Reckless Homicide Plead

Michael Tupper plead guilty in responsible for the death of his young wife in an drunk driving car crash following drinking at a bar in downtown Charleston. Reports say he was was involved in a race to pass a friend in another vehicle enroute to Johns Island.

What is Reckless Homicide?

Reckless homicide in South Carolina is when the death of a person ensues within three years as a proximate result of injury received by the driving of a vehicle in reckless disregard of the safety of others, the person operating the vehicle is guilty of reckless homicide. A more applicable charge considering the reports may have been felony DUI. A person will be charged with a felony for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both, if while operating the vehicle under the influence, the person causes "great bodily injury" or death to a person other than himself including a passenger, pedestrian, another driver. It is standard procedure to bargin for lesser charges during a criminal prosecution.

Can You Get Sued for Reckless Homicide?

Reckless Homicide is a criminal charge which can result in jail time and or probation. There are civil lawsuits that often follow. The family of the deceased could seek damages from from the guilty part. The car insurance policy will typically apply in such drunk driving fatalities. The second, and lesser known legal action, is known as Dram Shop Liability. These liquor liability laws were enacted in South Carolina, North Carolina and the majority of the states across America to hold those who profit from the sale of alcohol accountable to injuries and death resulting from or associated with irresponsible selling of alcoholic beverages. If it is determined the server knew of should have known to refuse further service, the establishment may be found liable for the resulting death or injury. Understanding who can be held liable in a DUI related car accident resulting in death is a complicated legal matter to be trust only to an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer. Call the Clore Law Group now for a free consultation if you lost a loved one in a deadly car wreck.