Drennan Law Firm 
EmailA South Carolina woman is in the beginning stages of grief after a terrible car accident ended the life of a passenger in her vehicle. In addition, she is also confronted with criminal charges related to the fatal accident. Just days after the crash she was charged with felony drunk driving charges, as well as for driving with a suspended driver's license. As she mourns the loss of her friend, she also must address the need to make a legal response to the charges against her.
What constitutes a felony DUI and what are the consequences?
DUI charges can, without a doubt, be difficult to manage. Impaired driving simply is taken very seriously, whether you live in South Carolina or elsewhere. Of all the DUI related offenses, those that garner felony DUI charges are the most complex to successfully fight in court, but that doesn't mean it is impossible to do.
Felony DUI defense: Prosecutors have the burden of proof
One of the most commonly uttered phrases in the world of criminal defense is "guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." Although many readers may hear this phrase on a regular basis, it may not be clear just how weighty a phrase it really is.
Not a game: Felony DUI and South Carolina's three-strikes law
The best pitchers in baseball are often defined by their ability to rack up three strikes in order to send their opponents back to the bench. Although America's pastime is a game beloved by many, three strikes in the world of criminal law should never be taken lightly.
Measuring the costs of a felony DUI conviction in South Carolina
In a previous blog post, we discussed the way that South Carolina statutes define felony charges for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. On a basic level, law enforcement officials can move forward with felony charges if an intoxicated driver causes bodily harm another person.
South Carolina felony DUI laws are stringent, specific
Staring down felony charges for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may feel incredibly intimidating. This feeling is understandable, knowing everything that is at stake in this type of criminal case. Not only are felony sentences typically harsh, but being convicted can cause a number of privileges or rights to become unavailable. For example, those who have a felony record typically cannot own firearms or vote in elections.
Authorities press felony DUI charges against 19-year-old
As numerous postings in this blog have discussed, there are potentially severe consequences involved when a resident of South Carolina drives while under the influence of alcohol. There are also serious consequences involved when authorities discover a minor consuming alcohol.
South Carolina Breathalyzer law will not be applied retroactively
Legislation involving drunk driving is an ever-changing area of law in many states. The changes many states are contemplating involve the installation and ignition interlock devices and other consequences that result when a driver is charged with a crime and convicted for drunk driving. In 2009, the state of South Carolina passed legislation stating that a Breathalyzer test must be administered within two hours of a driver's arrest.
Woman facing felony DUI charges after accident that killed one
Sometimes, after a resident of South Carolina has consumed a couple of alcoholic beverages, they may feel fine to drive. The individual believes that they can get behind the wheel of their vehicle and make it safely to their ultimate destination without harming himself or herself or anyone else. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and an accident may occur as a result of this mistaken lapse in judgment. What is also unfortunate is that one honest mistake can result in a laundry list of negative impacts for that driver who honestly thought it would be safe for them to drive home.
South Carolina teen facing multiple felony DUI charges
Many parents in South Carolina may find it difficult to help their children understand that many of the decisions they make from the beginning of their teenage years can impact the rest of their lives in a positive or negative manner; depending upon the nature of the decision and the resulting outcome. One decision that can unfortunately have a long-lasting negative impact on the life of a teenager is the decision to drive while intoxicated.
