If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident where someone suffered fatal injuries, and you are found to be intoxicated, your life will never be the same. This is a criminal offense known by various terms such as vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter and DUI manslaughter.
The possible penalties for a conviction are extremely severe, so make sure you have a highly skilled attorney on your side.
The Monckton, Hembree & Humphries Law Firm, P.A., in Myrtle Beach, provides strong defense for those involved in Fatal DUI Accidents in South Carolina. We know that you are most likely overwhelmed by what happened. Carrying this emotional burden will be difficult, but help is available. We care about our clients' well-being above all else, so if you need counseling of any kind, we are willing to help you find a professional who can help.
What Are the Penalties?
Under South Carolina law, anyone who caused the death of another while driving a motor vehicle under the influence is guilty of a felony. The penalties for this felony will vary according to the facts of each specific case:
- There is a mandatory prison sentence of one year, with up to 25 years possible.
- There is a mandatory fine of at least $10,100, with a possible fine up to $25,100.
- A person can be found guilty if the victim dies of his or her injuries any time within three years of the crash.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
It is possible that the family of the deceased may file a wrongful death lawsuit against you for the loss of their loved one. This is a separate civil case, unrelated to the criminal case.
Why Choose the Monckton, Hembree & Humphries Law Firm?
Fatal DUI accident cases in South Carolina are prosecuted very aggressively. Prosecutors are serious about getting convictions and will go to great lengths to do so. Our Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyers will not allow your rights to be overrun. We will scrutinize every piece of evidence, locate witnesses and build your defense in the strongest way we possibly can. Each of our attorneys has more than 16 years of trial experience, achieving positive results in many cases involving DUI/DWUAC over the years.
We will give you an honest assessment of your situation so you and your family can understand the stakes. If it is in your best interests, we will attempt to engage the prosecutor in negotiations for lesser penalties. We cannot change what happened, but we will do our best to help you move forward with as much freedom as possible.
Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation
Do not hesitate to talk to an attorney at the Monckton, Hembree & Humphries Law Firm if you are charged in a fatal drunk driving accident near Myrtle Beach.