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:
- South Carolina law dictates that the police officer’s video camera must begin videotaping as soon as the officer turns the blue lights on.
- Prior to administering the breathalyzer test the officer must have read and provided the implied consent notice, stating the consequences of a refusal to submit to a blood test, urine test, or breath test. Learn more about challenging breathalyzer tests.
- Roadside or field sobriety tests (FST) must have been properly administered, for the result to be used in court. Inaccuracies with FSTs are widespread and commonly challenged. Learn more aboutchallenging field sobriety tests.
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.