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282 S.C. 378

318 S.E.2d 567

State v. Bodiford

Supreme Court of South Carolina

Decided July 18, 1984

Supreme Court of South Carolina · decided 1984-07-18

Cited by 5 later decisions — most recently April 1994

4 state decisions

Applies SC 56 § 56-5-2945

Relies on In the Interest of Shaw · Strickland v. State

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1984-07-18

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Per Curiam:

¶1 Appellant was involved in a motorcycle accident resulting in the death of his passenger. He was charged with driving under the influence and was subsequently indicted for reckless homicide and involuntary manslaughter. He appeals the denial of his motion to quash the indictment. We affirm.

¶2 Appellant argues the circuit court was without subject matter jurisdiction because the offenses for which he was indicted were repealed by implication upon enactment of S. C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2945 (Supp. 1983). Section 56-5-2945 provides a penalty for inflicting injury or death while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

¶3 Appellant’s argument is without merit. Section 56-5-2945 does not expressly repeal the existing offenses of involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide. Repeal by implication is not favored and will not be applied if there is any other reasonable construction of the statute. Strickland v. State, 276 S. C. 17, 274 S. E. (2d) 430 (1981); In Re Shaw, 274 S. C. 534, 265 S. E. (2d) 522 (1980). Section 56-5-2945 specifies driving under the influence as an element. Because this element is not required for involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide, the new statute clearly creates a distinct offense. This construction indicates repeal by implication was not intended.

¶4 Accordingly, the judgment below is affirmed.

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