Former SNL Star Sentenced to Probation and Rehab for DUI

A former Saturday Night Live star, Chris Kattan, has been sentenced to probation and rehab classes, for a DUI charge from this past February.

Earlier this year, Kattan crashed into the back of a California State Department of Transportation vehicle in the Encino area, while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He was arrested after the crash around 2 AM and charged with DUI. No one was injured in the accident.

On Thursday, September 4th, Kattan was sentenced to 3 years’ probation for the DUI accident, as well as a $500 fine for court fees, a three-month alcohol education program, and 104 Narcotics Anonymous classes.

He has also been ordered not to drive under the influence of drugs without a valid prescription.

A restitution hearing has been scheduled for September 16th to determine how much money Kattan owes the state for damage to the vehicle.

Shortly after his DUI arrest, Kattan wrote on his Twitter page, “I just got back from a 15hr flight after touring out of the country. I was exhausted. The police were so kind. I’m lucky nobody was hurt.”

South Carolina Laws Regarding DUI for Drugs

In South Carolina, you can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of prescribed or over-the counter drugs or medication in addition to driving while under the influence of illicit drugs. States are under pressure to tighten laws for convicting DUIDs and set clear legal definitions. For now, DUID lawyers may have more opportunities for reducing and expunging driving under the influence of drug charges. Note: A DUID that involved illicit drugs may have other criminal drug charges attached.

The penalties for a conviction of driving under the influence of drugs are identical to the consequences of a DUI conviction in South Carolina.

If you are pulled for driving under the influence of prescription drugs or medication, you may be asked to submit to a screening test in which your urine is screened for the presence of drugs.

Circumstantial evidence may be used to prove that you were driving under the influence of drugs including how you were driving, how you appeared when you were pulled over, the recording of your field sobriety test, any chemical test results, as well as expert testimony.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with DUI and DUID Charges

Prescription drugs are being prescribed more often for more illnesses or injuries, according to recent statistics, and many believe that this increase has created an epidemic of painkiller addicts, who are more often now switching to heroin when their prescription drug sources run dry. With prescription painkiller addiction becoming a huge problem in the US, along with alcohol abuse, DUI for Drugs has also become a larger problem.

Currently, 18 states have a “zero tolerance” policy for DUID crimes. If you face DUI charges, BUI charges, or DUID charges, whether it is your first charge, or felony DUI, you could feel alone and afraid. Just because you have received DUI charges does not automatically mean that you are guilty. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have helped people who face DUI charges since 1996. We offer free, confidential consultations so you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity. Contact us for help today. 803.252.4800