State v. Martin

ON WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE COURT OF APPEALS.

Justice WALLER:

We granted a writ of certiorari to review the Court of Appeals’ opinion in State v. Martin, 341 S.C. 480, 534 S.E.2d 292 (Ct.App.2000). We reverse.

Through a series of administrative errors, Martin was notified in December 1997, that she had been “convicted,” in absentia, of driving under the influence (DUI) first on August 26, 1997. A bench warrant was issued for her arrest, she was fined $425.00, and her license was suspended for nearly six months. Nearly six months later, in June 1998, the state sought and obtained an Ishmell 1…