Army Soldier Drives Drunk, Killing a High School Student

Antoine McLendon, a soldier from Ft. Stewart, is now facing several charges after driving while allegedly intoxicated, resulting in the death of a Liberty County high school athlete.

The athlete, Albert 'Spud' Dock, was killed after McLendon was driving his vehicle at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. According to Liberty County District Attorney Thomas Durden, it was only around three years ago that Liberty County and Fort Stewart started concurrent jurisdiction. Concurrent jurisdiction means that both the county and the military could both prosecute an individual for the same offense.

McLendon now faces charges of felony murder, vehicular homicide, and driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.

McLendon had previously been punished for driving under the influence of alcohol through the military and had his license suspended on Ft. Stewart for a year, but he did not face jail time. He is currently in the process of being administratively separated from the Army.

If you or someone you care about has been convicted of DUI in Georgia, there can be unexpected consequences which result from a DUI charge. An experienced Gwinnett County DUI attorney can defend your case and protect your rights.

DUI Convictions and Unexpected Consequences

Whether this is your first, second, or subsequent DUI charge, the penalties listed in the statues may not be all you face. Legal punishments are harsh in Georgia and include jail time, time in prison if convicted of a felony, license suspensions, sobriety or addiction classes, high fines, and community service.

However, the danger of unexpected or different types of consequences can catch you off guard if you are unrepresented and not familiar with the DUI process.

Loss of Employment

Loss of employment can result from a DUI conviction in certain cases. When your license is suspended and you are unable to drive, you may not be able to get to work. In that case, you can easily lose your only means to support yourself and any loved ones you support. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can limit the amount of time that license is suspended and apply for limited driving privileges so that you can still get to work.

Military Discipline

Those in the military could face discipline if they incur a DUI on the base or off of it. Military rules regarding conduct can be strict and could be concurrent with state law jurisdiction.

University Discipline

Special circumstances exist for college students who face DUI charges, especially if that DUI stems from conduct that occurred on campus. Often you will face the loss of your scholarships. You could even face suspension or expulsion from school without legal help.

Loss of Special Licensure or Clearances

Certain types of jobs require special security clearances or licenses. This could include clearances with law enforcement agencies, or having a commercial driver's license to drive large trucks on Georgia highways. In any case, the loss of this clearance or license could severely affect your life.

Consult a Gwinnett County DUI Attorney

Don't let your rights go unprotected. An experienced Gwinnett County DUI attorney can represent your interests, and protect you from the worst of the consequences in many cases. Contact us today for a free consultation.