South Carolina Bartender Sentenced in Felony DUI

A South Carolina man who worked as a bartender was recently convicted of felony DUI in an incident which occurred in 2011. The man, D. H., was convicted by a Charleston County jury and sentenced to 15 years in prison. At the time of the incident, he worked as the manager of the Dog and Duck Restaurant and Bar in Mt. Pleasant. When driving home around 3:30 a.m. he struck a construction worker in a work zone. The victim was tossed over the roof of the driver's car and landed face down on a paving machine. He suffered a traumatic brain injury which has left him without the ability to walk, talk, or carry on basic human activities. D. H. confessed to drinking a pint of beer prior to leaving his job. According to law enforcement officers, he failed field sobriety tests.

Felony DUI in South Carolina is charged when a person drives while under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs, engages in some other violation of the law, and causes great bodily injury or death to another. The penalties for causing great bodily injury in a felony DUI include 30 days up to a maximum of 15 years in prison, $5,000 to $10,000 in mandatory fines, and the suspension of one's driver's license for the term of imprisonment plus an additional three years. Great bodily injury is defined as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes a serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of an organ or part of the body.

Criminal Defense Firm in Columbia, South Carolina

As you can see from the above, a felony DUI is an extremely serious criminal matter. Anyone accused of this offense will need a reliable attorney to help them achieve the most optimum case result. Any DUI or any criminal offense is a matter for an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has the legal knowledge, courtroom skills, and resources to make a difference in the outcome. When you have been accused of a crime, you are entering the criminal justice system which you may know little about. Only reputable legal counsel can help you by building an effective defense plan.

The Masella Law Firm, P.A. serves clients in and around Columbia with experienced criminal defense representation. The firm has more than 25 years of legal experience and has defended clients accused of a wide variety of crimes, from DUI to domestic violence, internet crimes, violent crimes, and federal crimes. You can work with a lawyer who has a background as a solicitor and judge and who can provide you with the most effective strategy for the circumstances involved. Mr. Masella and his team will work diligently to protect your rights and help you pursue the most favorable case result. Contact the firm to schedule a confidential consultation about your case today.