Being accused of DUI is a serious matter in South Carolina. Particularly DUI cases that result in the death of another. If convicted of a felony DUI charge resulting in death, the person accused could face some very serious and life-altering consequences under South Carolina laws. The maximum penalty for such a charge includes 25 years of prison time and over $25,000 in fines.
Recently, a Rock Hill woman was involved in an accident that, sadly, resulted in the death of a young woman. Apparently, she rear-ended the other woman’s vehicle, which in turn pushed the car into oncoming traffic. The vehicle was hit by a third car which resulted in the fatality. The driver deemed responsible for the incident was arrested and charged with felony DUI resulting in death.
According to police the accused’s blood alcohol level was more than double the state’s limit. She was arrested and is currently being held at a local detention center without bond. She supposedly has a previous record of DUI events. Court dates for this matter are unknown.
DUI that results in the death of another is emotionally traumatizing for both the victim’s family and the driver responsible. No one expects to harm anyone else when they choose to drive while intoxicated. South Carolina residents accused of felony DUI, regardless of previous history, have the right of the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven. In this particular case, the penalties are severe, and the woman accused would benefit from a strategic criminal defense to help decrease the consequences she is facing if convicted.
Source: charlotteobserver.com, Rock Hill woman charged in traffic death had previous DUI, Jonathan McFadden, Feb. 14, 2014