Drunk driving is a serious offense in every state across the country, and anyone can face DUI charges whether they are a public figure or not. Recently, a former South Carolina county council member was charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the man crashed his car in the early morning hours of Jan. 10. He allegedly fled the scene of the accident, but was later arrested.

This is not the former council member's first brush with the law. In 2008, he was arrested for driving under the influence. He later pled guilty to a lesser charge.

Additionally, the man was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison last month. He previously pled guilty to lying on a mortgage application. His sentenced was delayed because his wife is pregnant, and due with their second child in the coming weeks.

A drunk driving charge is serious, but a conviction is even more detrimental. Those who have been convicted of DUI can face various penalties, including time behind bars.

In this case, the man would do well to begin planning a solid defense against the charges. He may find working with an experienced attorney to be highly beneficial.

Anyone in South Carolina or elsewhere who is facing DUI charges may wish to consider seeking out legal advice. An attorney can help an individual by explaining the legal process, and more importantly, working on a strong defense against the charges.

Source: WCNC, "Former councilman charged with DUI, leaving scene of crash," Jan. 10, 2012