A self-proclaimed “party princess” is slated to appear in court on Wednesday, August 7th, to accept a guilty plea deal in the felony DUI killing of a South Beach chef in January of this year.
Twenty-year-old Karlie Tomica is expected to plead guilty to the felony DUI charges, in exchange for four years in prison as a “youthful offender.”
Tomica was working as a bartender at the Nikki Beach nightclub at the time. She left work intoxicated, and brutally struck Stefano Riccioletti as he crossed Collins Avenue to go to work as the executive of the Shore Club.
Worse, Tomica continued driving, despite other drivers following her and pleading with her to stop. When she reached her South Beach condo, a motorist who had followed her the whole way confronted her, and implored her to go back to the scene. Reportedly, she ignored the pleas and went upstairs.
Later, Miami Beach police arrested her in her residence. Prosecutors say that Tomica refused to take a breathalyzer test on the scene. She was taken to the police station, where she reportedly fell asleep in in a chair, snoring loudly.
A toxicology report confirmed that Tomica was highly intoxicated at the time – two hours after the incident, her blood alcohol content registered as 0.225, more than three times the legal limit of 0.08.
She has been charged with felony DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, fatality, resisting arrest without violence, and DUI property damage.
Tomica has been out of jail and under house arrest with an ankle monitor. Her court hearing will be on Wednesday afternoon.
The Riccioletti family has filed multiple lawsuits in the felony DUI case. His widow has filed a civil suit against Tomica, while the victim’s oldest son filed a civil lawsuit against Nikki Beach club for allowing Tomica, an underage employee, to consume alcohol while on the job.
Felony DUI In South Carolina
A felony driving under the influence 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 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 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.
Other Felony Implications
- 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.
- Felony sentences must be served in federal or state prison, not local jail.
- Conviction under the statute of a DUI felony does not repeal involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide statutes, if so charged.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Felony DUI Charges in South Carolina
If you face DUI charges, whether it is your first charge, or felony DUI, you could feel alone and afraid. Just because you drink and drive, especially if you are not the designated driver, 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