On behalf of Robert E. Lee, Attorney at Law posted in Drunk Driving on Thursday, May 17, 2012
Any accidents at high speeds can cause catastrophic and fatal injures. Last week, a man was charged with felony DUI after he was involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in the death of a woman last Saturday night. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders in South Carolina and nationwide are often the most vulnerable to very serious and fatal injuries.
According to the highway patrol, a passenger of the 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle fell off the back while the bike was traveling northbound on Highway 501 near French Collins Road outside of Conway. It was not reported whether the driver was negligent or driving recklessly when the accident occurred.
On behalf of Robert E. Lee, Attorney at Law posted in Drunk Driving on Monday, May 7, 2012
A drunk-driving accident or arrest can happen to anyone. While unexpected, even police officers can be arrested and prosecuted for DUI. Yesterday, a Charleston County Sheriff's deputy was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. The 37-year-old officer was involved in an accident on the ramp of Interstate 526 and US Highway 17 early Sunday morning.
Many people leave an office function or a summer barbecue confident that they are still able to drive. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to self-assess when you are actually "over the limit." Before getting behind the wheel this summer, it is important to remember that a drunk-driving accident and charge can result in serious penalties, including jail time, a criminal record and significant fines.
On behalf of Robert E. Lee, Attorney at Law posted in Drunk Driving on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
As locals and vacations settle into beach season, recreational vehicles and drinking can result in DUI arrests. While you already know that drinking and operating a car can result in a criminal charge, keep in mind that other recreational vehicles can also result in a DUI arrest. Collisions involving mopeds and scooters can also be deadly.
Scooters and mopeds are a convenient way to get around Myrtle Beach and other beach towns along the South Carolina coast. They also provide a cheap alternative for college students or those who want to cut back on gas. If you or someone you love is out on a moped this summer, remember to be aware of the law and the rules.
On behalf of Robert E. Lee, Attorney at Law posted in Drunk Driving on Sunday, April 29, 2012
A South Carolina school bus driver has been arrested and charged with DUI after an accident involving three school children. While the 61-year-old driver has not yet been convicted, he has already lost his job as a result of the incident. If the driver is convicted of DUI, he will likely face fines and jail time, as well as license suspension.
According to reports, the driver's blood-alcohol level was .20 or five times the legal limit of .04 for a commercial driver when he was involved in a collision earlier this month. The accident happened in the school bus loading zone. The driver allegedly pulled into the lot and collided with two other buses. There were eighty-nine children total aboard the three buses at the time of the accident.
On behalf of Robert E. Lee, Attorney at Law posted in Criminal Defense on Monday, April 16, 2012
The public as well as law enforcement officials are becoming more aware of the impact and dangers of insider training. The U.S. Sentencing Commission, with support from the Justice Department, is now recommending that federal judges impose greater criminal penalties on the Wall Street professionals who are found guilty of insider training.
With increasing scrutiny on investors, regulators believe that sentencing guidelines should evolve to meet the needs of consumers and the market. According to the Justice Department, tougher sentences are warranted when a professional commits an insider-trading offense. This is very different from an ordinary investor acting on an isolated tip.
On behalf of Robert E. Lee, Attorney at Law posted in Drunk Driving on Thursday, April 12, 2012
DUI checkpoints are part of the efforts to catch and prosecute drunk drivers as well as prevent future drunk driving. A multi-jurisdictional operation hosted by the Surfside Beach Police Department resulted in the arrest of nine alleged drunk drivers last Friday.
According to a press release from the Surfside Police Department, the Coastal Carolina University Police Department and deputies from the Horry County Sheriff's Office, the roadside safety checkpoints and the anti-DUI saturation patrols took place from 8:30 p.m. on Friday until 5:00 a.m. the following morning.
On behalf of Robert E. Lee, Attorney at Law posted in Drug Charges on Friday, April 6, 2012
Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will invest significant resources to further the arrest and prosecution of individuals they suspect are involved in drug crimes. From possession through intent and distribution, drug crimes charges can carry serious penalties. This week police arrested two "renown" drug dealers after a six month search in South Carolina and thorughout the region. The two men, aged 26 and 27 were wanted for felony drug violations.
One of the men was charged in September with possession with intent to deliver more than 3 ounces of crack cocaine. In total, the drugs he allegedly had in his possession, had an estimated street value of around $20,000. The Cambria County Drug Task Force along with county detectives had been searching for him since he fled Johnstown and drove to Georgia. The second defendant was charged with distributing thousands of dollars worth of heroin per week in Johnstown. Both suspects were taken into custody outside of a hotel room, where the police also seized $13,000 in currency.
On behalf of Robert E. Lee, Attorney at Law posted in Criminal Defense on Sunday, April 1, 2012
National media is focused on the Trayvon Martin case, involving a teenager who was shot by a man on "neighborhood watch," allegedly in self-defense. Much of the discussion surrounds around the "Stand Your Ground" law and the use of deadly force in self-defense.
What does "Stand Your Ground" mean in South Carolina? South Carolina's Protection of Persons and Property Act was enacted in 2006 and guarantees the right to defend against "great bodily injury" in his or her home, vehicle or business.
On behalf of Robert E. Lee, Attorney at Law posted in Drunk Driving on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The recent arrest of a South Carolina sheriff's deputy for drunk driving makes a good point: DUI can happen to anyone. Driving home from work, a company function, or even from a family get together could result in getting pulled over and charged with being over the limit. In this case, the Sheriff's deputy was charged with DUI less than .10, open container of liquid in vehicle and an expired vehicle tag.
The arrest and charge occurred after the sheriff's deputy was involved in a single-car accident. Any DUI charge involving an accident will be harder to challenge, especially when the accident involves property damage or injury to a person. The sheriff's deputy was arrested at the scene of the accident and sent to county jail. In addition to criminal penalties associated with the charge, he will most likely be held accountable for any property damage associated with the accident.
On behalf of Robert E. Lee, Attorney at Law posted in Criminal Defense on Thursday, March 15, 2012
According to the South Carolina Attorney General's office, a former Anderson County councilmember was accused this week of participating in a scheme aimed at defrauding investors of nearly $70 million. Court documents released in the case named an Easley company that was started by the councilman in 1985. The complaint alleges that the company deceived investors in 25 states by leading them to believe the investors were buying silver and making huge profits in the process. State prosecutors are reviewing possible criminal charges in the case.
The company never did buy any precious metals, and allegedly used the money from other investors to pay dividends to the earlier investors. One investor claims to have invested several thousand dollars in the former councilman's business because, he said, the company had a triple A rating with the Better Business Bureau and the defendant appeared knowledgeable about the silver trade business.
