Driving Under the Influence in Myrtle Beach – Car Accidents and Grave Consequences
If you are involved in a car accident and charged with Driving Under the Influence in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina your case will likely receive greater attention, scrutiny, and if convicted a more severe punishment by the Court system.
The Horry County Courts, South Carolina law enforcement, as well as our local Prosecutors take Driving Under the Influence seriously, and rightfully so, particularly when an impaired driver’s actions lead to someone being injured. Whether the injured individual was a willing passenger in the at faults vehicle, another driver or pedestrian, the charges and potential punishment are the same.
If you are convicted of Driving Under the Influence that results with Great Bodily Injury to another person then your potential sentence will range from a minimum of 30 days in jail and up to 15 years in prison. SC 56-5-2945 (A)(1)
Great bodily Injury is defined as bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss of or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ. SECTION 56-5-2945 (B)
If you are convicted of Driving Under the Influence that results in the Death of another then your potential sentence will range from a minimum of 1 year and up to 25 years in prison. SC 56-5-2945 (A)(2)
These sentences are not eligible to be suspended or probation granted in lieu of the minimum sentence, meaning you must serve the minimum sentence and your license will have an Ignition Interlock Device placed on your vehicle for up to 5 years.
As a former prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney I have unfortunately witnessed many serious DUI cases with Great Bodily Injury or Death work their way through the court system. These cases are some of the saddest cases our court system deals with as you have an innocent victim, but often the defendant was an otherwise productive member of society with no criminal record. These cases are detail specific and require an experienced defense attorney to ensure your rights are preserved.
If you find yourself charged with Driving Under the Influence you will need an experienced attorney to fight for your rights, record, and possibly your freedom. Our attorneys served as local Horry County prosecutors for over 9 years combined before opening Grooms and Thomas in 2016. Attorney Austin Thomas has spent a large portion of his career dedicate to DUI defense and Prosecution. He currently serves as the Municipal DUI Prosecutor for the city of Surfside Beach. At Grooms and Thomas, LLC we understand what it takes for the State to successfully prosecute a DUI case, and we have the courtroom and trial experience needed to ensure your best defense.
Please call our office for a free consultation to see if we can help
