CofC Frat Freshman Killed in Drunk Driving Accident, Driver Arrested on Felony DUI Charges
On Friday, September 6th, five fraternity friends got into an SUV for a ride to Virginia for a college football game. Unfortunately, the road trip ended in tragedy when the SUV overturned and one passenger was killed. The driver has been arrested on felony DUI charges.
Franklin Barker West, 18, of Alexandria, Virginia, was a freshman at the College of Charleston and recent pledge at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He reportedly died from blunt-force trauma and internal bleeding from injuries suffered in the DUI car accident that occurred around 3:15 PM on Interstate 95.
Henry Sims Farr, 21, was the vehicle’s driver, going north on the interstate when he ran off the side of the road, struck a tree, and overturned the 2001 Land Rover.
“(West) had multiple injuries, including broken limbs and internal bleeding,” said Clarendon County Deputy Coroner Charles Jackson. “He was pronounced dead at the scene.”
“They were on their way to a football game, but I don’t know where,” Jackson said. “I believe College of Charleston was playing a team out of Virginia, though.”
The other four occupants of the SUV were taken to local hospitals and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Farr has been charged with felony DUI, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana. He has been released from Clarendon County Detention Center on a bond.
Penalties for Causing Death While Driving Under the Influence – Felony DUI
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.
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 suspended 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.
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.
