There are two types of DUI cases in South Carolina: “regular” DUIs and Felony DUIs.
“Regular” DUIs are offenses where a victim does not sustain significant injury. Just because a DUI is not called a felony DUI does not mean that it is not a felony. A DUI 3rd Offense or a DUI 4th Offense are both felony convictions even though they are not titled a “Felony DUI.”
The Two Types of Felony DUIs
Felony DUIs fall into two distinct categories. The first is Felony DUI with Great Bodily Injury, and the second is Felony DUI Resulting in Death. We'll explain them both in further detail below.
What is a Felony DUI with Great Bodily Injury?
A Felony DUI with Great Bodily Injury offense is when a person drives a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both and does any act forbidden by law, or neglects any duty imposed by law, in the driving of the motor vehicle, and that act or neglect proximately causes great bodily injury to another.
Great bodily injury is defined as bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of any bodily member or organ.
Felony DUI with Great Bodily Injury carries a sentence of 30 days to 15 years in prison and a fine of $5,100–$10,100.
What is a Felony DUI Resulting in Death?
A Felony DUI Resulting in Death offense is the same as Great Bodily Injury, except that it results in the death of another person.
Felony DUI Resulting in Death carries a sentence of 1 year to 25 years in prison and a fine of $10,100–$20,100.
Talk to a Dedicated DUI Defense Lawyer
A lawyer can greatly help your defense in a DUI case. If you need to speak with a criminal defense lawyer who handles Felony DUI cases, please give me a call at (864) 467-3221 or get in touch via the contact button below. I will listen to your concerns and expectations, guide you through the criminal justice process, and ensure that you understand all of your options and rights.
