A man who was driving an SUV and is accused of causing a collision that took the life of a White Knoll High School student Friday morning has been charged with felony DUI.
The accident happened at around 7:45 a.m. on Old Barnwell Road. Gray is accused of hitting a vehicle driven by 15-year-old Brandon T. Mayo on Old Barnwell Road which is located near the high school. A coroner’s initial report stated that Mayo died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. State Troopers say that Mayo had been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
Gray was taken to an area hospital, but was later released to authorities and taken to the Lexington County Detention Center.
Going to and from school should never be a situation that puts a child at risk. However, just as any other time or place, accidents can happen. Drivers who operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are clearly breaking the law if they drive over legal limits. By law, those convicted of a felony DUI charge in the state of South Carolina depend on whether there was a great bodily injury or a death.
In a case involving great bodily injury, the sentencing guidelines are 30 days to 15 years mandatory imprisonment in either a state or federal prison, mandatory fines of between $5,000 and $10,100, as well as having their driver’s license suspended for the term of imprisonment plus three years after incarceration.
Since this case involved the death of another person, however, South Carolina State Code requires a 1 to 25 year mandatory incarceration in a state or federal prison, mandatory fines of between $10,100 to $25,100, and a suspension of the convicted DUI felon’s driver’s license being suspended for the term of imprisonment plus an additional five years.
At Howell & Christmas, we have years of experience in personal injury and accident cases. In such an incredibly tragic situation that involves the injury or death of a loved one, we are committed to seeing that victims and their family receive just compensation and that justice is served. Call our office and discuss the details of your case with the legal professionals of Howell & Christmas. Call us today. Your initial consultation with our attorneys is both confidential and without cost to you.
