Posted by the Charleston DUI Attorneys at Anderson & Schuster, Attorneys at Law, LLC. Our Charleston DUI Attorneys defend those arrested for DUI in Charleston, North Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan and all across the lowcountry.
Two Pickens, SC men have been sentenced for felony driving under the influence (DUI) in separate incidents, according the 13th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Michael Wayne Lyles, 60, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of felony DUI resulting in death and one count of felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury. Judge D. Garrison Hill sentenced Lyles to 10 years in prison, and Lyles will need to serve at least 85 percent of that sentence before he becomes eligible for parole, according to the solicitor’s office.
Assistant Solicitor Lisa Bentley presented evidence in court that on April 3, 2011, Lyles crossed over U.S. 123 after failing to yield to traffic and struck a car driven by Christopher Townsend. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division analysis showed Lyles’ blood alcohol level was 0.23 percent. In Townsend’s car were his 3-year-old son and his wife, Jasmine, who was 29 weeks pregnant. Jasmine Townsend suffered severe injuries and the unborn child died.
In a separate case, Robert Vernon Sweatman, 46, pleaded guilty Oct. 23 to one count of felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury, according to the solicitor’s office. Judge Hill sentenced Sweatman to two years in prison followed by one year of house arrest. Sweatman will need to serve at least 50 percent of the sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.
Bentley presented evidence in court that on July 24, 2010, Sweatman failed to yield to oncoming traffic as he drove on U.S. 123. The vehicle he was driving collided with a vehicle driven by Carol O’Donald, causing her to suffer a broken nose and fractured hip. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division analysis showed Sweatman’s blood alcohol level was 0.149 percent.
Charged with DUI? Our Charleston DUI Defense Lawyers can help. If you have been arrested for DUI in Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, Hanahan, Folly Beach, Sullivans Island, Isle of Palms, and all across South Carolina's lowcountry.
Source: Anderson Independent Mail, Two Men Sentenced for Felony DUI
