The South Carolina Highway Patrol recently arrested a man they claim is responsible for a car crash that killed two people and left others injured. According to police, they believe impairment is a contributing factor in the accident. As such, the accused has been charged with two counts of felony DUI resulting in death.
A 52-year-old man, of Westminster, was arrested and charged following an accident that occurred earlier this month in Seneca. In total, five cars were involved in the wreck. According to police, the accused initially struck a sedan with his truck; both occupants of the sedan died, one in the crash and the other at a nearby medical facility. Three other vehicles were also somehow involved in the crash, resulting in injuries to two other individuals.
The accused was transported to Oconee County Detention Center shortly after the incident. A bail hearing has already taken place and bail was set at $100,000, or $50,000 for each felony charge. According to police records, this individual remains in custody at the detention center.
Felony DUI charges, particularly those filed in fatal accident cases, can be difficult to fight in court, though not impossible. South Carolina has strict penalties regarding these types of charges, a few of which include fines, jail or prison time, compensatory payments and community service. The legal counsel offered by a criminal defense team may help the accused decide the best course of action to pursue for his situation; whether that is fighting the charges and requesting they be dismissed or working toward minimizing the consequences associated with these claims.
Source: wyff4.com, “HP: Man charged with DUI in crash that killed Upstate couple“, , Sept. 9, 2014