Man Killed A Teenager in Car Crash, Imprisoned on 7th
Felony DUI Charge
David Onley, of Gaston, SC, caused a car crash last year that killed 17-year-old Jonathan Lee Humphrey. On December 12th, Onley was found guilty and sentenced to 25 years in prison, the maximum sentence for a felony DUI charge.
According to reports, Onley had 6 previous DUI charge convictions and 6 previous DUI suspensions in South Carolina and Florida. When he drove his truck off the road, he had no insurance and no license. Neither he nor his passenger were wearing seatbelts, and Onley was driving 85 mph in a 35 mph zone.
Humphrey died from his injuries at Palmetto Health Richland.
The Highway Patron obtained a blood sample to test Onley’s blood alcohol level, and he reportedly had a BAC of .20. That is more than twice the legal limit in South Carolina, which is .08.
South Carolina And Felony DUI Charges
Felony DUI charges involve more than simply driving with a BAC over the legal limit – a felony DUI charge refers specifically to 1) an impaired driver causing bodily harm to one or more individuals, or 2) a driver being charged with driving under the influence more than once in a certain period of time. A felony DUI charge can cause lasting damage for all parties and families involved.
The Strom Law Firm is committed to managing the legal burdens of a felony-related drunk driving accident to the highest letter of the law, so that clients and their families can focus on coping with the tragedy itself.
Penalties for Great Bodily Injury
A felony DUI charge 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). 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 suspended for the term of imprisonment, plus five years.
Other Felony Implications
- 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.
- Felony sentences must be served in federal or state prison, not local jail.
- Conviction under the statute of a DUI felony does not repeal involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide statutes, if so charged.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Felony DUI Charges
Are you or a loved one facing a felony DUI charge resulting from a drunk driving accident that caused serious injury or loss of life to another? Criminal defense lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC provide a no-fee consultation to discuss the facts of your DUI case and to discuss whether to plead guilty or not guilty.
Founded by a former U.S. Attorney, the team at Strom Law also includes a former Public Defender, and a former Assistant Attorney General and Richland County Assistant Solicitor. The firm is awarded the highest Martindale-Hubble ranking and collectively holds more than 30 years of complex litigation experience.
Do not hesitate to contact us for help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800.
