Driver Who Plowed Into Vegas Restaurant Pleads Guilty to Felony DUI Charges
A driver who plowed into a Las Vegas restaurant during lunch hour last year has pleaded guilty to felony DUI charges.
Gage James Lindsay, who celebrated his 20th birthday in court on Thursday, May 29th, pleaded guilty to the felony DUI charges alleging that, at the time he caused the accident, he was high on marijuana, prescription drugs, and a synthetic form of pot called Spice. His felony DUI charges included the illegal drugs, as well as grievous bodily harm, for the crash he caused on April 1st, 2013.
Prosecutors agreed to drop other felony DUI charges and avoid going to court as art of Lindsay’s plea deal. The 20-year-old could have faced up to 40 years in prison if found guilty on all original felony DUI counts.
Last April, Lindsay drove his 1993 Lexus sedan into a restaurant called The Egg & I. Police reports indicate that he had three times the legal limit of marijuana in his system when he crashed through two other vehicles into the restaurant’s outdoor seating area. Lindsay and his 21-year-old passenger attempted to flee the scene, but were caught by witnesses and restaurant patrons.
Lindsay’s attorney requested a 2-to-20 year prison term. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 31st.
South Carolina Laws Regarding DUI for Drugs
In South Carolina, you can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of prescribed 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 charge involving illicit drugs may have other criminal drug charges attached.
The penalties for a conviction of driving under the influence of drugs are identical to the consequences of a DUI conviction in South Carolina.
If you are pulled for driving under the influence of prescription drugs or medication, you may be asked to submit to a screening test in which your urine is screened for the presence of drugs.
Circumstantial evidence may be used to prove that you were driving under the influence of drugs including how you were driving, how you appeared when you were pulled over, the recording of your field sobriety test, any chemical test results, as well as expert testimony.
Consequences of a DUID conviction include:
- A suspended license,
- jail time,
- a fine,
- Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP)
- community service,
- SR-22 insurance
- loss of your job and more.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with DUI Charges
If you face DUI charges, whether it is your first charge, or felony DUI, you could feel alone and afraid. Just because you have received DUI charges 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 a free, confidential consultation to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us for help today. 803.252.4800
