In Georgia, any type of DUI conviction often carries harsh penalties. However, repeat DUI offenders and those who have been convicted of felony drunk driving charges may face far more serious consequences that could have a significant impact on their lives for several years to come.
A well-known rapper from Georgia was recently arrested and charged with DUI for the third time in Gwinnett County. He could be sentenced to serve time in jail and lose his driving privileges if he is convicted. But due to the circumstances of his arrest earlier this month, he could face additional time behind bars if he is convicted of several other charges that were also filed against him after his DUI arrest.
According to Gwinnett County police, Deongelo Marquel “Deroc” Holmes, an artist from the hip-hop group the Ying Yang Twins, was allegedly driving drunk and high while he had two kids in the car with him on June 1.
Police said that the rapper was initially pulled over because he had crossed the center line more than once while driving on Old Norcross Road. After Holmes had rolled down his window to speak with an officer, the officer said that Holmes smelled of alcohol and marijuana.
The rapper was arrested. Because his children were in the car with him while he was allegedly driving drunk and under the influence of marijuana, he was charged with endangering a child as well as DUI.
During the arrest, police also found drug paraphernalia, less than one ounce of marijuana, and Xanex in the rapper’s vehicle. As a result, Holmes was also charged with violating the Georgia controlled substances act and possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “‘Ying Yang Twins’ rapper charged with DUI with kids,” David Ibata, June 7, 2012