Man Driving 107 MPH through Kershaw County Arrested on 3rd DUI Offense
According to officers at the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew Christopher Temples, 25, from Newberry, was weaving in and out of traffic while driving down I-20. He was pulled over at around 5:15 PM for driving 107 miles per hour down the interstate.
Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews said that Temples was drunk at the time of his arrest. The arresting officer charged Temples with DUI (3rd offense) as well as Driving Under Suspension (2nd offense). The officer also charged Temples with open container, after finding a half-empty gallon bottle of vodka, and an open can of beer.
Temples was arrested after he failed a road-side test. His blood alcohol content (BAC) was later recorded as 0.18. The legal limit in South Carolina is 0.08.
“It seems reasonable to assume that Temples was a serious accident waiting to happen,” said Matthews. “Fortunately a deputy was able to take Temples off the road before he crashed and killed himself or some innocent people.
“Our DUI laws must be strengthened to keep these repeat offenders off the roads,” continued Matthews. “Maybe one day our legislators will get serious about the DUI problem in South Carolina and enact some tough DUI laws. Until then, South Carolina will continue to be one of the worst states in the nation for DUI fatalities.”
Temples was transported to the Kershaw County Detention Center and has been released on bond.
Multiple DUI Offenses in South Carolina
If you are over 21 and you are convicted of DUI, your blood alcohol level (BAC) will be used to dictate the severity of your sentence for each type of offense (first DUI offense, second DUI offense, etc.). Keep in mind that the fines set forth below will more than double when you add in court costs and fees.
Penalties for Third DUI Offense Include:
If your BAC is between .08% and .09%:
- Third DUI offenders can serve from 60 days to up to three years in prison.
- Fines include a $3,800 minimum, up to $6,300.
- You will additionally lose your driver’s license for two years, unless your third conviction came within 5 years of the second, in which case you will lose your license for four years.
If your BAC is between .10% and .15%:
- Third DUI offenders can serve from 90 days to up to four years in prison.
- Fines include a $5,000 minimum, up to $7,500.
- You will additionally lose your driver’s license for two years, unless your third conviction came within 5 years of the second, in which case you will lose your license for four years.
If your BAC is .16 or higher:
- Third DUI offenders can serve from 6 months to up to five years in prison.
- Fines include a $7,500 minimum, up to $10,000 and you are required to enroll and successfully complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP).
- You will additionally lose your driver’s license for two years, unless your third conviction came within 5 years of the second, in which case you will lose your license for four years.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with DUI Charges
If you face DUI 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