Tragic NC DUI Case Claims Several Lives on Wedding Day In Bladen County
An afternoon wedding at the Council Baptist Church this past weekend didn’t happened as planned. The church was decorated, the bride was dressed, and they were just waiting on the groom. Brandon Tedder, age 23, was on his way to his big day with his best man and his little brother when tragedy struck. The Prelude Tedder was driving was hit head on and all three died instantly.
A horrific interruption to the day this couple had waited nearly 8 years for. The other vehicle involved was a Sebring Convertible driven by John Daniel Kelley of Whiteville. He also had a passenger, his 17 year old son Michael. Upon arriving on the scene troopers found several empty alcoholic containers in the Sebring according to this report from WRAL.
Kelley’s blood was drawn and he was immediately charged with DWI. He could face additional charges for the deaths that occurred although the prosecutor has failed to disclose that as of yet. Kelley is currently hospitalized and listed in serious condition.
Incidents like these are horrific tragedies. Fortunately, North Carolina saw a decline in DWIs last year, though there were 392 “alcohol related” fatalities on the roadways according to MADD. High profile, tragic accidents like this are the reason the North Carolina court system treats DWI’s as seriously as the way they do.
Even when there is no accident or harm to anyone, a first offense DUI in North Carolina will land you a mandatory minimum 24 hour jail sentence. In addition to this you will lose your license for 6 months to a year and will likely be instructed to attend some sort of treatment or alcohol education.
DUI cases are serious criminal cases that require a serious criminal defense if you hope to have a positive outcome in court. Of course, very few DUI incidents end so tragically. and although you may have broken the law, time to take responsibility for your actions has come.
If you are facing DUI charges, call today so we can discuss your case. Together we can decide the best defense strategy to employ on your day in court.
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