Car Crashes into House in California, Killing Resident in his Bed, Driver Arrested for Felony DUI

On Sunday, December 29th, a drunk driver crashed into a house in Orange County, killing a man asleep in bed. The driver had minor injuries, and was arrested on felony DUI charges.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the vehicle jumped the curb, then ran into the house around 3 AM on Sunday. A second person in the residence was unharmed.

An officer with the sheriff’s department said that the road takes a sharp turn near the house.

“The vehicle basically went through the front exterior of the house just to the right of the front door,” where the victim’s bedroom was, Orange County sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Hallock said. “It appears that alcohol and speed are factors in the collision.”

“It was a big bang … like ba-boom! It was like something exploded. And I didn’t think anything of it and I looked outside and I saw a lot of sheriffs and the fire department,” said Don Loessberg, a neighbor.

The driver, 27-year-old Kourosh Keshmiri, reportedly has a history of minor DUI. He had a prior misdemeanor DUI conviction in August 2010, and a pending DUI case from June of this year. His driver’s license was suspended when he committed the felony DUI.

Keshmiri and his passenger both received minor injuries as a result of the felony DUI crash.

South Carolina Felony DUI Law

A person will be charged with a felony for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both, if while operating the vehicle under the influence, the person causes “great bodily injury” or death to a person other than himself including a passenger, pedestrian, another driver.

Upon conviction of a felony DUI by jury, the accused faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence and fine. A DUI conviction that includes a felony conviction for causing the death of another includes a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 1 year in prison with a maximum 25 years imprisonment, and a minimum mandatory fine of not less than $10,100 nor more than $25,100. Additionally, the convicted person’s driver’s license is suspensed for the term of imprisonment plus five years.

A felony DUI conviction for causing great bodily injury includes a mandatory minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 15 years imprisonment, plus a mandatory fine of at least $5,000, not to exceed $10,100. Also, the DMV must suspend the convicted person’s driver’s license for the term of imprisonment plus three years.

A part of the mandatory sentences required to be imposed under the felony DUI law must not be suspended, and probation must not be granted for any portion.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Felony DUI Charges in South Carolina

Based in Columbia, SC, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm collectively have over 30 years of experience with South Carolina law. The firm was founded in 1996 by former US Attorney and Assistant Solicitor Pete Strom. If you face felony DUI charges in South Carolina, we can help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Do not let DUI or felony DUI charges prevent you from pursuing opportunities. Contact us today. 803.252.4800.