Young Businessman Charged with DUI
Just one month ago, Lee Pitcovich, a 33-year-old entrepreneur, was awarded “Young Professional of the Year” by the Lexington Chamber.
Then, Pitcovich was arrested on March 14th for a DUI, and has officially received criminal DUI charges.
According to Lexington police records, Pitcovich had a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .23 at the time of his arrest, which is 3 times the legal limit in South Carolina.
Pitcovich was stopped on East Main Street on March 14th for driving 47 mph in a 35 zone. He also braked too late for a red light, stopping in the middle of the intersection rather than at the line.
The officer’s patrol video shows that Pitcovich pulled into the parking lot of the Old Mill and around to the rear of the building after the officer signaled for him to pull over. When Pitcovich pulled into a parking spot, he nearly drove into the pond behind the building, stopping just 18 inches from the edge of the water.
The officer asked Pitcovich where he was headed, and the young professional told the officer he was headed home. When questioned about where he’d been, the man said that he had been at an event called the “Keg Cowboy,” but Pitcovich said he had only had one beer while there.
The officer conducted a series of field sobriety tests, which is standard procedure during a DUI stop. Pitcovich failed the sobriety tests, so the officer arrested him and took him to the county jail for a breath alcohol test. Pitcovich blew a .23.
His license was suspended for DUI, and he was arrested for driving under the influence with a .16 BAC or higher. He paid his $2,267 bond the next day.
Pitcovich owns Event Management, LLC, and is chair of the Lexington YMCA board, as well as a board member of Leadership Lexington.
There is currently no date set for Pitcovich’s DUI trial.
DUI Consequences in South Carolina
Consequences associated with a driving under the influence conviction are determined by the charge of a first DUI, second DUI, third DUI, or subsequent offense; your blood alcohol level (the higher your BAC, the stiffer the penalties); refusal to take a chemical test, such as a breathalyzer (if you refuse, you will lose your license for 6 months, unless you request an administrative suspension hearing); minors being in your vehicle; and your involvement in a DUI accident.
NOTE: Your DUI defense also plays a key role in determining the final consequences.
Actual DUI penalties, based on the factors above, include:
- A suspended or restricted license
- Mandatory jail time or imprisonment
- Ignition interlock device
- SR-22 insurance
- Fines ranging from $400 to $10,000
- Community service
- Felony conviction
- Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP)
If You Face DUI Charges in South Carolina, Strom Law, LLC Can Help
South Carolina has some of the stricted DUI laws in the country. Do not let charges or a conviction prevent you from seeking job or educational opportunities. You still have rights, even if you face a court date. The Strom Law Firm can help with DUI charges in South Carolina. We offer free, confidential consultations, so the facts of your case can be discussed with impunity. Do not hesitate to contact us. 803.252.4800.
