Felony charges in fatal South Carolina accident

On Behalf of | Dec 30, 2014 | Drunk Driving |

A 32-year-old South Carolina man is facing a number of serious charges related to driving under the influence following a fatal accident. Sources indicate that the accident occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on Dec. 22. According to reports, the accused was driving a 1998 Ford Explorer southbound on Red Bluff Road. South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers say that he crossed the center line and collided with a northbound Jeep Cherokee.

The driver of the Jeep, a 28-year-old man from Loris, was killed in the crash, and the driver of the Ford was hospitalized with undisclosed injuries. The following day, he was taken into custody and charged with obtaining an open container of beer or wine in a vehicle, felony driving under the influence resulting in death and felony driving under the influence causing great bodily harm.

Charges for drunk driving can be serious, and this may particularly be the case when a fatality is involved. An attorney representing an individual in a similar case might look at the evidence that an individual was under the influence. It might be possible to question the validity of a Breathalyzer, blood test or other evidence.

An individual might have a medical condition that makes them appear intoxicated, or an accident might occur that is not the fault of the driver. For example, if road conditions or faulty mechanics caused an individual in a similar case to steer into another lane, that individual might not be considered at fault. Another option for an individual charged with these types of felonies is a plea deal, which may result in a lighter sentence for an individual who pleads guilty to some charges.

Source: WMBF, “Official arrest man after fatal collision“, December 24, 2014

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