Carrying the Torch of Reform

SC DUI REFORM VIDEO

SC Twins Tell Their Tragic, Heartbreaking, Felony DUI Story

Kathleen’s Speech To SC Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Feb. 11, 2025 To Support S. 192
I am the face of the heartache for both sides of felony DUI.


I am the grieving mother to Jessie Yvonne Purser, our beautiful 13-year-old girl full of life. I am also the very concerned Aunt to Christopher Matthew Mullis who is serving two 12-year concurrent sentences at a very intense prison with very intentionally violent criminals. Matthew has never been a violent person. He loved his cousin Jessie so much and he would never intentionally hurt his cousin Jessie. Matthew has always been so protective of her. Jessie's family, extended family, and closest friends are extremely devastated by her loss and are all also very concerned for Matthew. Every time they call to check on us, they follow up by asking how Matthew is and to let him know we are praying for him. All are in support of Bill S.192.


The accident on June 3rd was very devastating for all parties involved. I know it was hard on everyone who was at the scene. Matthew was detained shortly after he ran to hold and comfort Jessie while her life was fading away in his arms. He had no idea she had even passed away until his mother told him on a phone call. He was asked to perform field sobriety testing at the scene and was then taken to the hospital, handcuffed to the bed, where no officers would even let us know his condition. Once taken to Moss, he was put in solitary where he sat for 4 days unable to shower, still wearing Jessie's blood on his body. No bond, No counseling, he just had to hide his feelings and learn to survive, because there is "no crying in prison". Unfortunately, most victims do not know the DUI felon and the families that are going through this tragedy with them. I'm guessing it's easy for them to hate them and have no feelings towards the extreme punishments for the felon.



In closing I would like to ask for your grace and to express to you that my nephew Matthew and the others did not act with any violent intent. They are devastated by their actions, compassionate to the families and extremely remorseful. Our sister state NC does not consider them violent offenders. They have eligibility for parole and good work and behavior credits, and their numbers are much lower than ours when it comes to felony DUI resulting in death or great bodily injury. They must be doing something right; Can we please get to their level and start by pushing forward bill S.192? Lastly, I would love to have help with being able to visit with my nephew. I was assured that I would not have any issue, but victims advocate still has a block on my name to where I was denied visitations. I feel for a part of both of our healing processes, Matthew and I just need to hold each other and talk with each other face to face so I can reassure him that I forgive and love him. Thank You so much for your time and for listening to me.


Sincerely,
Kathy Murray

Kelly’s Speech To SC Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Feb. 11, 2025 To Support S. 192

I shared with remorse about all the victims involved in our horrific family tragedy.


Some people may see my son for the one bad decision he made (on June 3, 2023, the decision to drink and drive. The decision he made that took the life of my sweet niece, his cousin, Jessie Purser and a man on the side of the road.) But, what if we all were defined as the worst mistake we ever made. What if we never forgave? What if we judged before we really knew? That's not the world I want my family to grow up in. Matthew isn't a bad person. He isn't a violent person. He isn't a cold hearted killer, a rapist, a child abuser, an armed robber. He didn't wake up and think, "who can I hurt today?" He woke up a 19 year old boy that just graduated high school with his whole life ahead of him, a day he had been wanting for so long. Two nights before the accident he told me his future plans. He wanted to join the military for structure and discipline and the schooling he could receive. He wanted a big chunk of land with a little house and a farm. We cried together, not out of sadness but out of joy, that he had a plan and he was going to make it happen.


My son, Christopher Matthew Mullis, is a kind, gentle, loving and remorseful young man. He pushed for a speedy resolution in his case, as to not drag it out so the families could heal. (He apologized to the mothers, to my sister and to me,) stating that if he could have taken their place he would. His lawyer told me that every time he would visit with him, (he would cry and ask about his best friend that was hurt and the little boy,) praying for their healing and forgiveness. Should there be consequences? Yes. Jail time? Yes. Rehabilitation? Most definitely yes. But locked away in a high security prison with rapists and murderers? Definitely not. I pray every day that he remains true to who he is and that he doesn't get hurt in there. He told me the other day that there are some inmates that are scary as hell, and this is in a character dorm. And, you have to be on good behavior to get into those but they also keep the scary ones in there too because they can't be in the population.


My son is NOT violent or a hardened criminal and shouldn't be classified as such. Matthew had no intentions to hurt anyone. (He made a terrible mistake which led to a terribly tragic accident.) No one can be accidentally violent. Felony DUI should be considered a NON-VIOLENT CRIME with the eligibility for parole and work/good behavior credits. These harsh sentences are not lowering DUI related deaths. My son and the others need hope and incentives to get a chance at parole and earn credits for their good behavior and their work. They can be rehabilitated and become productive members of our society. They can help and speak on what they have been through, bringing their truths out and educating others to not make the same mistakes they once did.


Sincerely,
Kelly Ann Caricari

Mark Kennedy, Dad of American Idol Contestant Caleb Kennedy, Speaks “Volumes of Truth” in Support for S. 192 DUI Reform Bill

Tammy Ackiss, Mother of a Drunk Driver, Shares Her Heartfelt Plea for Support of S.192 To SC Senate Judiciary Subcommittee On Feb. 11, 2025 To Help Them Better Understand Effects of Alcohol And Why SC Felony DUI Are Not Violent Criminals! 

"A Very Touching Speech" From A Mother Of A Drunk Driver, Tammy Ackiss, Crying Out To SC Judiciary Subcommittee To Pass S.192 for Felony DUI To Get Parole, Work/Good Behavior Credits And To Become Non-Violent!

Brandy Ackiss, Wife Of A SC Felony DUI Inmate, Hurting From Heartaches & Struggles Encountered Because Of Her Husband & Father To Her Three Girls Not Being There For Support

Donna Jarrell Shares Huge Discrepancies Between SC Felony DUI Being Violent Criminals Serving Up To 21.25 yrs VS 4th Circuit Jurisdiction Sister States Being Non-Violent Serving Up To 8.5 yrs At SC Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Feb. 5, 2025!

SC DUI REFORM: CHANGE FELONY DUI TO A NON-VIOLENT CRIME

  • 1. Felony DUI: Legal Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, Legal Prescriptions (labeled Do Not Drive)

    a.  Violent Crimes List (Extreme Drug Crimes) 85%/No Work Behavior Credits/No Parole

    b.  Proposed Reform: Make it Non-Violent 65%/Get Work Behavior Credits/51%/Parole 

    c.  For intoxication .08 BAC (Blood Alcohol Level) is same in all states  

    d.  THC levels for Marijuana: Some states have 4.0 threshold / SC is 1.0 for impairment.

    e.  Catherine (SCDC Inmate) Legal Prescriptions- 21yrs (85%) Violent Criminal

  • 2. SC Be Consistent with lower max sentences in our 4th Circuit Jurisdiction & Non-violent

    a.  MD 5yr max/serve 2.5; VA 10yr max/serve 5; WV 15yr max/serve 7.5; NC 17yr max/serve 8.5

    b.  Felony DUI gets Parole & Non-Violent serving half of much lower Max Sentences vs South Carolina

    (max 25yr); Violent serving 85% of 25 much higher max 25 yr is 21.25 yrs

    c.  Offenders in 4th Circuit serve no more than 8.5 yrs vs SC with 21.25 yrs

  • 3. SC Be More Consistent with sentencing in Southeastern States

    a. Offenders Serve No More Than Maryland 2.5yr; Virginia & Alabama 5yr; Louisiana 7yr; Georgia & West Virginia 7.5yr; North Carolina 8.5yr; Kentucky 10yr; Mississippi 12.5yr; Florida 12.75yr; South Carolina 21.25yr; Tennessee 25.5yr.

    b. All of the nonviolent states serve over half (51%) of their max sentences with Good Behavior/Work Credits & Parole.

    c. SC offenders are violent serving 85% of max 25yr which is 21.25yr, one of the longest & harshest sentencing of Southeastern states, with Tennessee 85% 30 years (25.5 yr).

    d. Florida offenders are violent BUT serve 85% of lower max 15yr which is 12.75yr, quite a discrepancy from SC.

    e. Kentucky & Maryland offenders serve the shortest sentencing of 2.5yr.

  • 4. "DUI: A Crime of Violence? The Supreme Court Gets It Right."

    a. The court said, "a crime of violence" required "a higher mental state than the merely accidental or negligent conduct involved in a DUI offense."

    b. The requirement of "the use of physical force against" a person necessarily involves the intent to use that force. How can you be accidentally violent? You Cannot!

  • 5. SCDC Director Bryan Stirling Spoke at House Legislative Oversight Committee (2019)

    a.   "Felony DUI inmates have no pattern of criminality."

     b.   "They have not come in with any other crimes other than DUI."

     c.   “They are placed in level 3 prisons with gangs and armed robbers."

     d.   "They cause no trouble. When leaving prison, Felony DUI don’t come back."

  • 6. 8th Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo Spoke at Senate Corrections Penology (2019):

    a.  “Felony DUI group is the only group from Violent Crimes List that stands out that he         would include for reform and early release. Not violent people. No threat to public.”  

    b.  “They have no criminal motive or intent in a car accident to hurt anyone."

  • 7. Felony DUI are NOT Violent Criminals: Same Car Accident non-violent & violent criminal

    a.  Felony DUI Bodily Injury non-violent 15yrs/51%; Felony DUI Death violent 25yrs/85%

    b.  Can be sentenced to more years than a person who intentionally shoots someone.

    c.  Violent criminals attack/kill intentionally by raping/stabbing/shooting. 

    d.  Punishment of 25 yrs does not fit the crime for an unintentional car accident.

    e.  Take off violent crimes list, Highest Level A Category, incorrect stigma upon release.

  • 8. SC: Ranks #3 in the nation in DUI Deaths (Forbes Study)

    a.   SC harsh sentencing penalties has failed to deter DUI deaths: Need to strengthen current DUI laws.

    b.   Penalties never prevent a crime in which a person has “no intent” to commit crime.

  • 9. Alcohol Drinking, Drugged, Texting on phone & Reckless Behaviors While Driving

    a.   All have car accident victims: All called “Distracted Driving” by NHTSA.

    b.  Texting Drivers: 6X more likely to get in an accident than intoxicated drivers.

    c.  Intoxicated mind inhibits wise choices vs “sober” texting mind knows dangers.

    d.  All swerve, run a red light or backend a vehicle killing a victim. 

    e.  All have No Criminal Motive to hurt anyone but there is SAME loss of life.

    f.  Minor penalty texter/reckless driver vs Max 25 yrs 85% drunk/drugged driver

  • 10. Vast Sentencing Discrepancies for SC Felony DUI

    a. 7 Harsh SC Counties: Organizations push for 25yr Max/other counties vary 0 to 25yrs

    b. Casie (SCDC inmate)- 23 yrs w/ no previous record; Judge allowed No plea deal; 6 months later same county, same courtroom, woman got 5yrs Felony DUI.


  • 11. Current History of SC DUI Reform

    a.  Need to strengthen current DUI laws on front end to lower DUI deaths.


    b. Need to change current felony DUI laws on back end to NON-VIOLENT.


    c.  Consistent with sentencing in 4th Circuit Jurisdiction & other Southeastern States.


  • 12. SC Felony DUI Punishments After Prison Release

    a. Longer Sentencing- less likely to bounce back, rehabilitate or successful reentry.

    b. Cannot drive 5yrs unless they pay for ADSAP and interlocks upon release to drive.

    c. Payback Court fees thousands of dollars/parole officer fees

    d. Felons cannot hunt or own a gun/cannot vote/limited travel.


  • 13. Alcohol Use Disorder Research

    a.   Serious Medical Condition: brain disorder / chemical imbalance

    b.   Alcohol: Classified as a Depressant "Drug" slowing down brain functioning

    c.   Affects every age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status.

    d.   Can happen to anybody: grandma, son, daughter, you, or your spouse. 

    e.   "But by the Grace of God" many people say, "It could have happened to me."


SC DUI Reform

There is no greater loss than a loss of life and no penalty, no matter how severe can compensate for that loss. Our family supports all measures to prevent DUI.

Let me give you some background on how I became interested in this issue. In November of 2014, my son, Riley McDermott, who was 24 at the time, was the cause of a tragic, fatal DUI accident. At the time he was working at his first job after graduating from Anderson University with a Kinesiology degree, as an assistant baseball coach at the university. He had never been in any trouble but made an immature decision to drive after drinking that changed his and many others lives forever.

Since that life changing l day I have learned more about DUI sentencing laws than I ever wanted to know. I learned that:

  • DUI with fatality is considered violent, and therefore is not parole eligible.
  • That there is nothing a convicted person can do to earn a reduction in their sentence. (Riley has taught GED since his incarceration at 3 different facilities.)Work credits cannot be used towards early release for felony DUI.
  • Good behavior means nothing in terms of sentence reduction. (Riley has had no incidents in the 10 years of his incarceration.)
  • Sentencing reform is never given much attention. (Every year of his incarceration there have been different bills introduced that never gets to committee for consideration.)
  • Statistics show that DUI offenders are not problematic inmates and show no violent behavior.
  • South Carolina sentencing laws are far more severe than other states yet the incidents of DUI fatalities are some of the highest in the nation.

I can’t tell you how many people, including senators and representatives, have asked me when my son will be eligible for parole. The answer is NEVER. South Carolina considers DUI a violent crime, despite the lack of malice or intent.

One of our victims said to me – “the circumstances could easily have been reversed. My son could have been driving and your son could have been the victim.”

As a state that holds its Christian values in such high regard, where are the Christian values of forgiveness and second chances? We are not asking for all offenders to be guaranteed early release, only for the opportunity to earn parole.  

Please consider allowing these non-violent offenders to be eligible for parole. Locking them up for prolonged sentences with no chance to earn parole serves no one. Not the victim, not the families on either side, certainly not the state and not society to which they will someday return to.

I fear that sometimes you disregard these pleas as just a Mom’s wish to have her son home. You may think this could never happen to you or your family. That’s what I used to think.

 “There but for the grace of God go I.”

Thank you in advance for your consideration and for the opportunity to express my position.

Laurie McDermott         

14701 SW 21 Street Ft. Lauderdale

Florida 33325     

954-629-7854

There is no greater loss than a loss of life and no penalty, no matter how severe can compensate for that loss. Our family supports all measures to prevent DUI.

Let me give you some background on how I became interested in this issue. In November of 2014, my son, Riley McDermott, who was 24 at the time, was the cause of a tragic, fatal DUI accident. At the time he was working at his first job after graduating from Anderson University with a Kinesiology degree, as an assistant baseball coach at the university. He had never been in any trouble but made an immature decision to drive after drinking that changed his and many others lives forever.

Since that life changing l day I have learned more about DUI sentencing laws than I ever wanted to know. I learned that:

  • DUI with fatality is considered violent, and therefore is not parole eligible.
  • That there is nothing a convicted person can do to earn a reduction in their sentence. (Riley has taught GED since his incarceration at 3 different facilities.)Work credits cannot be used towards early release for felony DUI.
  • Good behavior means nothing in terms of sentence reduction. (Riley has had no incidents in the 10 years of his incarceration.)
  • Sentencing reform is never given much attention. (Every year of his incarceration there have been different bills introduced that never gets to committee for consideration.)
  • Statistics show that DUI offenders are not problematic inmates and show no violent behavior.
  • South Carolina sentencing laws are far more severe than other states yet the incidents of DUI fatalities are some of the highest in the nation.

I can’t tell you how many people, including senators and representatives, have asked me when my son will be eligible for parole. The answer is NEVER. South Carolina considers DUI a violent crime, despite the lack of malice or intent.

One of our victims said to me – “the circumstances could easily have been reversed. My son could have been driving and your son could have been the victim.”

As a state that holds its Christian values in such high regard, where are the Christian values of forgiveness and second chances? We are not asking for all offenders to be guaranteed early release, only for the opportunity to earn parole.  

Please consider allowing these non-violent offenders to be eligible for parole. Locking them up for prolonged sentences with no chance to earn parole serves no one. Not the victim, not the families on either side, certainly not the state and not society to which they will someday return to.

I fear that sometimes you disregard these pleas as just a Mom’s wish to have her son home. You may think this could never happen to you or your family. That’s what I used to think.

“There but for the grace of God go I.”

Thank you in advance for your consideration and for the opportunity to express my position.

Laurie McDermott          14701 SW 21 Street       Ft. Lauderdale Florida 33325      954-629-7854

Mother of a Drunk Driver

Mother of a Drunk Driver

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Ignition Interlock Devices - Prevention is the Answer

Ignition Interlock Devices

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Poem: A Drunk Driver's Heartfelt Plea by Donna Jarrell

Poem: A Drunk Driver's Heartfelt Plea

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Battle Cry

A Battle Cry to South Carolina Legislators

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Print Editorial: Toughen laws as a way to prevent fewer felony DUI deaths
post and courier letters

Letters: Toughen laws as a way to prevent fewer felony DUI deaths: Letters From Our Post and Courier Readers

Mar 27, 2023 


South Carolina was recently listed by Forbes magazine as third in the nation for people killed in drunken driving accidents per 100,000 residents. And about 30% of all traffic accidents in South Carolina were caused by a drunken driver.

I believe we could reduce these alarming numbers with these actions:

·         Tighten DUI loopholes.

·         Enact tougher penalties on the first charge.

·         Institute heavier fines.

·         Require ignition interlock devices, which prevent user from being able to start their vehicle after drinking alcohol.

·         Improve drug and alcohol education and rehab programs.

·         Change state sentencing guidelines to be more consistent with most other states, which classify DUI as a nonviolent crime, even when it involves serious injury or death.


Increasing the fines and DUI sentencing on initial arrest should lead to fewer felony DUI deaths, which is the goal we are striving for.


South Carolina classifies felony DUI as a violent crime and requires those convicted to serve 85% of a maximum 25-year sentence with no chance of parole, or work or good behavior credits.


I believe this sentencing is unjust. DUIs can happen to anyone. How can one be accidentally violent? There is no violent intent in a car accident.


Legislators I have spoken with are in agreement that DUI offenders are not violent criminals. The state's harsh sentencing penalties have failed to deter deaths because penalties never prevent a crime someone doesn't intend to commit.


I am the author of "The Radical New Me", a book that shares my son's tragic felony DUI accident. I am the mother of that drunken driver, and this is why I am so passionate to carry the torch for DUI reform.


I don't want anyone to go through what our families have suffered.


I  encourage all South Carolinians to contact their legislators to offer and pass legislation that would save lives on our highways.

By: Donna Jarrell 
Prison — Charleston, SC — Donna Jarrell Ministries

Felony DUI offenders were wrongly added to the violent crimes list. This has caused longer prison sentences with mass incarcerations and no hope for parole or early release for those rehabilitated and changed. 

I am the mother of a drunk driver. My son has a felony DUI in South Carolina, and is currently serving prison time. I founded POID, Parents of Intoxicated Drivers, and advocate fighting for South Carolina to take felony DUI offenders off the violent crimes list because they are not violent criminals. They were in an unintentional car accident, never intending to break the law or hurt anyone. SC felony DUI offenders:

  • Have 25 yr. max sentencing
  • Serve 85%
  • No parole
  • No work credits
  • No good behavior credits 
  • No incentives for early release

Casie's Heartfelt Plea

(SC Felony DUI Offender)

Print Casie's Letter

My name is Casie Cunnigham #362287. I am incarcerated in Camille Griffin Graham C.I., serving a twenty-three-year sentence for felony DUI resulting in death. Those simple words cannot begin to reveal the depth of pain involved. So many lives have been altered by a choice I can't remember making, the victim's family, my family, and my sweet, beautiful daughters who are still struggling to cope with not having their mom in their daily lives. I struggled with alcoholism as a single mom, drinking while my children slept. As a preschool teacher working with my family in our own childcare centers, I was able to manage long stretches of sobriety at times through measures I took in recovery, rehab, meetings, and my relationship with the Lord. Until the horrible day on February 10, 2014, when I lost my constant battle, I waged inside myself by choosing to drink and causing a wreck that claimed the life of an innocent bystander. My addiction has claimed more than I ever imagined it would.


I remember choosing to drink, but I have no memory of choosing to drive and honestly can't believe I allowed that. There has never been any intention to hurt anyone in my life, but it made no difference to my judge on the day of my sentencing. I pled guilty, but the D.A. chose not to offer me a plea deal, instead choosing to get the maximum penalty allowed (25 years). The judge gave me two years shy of that. It is a severe sentence. I wasn't shown the same mercy that others have been shown charged with this crime, the average being ten to fifteen years.


My sentence is even more severe than others charged with crimes that have intention involved, and unfortunately, that is not uncommon to those of us punished under felony DUI classifications. We have no possibility of parole, our work credits, although earned, will not be calculated, and we receive no benefit for good behavior.



We are not criminals. Most of us do our time productively, with the thought to give back to the community from whom we took so much. All we are asking to obtain is a second chance. We aren't asking to get out of our sentences or the consequences of our choices.


I do not resent the fact that I must do time. As a citizen, I would expect it. I would just like to be heard, to be understood, and to be given a chance to make amends, to make a difference. I am praying for also the effort to reclassify this crime to something that more closely resembles the compassion I know exists in our world.


Thank you,

Casie Cunnigham

#362287

CALL TO ACTION!

Ways you can help

  • Click the button below and go to SC Legislator's Page on this Website. Call Governor McMaster & All SC Senators' Assistants asking for their support for SC DUI Reform Bill S. 192. FIND OUT HOW TO LOCATE YOUR LOCAL LEGISLATORS (SENATOR & HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE) TO SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH THEM AND SHARE YOUR STORY!
SC Legislator's Page
  • Visit this site to find legislators' phone numbers, addresses, dates and times of legislative meetings, etc. https://www.scstatehouse.gov
  • Attend legislative meetings to get support for DUI reform bills.
  • Share DUI reform info with local/state legislators, family & friends, and on social media.
  • SIGN CHANGE.ORG PETITION

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  • Become a volunteer.
  • Any form of help is greatly appreciated.

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my New Book Tells WHY I'M SO PASSIONATE ABOUT FELONY DUI REFORM

The Radical New Me book is now available in English, Spanish and Hebrew book version and also in English audio version on Amazon. The book shares my testimony and how my faith and family were changed forever. Click here to purchase (English Book & Audio Version) on Amazon.com or Click here to purchase the Spanish Book Version on Amazon.com or Click here to purchase Hebrew Book Version on Amazon.com or Click here to purchase on Barnes & Noble.

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