Man Convicted on a Felony DUI Charge in 2012 Has Been Arrested for Another DUI

In 2012, a man was convicted on felony DUI charges after his drunk driving caused a crash that killed two children.

Now, 39-year-old Robert Darren Craft has been arrested for another DUI.

On Friday, December 6th, Craft was arrested for DUI, second offense. His bail was set at $25,000, and as of Monday, December 9th, he was still in the Lexington County Detention Center.

According to police reports, shortly after 2 AM on Friday morning, an officer on patrol heard screeching tires coming from the Circle K Parking Lot near Airport Boulevard. When the officer pulled into the lot, he found Craft in a vehicle. When the officer approached Craft to ask him some questions, he reportedly smelled alcohol, and noticed that Craft’s speech was slurred.

The officer conducted field sobriety tests, which Craft failed. The man was also unable to follow directions for the officer to conduct a blood alcohol test with a Breathalyzer.

In February 2012, Craft was convicted on felony DUI charges for causing a crash, in 2011, that killed two children. The children were reportedly riding home from church with their grandparents when Craft’s vehicle hit theirs. Craft was initially charged with felony DUI involving death, but authorities later concluded that both parties were at fault in the accident, because the grandparents were driving recklessly.

Craft was sentenced to 3 years in prison on the felony DUI charge. He was released after 12 months and put on 3 years’ probation.

However, the felony DUI charge was not Craft’s first DUI. Although the most recent incident is currently listed as a second-offense charge, Craft’s first DUI charge came in 2008. He reportedly paid his fine and served no jail time.

Springdale Police Chief Kevin Cornett said on Monday, December 9th, that they were considering upgrading Craft’s DUI charges after the latest incident.

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.