Georgia Woman Charged With DUI in South Carolina

The State Highway Patrol of South Carolina has charged Tessa Marie Openlander, age 25, with felonies related to a DUI related death. 

Openlander is from Richmond Hill, Georgia but was driving in Jasper County, South Carolina at the time of the accident. Authorities report that she was driving while intoxicated, causing her to crash. The rear passenger in her vehicle was killed as a result of the accident, which took place on March 30, 2019, at around 4:40 a.m.

Openlander was driving a 2007 Buick LaCrosee and was traveling on Bellinger Hill Road when her vehicle left the right side of the road.  She attempted to get back onto the road, but she overcorrected, resulting in her traveling left and hitting an embankment. The rear passenger, Christopher Michael Clark, age 22, was not wearing a seatbelt.  Both were taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, GA.  Clark did not survive his injuries.

Openlander now faces charges of felony driving under the influence resulting in death.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, an experienced Georgia DUI attorney can defend your case.

DUI Charges in Other States: Consequences in Georgia

When a person is charged with a DUI in another state, there are consequences that will reach across the border and affect your life in Georgia.

Likely the most important, is the possibility of a license suspension. When another state imposes a license suspension on a driver accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the state of Georgia may carry through that driver's license suspension in many cases.

Effects on Your Livelihood

When your driver's license is suspended as the result of a DUI, there can be significant negative effects on your livelihood and freedoms. When you are unable to drive, it is very possible that you are also not able to get to work. Without the ability to work, and earn money, you cannot support yourself or your loved ones.

Driver's license suspensions can be with or without privileges, depending on the factual situation surrounding your case. When a person is not able to obtain privileges to drive to work or school, his or her life can be seriously impacted. You may be forced to rely on the help of friends and family simply to buy groceries, attend classes, or take kids to school.

A license suspension stemming from charges in another state can be challenged in the Georgia courts. With experienced Georgia attorneys by your side, you can confidently fight for your right to drive unencumbered by what could be frivolous charges.

Consult a Georgia DUI Attorney

Just because you are charged with a crime, does not mean that you are guilty. Your driving rights should be protected in every way possible, as well as your ability to continue living your life while you defend yourself against DUI and DUI related criminal charges.

An experienced Georgia DUI attorney can defend your case and protect those rights. Contact us today for a free consultation of your case.