DUI charges in South Carolina can become significantly more serious when an alleged impaired driver is involved in a crash. In Fort Mill, a DUI involving an accident, injuries, or property damage often brings more aggressive investigation and prosecution, and in cases involving great bodily injury or death, the State would likely pursue charges as a Felony DUI.
Under South Carolina’s felony DUI law, prosecutors generally must prove more than impairment. The State must also show that, while driving, the person performed an act forbidden by law or neglected a duty imposed by law, and that this act or neglect proximately caused great bodily injury or death.
Understanding how these cases are charged, what prosecutors must prove, and what is at stake is essential for anyone facing DUI allegations after a collision in York County.
How DUI Charges Escalate After a Crash in Fort Mill
A DUI arrest does not require an accident. However, when a crash is involved, law enforcement and prosecutors often treat the case as inherently more serious. In Fort Mill, DUI cases involving collisions are commonly investigated by local law enforcement and the South Carolina Highway Patrol, with particular scrutiny of the crash cause and severity.
Depending on the circumstances, a DUI crash case may involve:
- Allegations of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
- Claims that impairment caused or contributed to the collision.
- Accusations of reckless or dangerous driving behavior.
- Enhanced charges based on the severity of bodily injuries.
Even when injuries are minor or property damage is limited, prosecutors may still seek harsher penalties due to perceived risks to public safety.
DUI Accidents Involving Property Damage
When a DUI-related crash results only in damage to vehicles, structures, or other property, the case may still carry serious consequences. Property damage often results in additional charges, including reckless driving or failure to maintain control of a vehicle.
In these cases, prosecutors may rely on:
- Accident reconstruction reports.
- Vehicle damage assessments.
- Officer observations at the scene.
- Statements made by the driver or witnesses.
While property damage alone does not elevate a DUI to a felony, it often leads to additional allegations (such as reckless driving or failure to maintain control), restitution exposure, and a more aggressive prosecution posture, even if the charge isn’t automatically enhanced under the statute.
DUI Accidents Involving Injuries
DUI cases involving bodily injury are typically prosecuted far more aggressively. In South Carolina, the most serious DUI enhancement, Felony DUI, is tied to crashes that proximately cause great bodily injury or death. Other crashes may still be charged as misdemeanor DUI, but the injury facts often drive how the case is investigated, negotiated, and sentenced.
In Fort Mill DUI injury cases, prosecutors may seek to establish:
- The driver was under the influence at the time of the crash.
- That the impairment caused or materially contributed to the collision.
- That another person suffered physical injury as a result.
The severity of the injury plays a significant role in how the case is charged. Even injuries that appear minor at the scene may be classified as more serious after medical records are reviewed. This can result in higher charges and increased exposure to jail time, fines, and license consequences.
Felony DUI and Great Bodily Injury Allegations
When a DUI crash results in great bodily injury or death, the case may be charged as a felony under South Carolina law. Felony DUI charges carry mandatory prison exposure and long-term consequences that can permanently alter a person’s life.
Great bodily injury may include:
- An injury that creates a substantial risk of death.
- Permanent disfigurement.
- Loss of bodily function.
- Loss of the function of arms, legs, or organs.
- Injuries requiring extensive medical treatment or surgery.
Felony DUI cases are complex and often involve extensive investigations, expert testimony, and high-stakes litigation. Convictions can result in lengthy incarceration, permanent loss of driving privileges, and a felony record that impacts employment, housing, and civil rights.
How Fault Is Determined in DUI Accident Cases
One of the most critical issues in DUI accident cases is causation. Prosecutors must prove not only that a driver was impaired, but in felony allegations, also that the unlawful act or neglected duty tied to the impaired driving proximately caused the crash and the resulting injury.
Defense strategies often focus on challenging:
- Whether impairment existed at the time of driving.
- The accuracy and reliability of field sobriety or chemical testing.
- Whether road conditions, weather, or another driver caused the crash.
- Errors or assumptions in accident reconstruction.
- Gaps or inconsistencies in witness statements.
A crash does not automatically mean the DUI charge is valid or provable. Each element must be supported by admissible evidence.
Administrative Consequences Beyond Criminal Charges
In addition to criminal penalties, DUI crash cases often trigger administrative actions by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
These consequences can include:
- Administrative license suspension in certain cases (most commonly where the driver is alleged to have refused testing or have a BAC of .15 or higher).
- Ignition interlock device requirements.
- Mandatory alcohol or drug treatment programs.
- Insurance consequences that often follow a DUI conviction (South Carolina law restricts insurers from penalizing a driver based solely on a pending charge).
Some DMV-related consequences can take effect before the criminal case is resolved, creating immediate disruption to daily life, employment, and family responsibilities.
Why DUI Accident Cases Require Immediate Legal Attention
DUI cases involving accidents, injuries, or property damage move quickly. Evidence such as surveillance footage, vehicle data, and witness memories can be lost or altered if not addressed promptly.
Early legal intervention can help:
- Preserve critical evidence.
- Challenge improper testing or procedures.
- Prevent damaging statements from being used out of context.
- Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
The earlier a defense strategy is developed, the more opportunities exist to protect rights and limit long-term consequences.
Facing DUI Charges After a Crash in Fort Mill
A DUI arrest involving an accident is not something to take lightly. The legal, financial, and personal consequences can follow a person for years if not adequately addressed. Fort Mill DUI cases often involve multiple layers of investigation, heightened penalties, and aggressive prosecution.
Understanding how these cases work is the first step. Taking action to protect your rights is the next step. Call our Fort Mill DUI defense attorneys today for help at (803) 855-4970.
