Federal Agency Recommends Lowering Drunk Driving Blood Alcohol Content

by Pete Strom on May 15, 2013

NTSB Suggests Lowering Blood Alcohol Content Limits to Prevent Drunk Driving Deaths

The National Transportation Safety Board recommended on Tuesday, May 14th, that states across the US lower their legal blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05, to help prevent drunk driving accidents.

Currently, all 50 states have the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit at 0.08. If a driver is found to have a BAC of 0.08 or higher, they can be ticketed, arrested, or prosecuted for drunk driving.

According to the NTSB, 10,000 people each year die in drunk driving related accidents, and 170,000 are injured. While national statistics for drunk driving deaths and accidents are dropping, the NTSB suggests that lowering the national BAC would save an additional 1,000 lives annually.

“Our goal is to get to zero deaths because each alcohol-impaired death is preventable,” NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman said. “Alcohol-impaired deaths are not accidents, they are crimes. They can and should be prevented. The tools exist. What is needed is the will.”

Most countries in Europe, including Russia, as well as South America and Australia, have already instituted BAC limits of 0.05.Australia’s drunk driving related fatalities fell 5-18% when they lowered their BAC.

The NTSB reports that 0.05, although a much lower BAC percentage is the threshold at which a person becomes impaired by alcohol. At 0.05 percent BAC, a person begins to have difficulties with depth perception and visual functions. At 0.07, cognitive abilities are impaired. At 0.08% BAC, the risk of having an accident while driving increases more than 100%.

However, the NTSB has made recommendations to lower the national BAC before – last time, when they recommended lowering BAC from .10 to .08, it took states 21 years to adopt the suggestion. The National Transportation Safety Board is not a legislative body, and can only make safety recommendations rather than laws.

Studies show that each year, 4 million people admit to drunk driving.

NTSB Drunk Driving Recommendation Meets Resistance

Restaurant trade groups have come out in protest of the NTSB’s drunk driving recommendation.

“This recommendation is ludicrous,” said Sarah Longwell, managing director of American Beverage Institute, which represents more than 8,000 restaurants nationally. ”Moving from 0.08 to 0.05 would criminalize perfectly responsible behavior.”

If the BAC is lowered to 0.05, bar and restaurant patrons will need to be very careful of how many drinks they consume in one sitting. A woman weighing 120 lbs reaches a BAC of 0.05 after only one drink, while a man weighing 160 lbs reaches that BAC at just two drinks.

“Further restricting the moderate consumption of alcohol by responsible adults prior to driving does nothing to stop hardcore drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel,” Longwell added.

“Hardcore drunk drivers,” as Longwell suggested, do cause the most serious drunk driving accidents nationally. According to the NTSB’s findings, while cognitive impairment occurs at 0.08% BAC, 70% of drunk driving fatalities are caused by drivers with BACs of 0.15% or more.

The NTSB made other recommendations, such as stricter enforcement of interlock devices in convicted drunk drivers’ cars. Many people convicted of drunk driving have lied about whether or not they owned a vehicle or would ever drive again to get out of using the interlock devices. The board recommended that the National Highway Safety Administration develop a grant program to encourage states to ensure all convicted drunk drivers actually use the devices.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Drunk Driving Charges

If you or a loved one has been charged with drunk driving, whether first offense or felony DUI, contact a South Carolina DUI Lawyer at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us for help. 803.252.4800.

Catholic Bishop Pleads Not Guilty to DUI Charges

by Pete Strom on May 13, 2013

Bishop Arrested for DUI in Rhode Island, Pleads Not Guilty to Charges

On Saturday night, May 4th, Roman Catholic Bishop Robert McManus, of the Diocese of Worcester, was arrested for suspicion of DUI after leaving the scene of an accident.

McManus, 61, refused a chemical test and was arrested on DUI charges. On Monday, May 6th, the bishop acknowledged his arrest in a statement to his diocese.

“On Saturday evening, May 4, I made a terrible error in judgment by driving after having consumed alcohol with dinner,” McManus said. “There is no excuse for the mistake I made, only a commitment to make amends and accept the consequences of my action.”

“More importantly,” he said, “I ask forgiveness from the good people whom I serve, as well as my family and friends, in the Diocese of Worcester and the Diocese of Providence.”

His arraignment for DUI charges is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7th. Police in Narragansett said that the bishop’s full DUI arrest report is not available yet.

DUI Charges Stem from Hit-And-Run

According to reports, McManus was stopped by police after reports that he struck another vehicle, but left the scene. At about 10:32 PM, McManus hit another car on the road, then drove away. The other driver called the police and followed the bishop to his Bonnet Shores vacation home. When police arrived, McManus refused to take any sort of chemical test to determine his blood alcohol content, and was arrested on DUI charges.

At his arraignment hearing, McManus did not say anything, and his lawyer entered the “not guilty” plea on his client’s behalf. The bishop reportedly made $1,000 bail and will be allowed to remain free.

McManus also faces an additional civil charge of refusing to take a chemical test. He is due back in court on May 28th.

DUI Charges in South Carolina

The primary determining factors of DUI are whether:

  • the defendant was driving,
  • the accused was driving a motorized vehicle,
  • he/she was on the road, and
  • he/she was materially and appreciably impaired at the time of driving such that it impaired your judgment and ability to drive with a steady hand.

While some are more easily determined than others, the most vital question appears to be whether the defendant was actually materially and appreciably impaired.

Under the new DUI statute, the proof rests on a mere reading of a machine to determine the culpability of a suspected DUI driver. These statutes, often referred to as per se, define DUI as driving a motor vehicle on a road or highway with a blood alcohol level of at least .08.

The State must show that you were impaired at the time of driving. Quite often the test is taken a few hours later and, if you had consumed alcohol just before driving, the test would be higher than your actual level when driving.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with DUI Charges

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, whether first offense or felony DUI, contact a South Carolina DUI Lawyer at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us for help. 803.252.4800.

“Myrtle Manor” Reality TV Star Arrested for DUI

by Pete Strom on May 7, 2013

Star of New Series “Myrtle Manor” Arrested for First DUI Offense

The star of “Myrtle Manor,” a new hit reality TV show on TLC which is filmed in Myrtle Beach, SC, has been arrested and charged with her first DUI offense.

The television show is a “docu-drama” filmed last summer in Patrick’s Mobile Home Park off Highway 15 in Myrtle Beach. It started on March 3rd.

Amanda Lee Adams, 26, was charged with first-offense DUI after officers pulled her over just after 4:30 AM on Friday, April 26th. According to police reports, Adams had crashed her black Jeep Wrangler into an electric pole, knocking the pole over and causing front-end damage to her vehicle. She was the only occupant of the car at the time.

Adams describes herself on her Facebook and Twitter pages as “I am the ‘bless your heart’ trucker hat wearing, turtle hunting, four wheel driving, redneck of the Darlin Dogs Empire.”

The arresting officer said he smelled alcohol on Adams, and asked her how much she’d had to drink. She reportedly responded with, “Three beers and one shot.” She failed several field sobriety tests, and was unable to follow the sobriety test directions and did not complete the tests. The officer transported her to Myrtle Beach Jail, where she said she’d had “three beers and four shots.” A breathalyzer returns a blood alcohol content of .20, nearly three times the legal limit of .08.

Adams has been charged with DUI, first offense.

First Offense DUI in South Carolina

If you are over 21 and you are convicted of DUI, your blood alcohol level (BAC) will be used to dictate the severity of your sentence for each type of offense (first DUI offense, second DUI offense, etc.).  Keep in mind that the fines set forth below will more than double when you add in court costs and fees.

If your BAC is between .08% and .09%:

  • Jail sentences for a first DUI can range from 48 hours to a maximum 30 days, although community service can be given in lieu of jail time.
  • Fines can range up to $400, plus court costs and fees.
  • You will additionally lose your driver’s license for six months.

If your BAC is between .10% and .15%:

  • Jail sentences for first DUI charges can range from 72 hours to a maximum 30 days, although community service can be given in lieu of jail time.
  • Fines can range up to $500, plus court costs and fees.
  • You will additionally lose your driver’s license for six months.

If your BAC is .16 or higher:

  • Jail sentences for first DUI charges can range from 30 days to a maximum 90 days, although community service can be given in lieu of jail time.
  • Fines can range up to $1,000, and you are required to enroll and successfully complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program(ADSAP).

South Carolina DUI Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, whether first offense or felony DUI, contact a South Carolina DUI Lawyer at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us for help. 803.252.4800.

Trucker Arrested for Felony DUI in Charleston Is Arrested Again in Georgia

by Pete Strom on May 3, 2013

Truck Driver Accused of Felony DUI in SC in January Finds Himself With DUI Charges in Georgia

A truck driver who killed a Charleston medical student in a felony DUI in January has been arrested again, this time in Georgia, for a similar crime.

On April 6th, in Conyers, GA, Arnold Bradford Williams, 35, was arrested after several witnesses said they saw his freightliner, which hauled 26 tons of stone, weaving in and out of traffic on I-20. According to a Georgia state police report, a breathalyzer showed that Williams’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was .222, nearly three times the legal limit. The arresting officer in Georgia reported a fruity alcohol smell on Williams’s breath, and he found an empty can of Mike’s Hard Lemonade in a storage compartment in the cab.

A Newton County Sheriff’s report says that Williams has been charged with DUI and open container. He is currently being held at a Rockdale County jail, and a motion to revoke his bond will be heard at a Friday hearing. The motion was put forth to prevent Williams from fleeing.

According to reports, during the arrest, Williams asked how long he would be held in jail in Rockdale County, because he had to appear in court in Charleston, SC on Friday regarding his reckless homicide charge in January.

Charleston Accident In January Might Be a Felony DUI

The incident in Charleston on January 28th, 2013 claimed the life of Medical University of South Carolina student Lauren Baccari. According to incident reports, Baccari was sitting in traffic on 1-526 East, near Rivers Avenue, because a fuel spill stalled traffic. Reports state that Williams, in his freightliner, came up behind Baccari too quickly and crushed her vehicle. Three other cars and another truck were also caught in the wreck.

A witness claims to have seen Williams take a pack of alcoholic beverages out of his cab and throw them over the side of the interstate after the accident occurred. Williams was initially charged with felony DUI in Baccari’s death, but the charge was changed to reckless homicide due to lack of evidence, and a review from the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The review stated that a more serious charge like felony DUI could not be issued because Williams passed a field sobriety test as well as a toxicology test after the wreck. He managed to make his $100,000 bail and was released.

However, Williams had a long history of traffic violations. He had at least 10 tickets for failing to wear a seat belt, several speeding tickets, a ticket for improper passing, and had been cited on another occasion for open container.

“There’s a history of speeding,” Magistrate Linda Lombard noted  before setting bail in the North Charleston hearing. “It’s sad it has to end this way.”

South Carolina Felony DUI Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been charged with felony DUI, contact a South Carolina felony DUI Lawyer at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today. We provide experienced and aggressive representation for those charged with felony DUI throughout South Carolina, as well as Georgia. Call us today for a free consultation. 803.252.4800.

North Charleston Police Officer Arrested on DUI Charges

by Pete Strom on May 2, 2013

Officer Wrecked Cruiser, Arrested for DUI

A police officer from North Charleston was arrested on DUI charges early in the morning on Monday, April 22nd, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

29-year-old Christina Mask was reportedly headed east on McMakin Road in Jedburg when the fully marked patrol car – a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria – ran off the road and struck a driveway culvert, reports Patrol Sgt. Bob Beres.

The wreck occurred at about 1 AM, when Mask was off duty. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time, the report states.

She was charged with DUI and open container.

Mask has been put on administrative leave without pay. She has been an employee of the North Charleston police department since 2009.

DUI Charges and Open Container Laws in South Carolina

Currently, federal legislation does not regulate open container laws, including open containers in vehicles, so states regulate the specific details of open containers and DUI legislation. However, the Transportation Equality Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) is a federal regulation that gives some guidelines for open container laws, and states have been encouraged to adopt the regulation. Most states have now adopted some form of TEA-21, which prohibits open alcohol containers in vehicles, the consumption of alcohol in vehicles, prohibits open containers in vehicles that are stopped, including on the side of the road, and prohibits open alcohol containers in the passenger’s area, including in an unlocked glove compartment.

Possession of an open container of alcohol in the vehicle can imply drunk driving, and you could face field sobriety tests, tickets, and a DUI arrest.

In South Carolina, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08. State law prohibits anyone from driving after drinking if they are “materially and appreciably impaired.” DUI in South Carolina carries harsh penalties, including:

·         Fines ranging from $400 and $6,300, depending on how many DUI offenses you have committed, and how high your BAC was;

·         Prison time ranging between 2 days and 5 years

·         Confiscation of your vehicle

·         Revoked driver’s license

Receiving a DUI charge, even for one offense, can cost you time and money, ruin your reputation at work and in the community, and hurt your family life. You could face complicated court battles, and a stain on your public record.

Under the new DUI statute, the proof rests on a mere reading of a machine to determine the culpability of a suspected DUI driver. These statutes, often referred to as per se, define DUI as driving a motor vehicle on a road or highway with a blood alcohol level of at least .08. he State must show that you were impaired at the time of driving. Quite often the test is taken a few hours later and, if you had consumed alcohol just before driving, the test would be higher than your actual level when driving.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with DUI Charges

If you have questions or concerns about the evidence gathered for your DUI charge, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. You do not have to suffer the consequences of a DUI charge in silence. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us today. 803.252.4800.

Supreme Court Upholds Warrants for Blood Tests for DUI

by Pete Strom on April 22, 2013

WarrantSupreme Court Rules 8-to-1 That Warrants Are Necessary for DUI Blood Tests

On Wednesday, April 17th, the Supreme Court ruled with an overwhelming majority that police officers must obtain a warrant before subjecting a DUI suspect to a blood test. Justice Clarence Thomas was the lone dissenter.

The case originated in southeast Missouri, on October 3, 2010, when Tyler McNeely was pulled over by a state trooper late one night and subjected to a breathalyzer test. The officer said he witnessed McNeely driving erratically, and suspected a DUI. McNeely refused the breathalyzer, so the officer drove him to a local hospital and subjected him to a blood test. Although the officer in previous cases had sought warrants for blood tests, in this case, he did not. The state of Missouri contended that, because alcohol naturally dissipates in the blood stream over time, more and more evidence would be lost the longer the state trooper waited for the test. Therefore, the state does not require a warrant for a blood test when officers suspect DUI.

About half of the states in the country already prohibit warrantless blood tests in DUI cases.

A circuit court threw out the evidence during McNeely’s trial, because it was obtained without the officer even attempting to get a warrant. The Missouri Supreme Court upheld the action, as it violated McNeely’s constitutional rights.

The Supreme Court agreed. They noted that most circumstances allow adequate time for officers to obtain a warrant. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who wrote for the majority, said that modern technology like cell phones and email allowed officers to quickly obtain search warrants, including for blood tests in DUI cases, and that most jurisdictions had magistrates available at all hours.

Sotomayor noted that some dissipation of alcohol was inevitable, and that some emergency cases could require officers to bring in DUI suspects for blood tests before obtaining a warrant. However, those emergency cases must be looked at and justified later in court.

Doug Bonney, chief counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and Western Missouri, approved the Supreme Court’s decision. “It shows that the court understood that drunk-driving laws can be enforced in a way that is consistent with the Constitution,” he said, referencing the Fourth Amendment that protects against unreasonable search and seizure.

Implied Consent and Blood Tests for DUI In South Carolina

When you apply for and receive a driver’s license in South Carolina, you automatically consent to a future blood, breath or urine alcohol test, such as a breathalyzer, if requested by law enforcement. The consent is implied by the act of holding a driver’s license in this state.

The primary purpose of implied consent is to permit law enforcement to request that a blood sample be taken by qualified medical personnel in the event that a person is incoherent, unconscious or dead. Implied consent grants this authority without legal risk of violating personal rights.

However, if the person arrested for the suspicion of driving under the influence is conscious and coherent and able to provide consent, the officer must offer that person a breathalyzer test — to be performed within two hours of arrest — as well as inform them of their right to refuse. (For suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, the same stipulation applies for a urine test.)

Blood Tests an DUI Charges Require Strong Defense

South Carolina has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. Do not let charges or a conviction prevent you from seeking job or educational opportunities. You still have rights, even if you face a court date. If you were not informed of your right to refuse a breathalyzer, or you were forced to take a blood test before understanding your rights, the Strom Law Firm can help with DUI Charges. We offer free, confidential consultations, so the facts of your case can be discussed with impunity. Do not hesitate to contact us. 803.252.4800.

Reese Witherspoon and Husband Arrested for DUI

by Pete Strom on April 22, 2013

Award-Winning Actress and Husband Pulled Over, Arrested on DUI Charges and Disorderly Conduct

Reese Witherspoon and her husband, Creative Artists agent James Toth, were arrested early Friday morning, April 19th, in Atlanta on DUI charges.

According to the police report, the couple was pulled over when a state trooper saw Toth weaving over a double line. The officer reported that Toth smelled strongly of alcohol, his eyelids were droopy, and his eyes were blood shot. Toth told the officer that he had only had one drink, which Witherspoon commented was at a restaurant 2 hours before the stop, but when the officer administered the Breathalyzer, Toth’s blood alcohol level registered at .139. Like South Carolina, the legal BAC in Georgia is .08.

As the officer spoke with Toth, however, Witherspoon reportedly got out of the car. She was told to get back in the car, and obeyed, but then got out of the car a second time. The trooper warned her that if she got out of the car again, she would be arrested. Reportedly, Witherspoon became irate and got out of the car a third time, demanding of the officers “Do you know my name?” and “You’re about to find out who I am … You’re going to be on national news,” as well as insisting that she was “a US citizen” and that she could “stand on American ground.”

Toth was arrested for DUI and Witherspoon was arrested for disorderly conduct. The couple was released at 3:30 AM on Friday.

Witherspoon and her husband were in Atlanta as Witherspoon shot the indie drama The Good Lie, in which she plays an American woman assigned to help young Sudanese refugees.

Witherspoon Reportedly “Deeply Embarrassed” by Her Behavior During DUI Stop

The actress released a statement over the weekend in regards to the DUI stop. TMZ reports:

“Out of respect for the ongoing legal situation, I cannot comment on everything that is being reported right now. But I do want to say I clearly had one drink too many and I am deeply embarrassed about the things I said. It was definitely a scary situation and I was frightened for my husband, but that was no excuse. I was disrespectful to the officer who was just doing his job. The words I used that night definitely do not reflect who I am. I have nothing but respect for the police and I am very sorry for my behavior.”

Witherspoon’s and Toth’s court appearances have been pushed back to May 22 and 23, respectively.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with DUI Charges

The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm understand that being arrested for DUI can be scary, and the law can seem complex and insurmountable. Do not let charges or a conviction prevent you from seeking job or educational opportunities. You still have rights, even if you face a court date. The Strom Law Firm can help with DUI charges in South Carolina, Georgia and New York state. We offer free, confidential consultations, so the facts of your case can be discussed with impunity. Do not hesitate to contact us. 803.252.4800.

Former Star of Hit Disney Show Arrested for Second DUI

by Pete Strom on April 16, 2013

Co-Star of “That’s So Raven” Arrested for Second DUI

Troubled former child star Orlando Brown has been arrested on DUI charges again.

The 25-year-old actor became famous for his role Eddie Thomas on “That’s So Raven,” a hit Disney Channel show that ran from 2003 to 2007. Reportedly, the former child star is being held because of a  $26,000 arrest warrant for a previous DUI.

Late on Sunday, April 7th, Brown was pulled over on suspicion of a DUI on Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood. However, he was arrested because of the warrant for his first DUI, which includes a failed court appearance.

Brown’s first DUI charge came in August 2011, when he was pulled over because he did not have a license plate. Reportedly, his pregnant girlfriend was in the car at the time. Police smelled alcohol, so they issued a field sobriety test which Brown failed. He posted $15,000 bail and went home.

In court, Brown struck a plea deal with prosecutors – instead of going to jail, he would complete an alcohol education program. However, the actor failed to pay $1,908 in court fees and fines, and never enrolled in the class. He was re-arrested in June 2012 because he had not complied with the plea bargain, and a month later, because he was a no-show for his third court appearance, a judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

Brown has other substance abuse problems on his record, as well. In 2007, he was arrested for drug possession in Texas. Cops pulled him over because Brown was driving without his headlights on, and when they searched his car, they found 9 grams of marijuana in the driver’s side door.

South Carolina DUI Penalties by Offense

If you are over 21 and you are convicted of DUI, your blood alcohol level (BAC) will be used to dictate the severity of your sentence for each type of offense (first DUI offense, second DUI offense, etc.).  Keep in mind that the fines set forth below will more than double when you add in court costs and fees.

If this is your first offense, your jail sentence can range between 48 hours to 90 days, fines between $400 and $1,000, and possibly community service, depending entirely on how high your blood alcohol level is.

Your second offense is more serious. You could face jail time from one year (with a five day minimum and community service after that), to three years, and fines ranging from $2,100 to $6,500. You might be required to enroll in an alcohol education program called ADSAP (Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program).

Third-time DUI offenders face between three and five years in prison, with fines ranging from $3,800 to $10,000. You could be required to enroll in ADSAP, and you could lose your license for up to four years.

If you are a fourth-time DUI offender, you face felony DUI penalties, which are much more strict and serious.

If You Face DUI Charges in South Carolina, Strom Law, LLC Can Help

South Carolina has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. Do not let charges or a conviction prevent you from seeking job or educational opportunities. You still have rights, even if you face a court date. The Strom Law Firm can help with DUI charges in South Carolina. We offer free, confidential consultations, so the facts of your case can be discussed with impunity. Do not hesitate to contact us. 803.252.4800.

Gerard Depardieu Fails to Attend DUI Court Hearing for the Second Time

by Pete Strom on April 11, 2013

Famous French Actor “Blows Off” DUI Court Hearing Again

According to Gerard Depardieu’s lawyer, the French actor was “too busy” to attend his DUI court hearing.

This is not the first time the court has heard that excuse.

In November 2012, Depardieu fell off his scooter in Paris, and authorities arrested him for driving under the influence (DUI). If convicted of the crime, Depardieu could face up to two years in prison and a fine of $5,700.

However, the court agreed to delay because investigators turned up new evidence about the “harmless incident.” Depardieu is also currently shooting a movie in the United States, and could not be physically present for his DUI hearing.

Depardieu missed his original DUI court hearing in January as well. However, his lawyer convinced the Paris criminal court to reschedule for May 24th.

Gerard Depardieu is possibly France’s most famous actor, at least in the United States. He has starred in a slew of both French and English-language films, including Cyrano de Bergerac, The Man in the Iron Mask, and 102 Dalmatians.

Depardieu, a fiscal conservative, also grabbed media attention recently with threats to renounce his French citizenship, become a Russian citizen, and tauntingly live right next door to France – in Belgium.

Scooter and Moped DUI in South Carolina

In February 2012, South Carolina lawmakers amended a law that defined “motor vehicle” in regards to DUI legislation, to include scooters and mopeds. Previously, South Carolina law did not consider such small vehicles to be part of DUI legislation.

Currently, tractors and bicycles are also exempted from DUI laws. Despite the change to DUI legislation, however, South Carolina drivers still do not need a driver’s license to drive a moped or scooter, making arrests for DUI difficult.

South Carolina DUI law is a complex law, with a surprisingly large gray area of actual DUI culpability. Though, only a DUI attorney can thoroughly evaulate and challenge your DUI arrest. DUI statutes we’ll examine include:

Actual DUI penalties include:

  • A suspended or restricted license
  • Mandatory jail time or imprisonment
  • Ignition interlock device
  • SR-22 insurance
  • Fines ranging from $400 to $10,000
  • Community service
  • Felony conviction
  • Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP)

If You Face DUI Charges in South Carolina, Strom Law, LLC Can Help

South Carolina has some of the stricted DUI laws in the country. Do not let charges or a conviction prevent you from seeking job or educational opportunities. You still have rights, even if you face a court date. The Strom Law Firm can help with DUI charges in South Carolina. We offer free, confidential consultations, so the facts of your case can be discussed with impunity. Do not hesitate to contact us. 803.252.4800.

Columbia Police Officer Arrested for DUI

by Pete Strom on April 11, 2013

Columbia Police Officer Arrested, Charged with DUI

On Sunday, April 7th, the South Carolina Highway Patrol arrested a Columbia Police Officer for DUI after he was found asleep in his vehicle at a stop light.

At about 2 AM on Sunday, Columbia police officers came up to a vehicle stopped at a traffic light on Garners Ferry, near Leesburg Road. The driver was asleep behind the wheel, according to the police report. The officers called the Highway Patrol to the scene, and eventually the officers woke the driver up and got him out of the vehicle.

The driver has been identified as 34-year-old Michael Watson, an officer with the Columbia Police Department. At the time, Watson was driving his personal vehicle. He has been charged with DUI.

According to the Columbia Police Department, Watson has been suspended without pay, pending the Highway Patrol’s investigation.

Asleep at the Wheel and DUI Law in South Carolina

South Carolina law is very strict when it comes to DUI penalties, but the law is more complex and vague when it comes to drowsy or distracted driving. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and “drowsy driving” have some characteristics in common, however. Both drunk drivers and sleepy drivers have impaired reaction times, lower information-processing, and less ability to pay attention to changes in road conditions. Both drowsy driving and DUI can lead to serious injury, and even death, in car crashes.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 71,000 people are injured each year in accidents related to drivers falling asleep behind the wheel. In DUI accidents, about 10,000 people are killed, not just injured, annually.

In the wake of a serious automobile accident involving alcohol or exhaustion, victims often feel angry, frustrated and devastated by the senseless nature of the crime.  When you or a loved one are hurt, or even killed, by an impaired driver, you may feel that their negligent actions add insult to your injuries. At the Strom Law Firm, LLC, our Columbia, South Carolina experienced accident injury attorney Pete Strom and his team provide aggressive representation to victims and families pursuing justice and fair compensation following DUI accidents.

DUI victims are often left with:

  • mounting medical bills
  • injuries that prevent you from being able to work
  • medical treatment that you need, but cannot pay for
  • funeral expenses
  • supporting your family as the sole bread winner

Financial recovery after a crash with an impaired driver can be difficult if not impossible to handle on your own.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with DUI and Impaired Driver Accidents

Although we cannot change what happened, our South Carolina DUI victim attorneys will fight for fair compensation for your injuries, or for the loss of a loved one through a wrongful death claim.   We will file a lawsuit to hold the drunk driver accountable in cases involving:

We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving DUI, drowsy driving, or distracted driving, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. Do not hesitate to contact us. 803.252.4800.

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