A Columbia-area man has been arrested on felony DUI charges for killing two motorcyclists in a drunk driving accident that occurred on Labor Day.
Reportedly, driver Sean Aston, 21, was driving south on US 21 around 7 PM on Monday, September 2nd, when he crossed the center line and hit two motorcyclists who were riding north on their BMW bikes.
The SC Highway Patrol reports that Aston’s 2008 Saturn “struck both motorcycles, killing both riders.”
The Orangeburg County Coroner’s office has not yet released the identities of the motorcyclists killed in the felony DUI crash.
Rebecca King, who was a passenger in Aston’s car, was unharmed in the accident. Aston was hospitalized immediately following the crash. He has also been charged with having no driver’s license.
The felony DUI crash remains under investigation by the SCHP and its MAIT team.
Penalties for Causing Death While Driving Under the Influence – Felony DUI
A felony DUI charge, as related to the serious harm or death of another is the most devastating consequence of a drunk driving accident, and can cause lasting damage for all parties and families involved.
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.
South Carolina Felony DUI Law contends:
- 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.
- Great bodily injury is defined by the state of South Carolina as bodily injury, which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious or permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
- Additionally, if the injured person dies from related complications (such as a coma) within three years of the DUI-related injury, the driver may be implicated in the death.
- Upon conviction of a felony DUI by jury, the accused faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence and fine.
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