SC DUI Crash Kills High School Student

A 15 year-old high school student lost his life when his car was struck by a DUI driver in Lexington County, South Carolina a few days ago. The student was on his way to school when he was hit at around 7:45 a.m. by a 60 year-old driver who has been charged with felony DUI resulting in death as well possession of a controlled substance. The impaired driver's bond was set at $115,000 which the family of the dead student found offensive; they said it allowed the man to get back out on the street and was unjust. They also expressed a need for more funding and more troopers to reduce the possibility of drunk and drug-impaired driving in the state.

Under South Carolina law, a felony DUI is charged when a driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs, engages in some other action which violates traffic or other laws, and causes the death or great bodily injury to another, such as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian. In the case above, where the driver caused the death of the student, if he is convicted of felony DUI he faces one to 25 years in prison, $10,000 up to $25,000 in fines, and suspension of his driver's license for the duration of his prison term plus five more years. Where a person is convicted of a felony DUI causing great bodily injury, the penalties include incarceration of 30 days up to 15 years, fines of $5,000 up to $10,000, and a license suspension for the prison term plus three years.

DUI and Criminal Defense in Columbia, South Carolina

DUI offenses can lead to serious penalties which will deeply affect your wallet as well as saddle you with a permanent criminal record. If you have been arrested and charged with any type of DUI in or around the Columbia area, you first order of business should be to consult with a competent attorney about your situation and expected outcome. Many people believe that DUI charges cannot be successfully fought; this is a misconception.

Masella Law Firm, P.A. is a criminal defense law firm that is more than ready to defend DUI charges. Its attorney has a background in prosecuting these cases and has even taught classes to other attorneys about DUI law. Your case will be reviewed from every angle to determine the best possible strategy for a defense. Work with a firm that has been serving clients since 1998. Contact the firm to arrange for a consultation with an attorney about your case as soon as possible.