The eastbound lanes of a South Carolina highway in Clearwater had to be closed after a recent car accident involving two sports utility vehicles. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the suspected DUI accident occurred shortly before midnight on a recent Monday. Troopers said the driver of one vehicle left the scene of the crash, but he was located a short time later.
According to the accident report, a northbound SUV operated by a 24-year-old went through a red traffic light. He reportedly smashed into another SUV that was westbound in the intersection at that time. The second SUV was occupied by a 36-year-old driver and two passengers, ages 36 and 18. Troopers say they were all restrained by safety belts and suffered only minor injuries.
After locating the driver who apparently ran the red light, troopers apparently had reason to believe that alcohol played a part in the crash, and this driver was charged with DUI. Police say he was driving on a suspended license, and that was added to the charges. No mention was made of the driver’s alleged level of intoxication.
Facing a DUI charge can be a frightening experience, and the first thing an accused person may consider is the implication of the charges should a conviction ultimately be secured by prosecutors. However, it is not a battle that has to be faced alone, as the support and guidance of an experienced South Carolina DUI defense attorney may prove invaluable. A lawyer will assess the circumstances and scrutinize the procedures used in determining the blood alcohol level and the filing of the charges. The burden of proving the accusations is on government prosecutors, and no conviction can occur in the absence of evidence that meets the strict requirements of our criminal justice system.
Source: wrdw.com, “UPDATE | One driver facing DUI charges after Jefferson Davis Highway accident”, Aug. 25, 2015
