Charges
- Bond Setting
- Court Appearances
- Plea Deals
- Negotiation of Charges
- Felony DUI Trial
- Anything else surrounding or resulting from your Felony DUI Charges
South Carolina Felony DUI Law
- A person will be charged with a felony for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both, if while operating the vehicle under the influence, the person causes “great bodily injury” or death to a person other than himself including a passenger, pedestrian, another driver.
- The state of South Carolina defines great bodily injury as bodily injury, which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious or permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
- Additionally, if the injured person dies from related complications (such as a coma) within three years of the DUI-related injury, the driver may be implicated in the death.
- Upon conviction of a felony DUI, the accused faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence and fine.
Penalties for Great Bodily Injury
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.
Penalties for Causing Death While Driving Under the Influence
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.
- A part of the mandatory sentences required to be imposed under the felony DUI law must not be suspended, and probation must not be granted for any portion.
- Conviction under the statute of a DUI felony does not repeal involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide statutes, if so charged.
(S.C. Code Ann. Section 56-5-2945)
Contact a South Carolina Felony DUI Lawyer
Are you or a loved one facing a felony charge resulting from a drunk driving accident that caused serious injury or loss of life to another? The South Carolina Felony DUI Lawyers and the Criminal Defense Attorneys at the Strom Law Firm provide a no-fee consultation.
