Expert in DUI law dies
Attorney remembered as thorough litigator
Reese Joye
Reese Joye, a nationally known Lowcountry attorney, leading expert in DUI law and pioneering personal-injury litigator, died Sunday. He was 70.
Joye was attending a conference in Massachusetts when he was found dead in his hotel room Sunday morning. A cause of death has not been determined, but no foul play is suspected.
As news of his passing reached Charleston, friends and colleagues recalled Joye as a tenacious attorney who worked long hours, did his homework and was always the most prepared lawyer in the courtroom. His firm holds the record for the largest personal injury verdict in state history.
"Reese was certainly a lion of the Charleston trial bar. I learned a lot from him," said local attorney Paul Gibson, a longtime friend. "He will certainly be missed. He raised three immensely successful children. He packed a lot into his life."
He was born in Bennettsville in 1938, where his father ran a supermarket and his mother taught school. Joye may have been born to be a lawyer. When he was honored in the state Senate earlier this year on the occasion of his 70th birthday, one speaker recalled friends saying that Joye could argue with a stop sign — and win.
After earning undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina, Joye worked for the Boeing Corp. in Seattle as an in-house lawyer. He and his wife, Jackie, moved to Mount Pleasant in 1968, the year he started the Joye Law Firm.
From the start, Joye was deeply involved in the community. He helped form the city of North Charleston, founded the Public Defender Corp. of Charleston and I Care organization for prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action. He was a member of the Hibernian Society and the National Eagle Scout Association. He ran for solicitor and state Senate.
But his life's work, as he described it, was protecting the rights of individuals.
He came to be known as an expert in DUI law, testified before Statehouse panels and wrote several books on the subject.
"The Bar is diminished by his loss," said Marvin Infinger, president of the Charleston County Bar Association. "He made a national name for himself defending DUI cases."
But Joye was interested in a much wider array of legal questions. His firm took on personal injury cases and made national headlines representing a family that lost a child because of a defective door latch on a minivan. In 1997, the $262.5 million verdict was the largest ever against an automobile manufacturer in the United States. It is still the largest in South Carolina history.
Summerville attorney Robert Robbins, who faced Joye as a prosecutor and recently worked with him on the DUI case against state Sen. Randy Scott, said Joye was "the consummate professional" — an attorney that no prosecutor looks forward to facing.
"He was extremely thorough," Robbins said. "If there were any flaws in your case, he was going to expose them. He absolutely loved the law, the practice of law and he was very good at it."
Local attorney Jerry N. Theos, immediate past president of the local Bar, said Joye was known for his energy, skill and work ethic. "He was a tribute to lawyers," Theos said.
Joye is survived by wife Jackie; children Mark, Todd and Celeste; and five grandchildren. Plans for services will be announced later this week.
Reach Brian Hicks at 937-5561 or bhicks@postand courier.com.
E-mail this story
Printer-friendly version
Comments
dixiegrl98 (anonymous) says...
It seem befitting that this story would be in the same line of news as summerville looking to legalize sunday alcohol sales.I see DUI's in my area constantly,most of them in the ditch or all over the pavement,if all the lawyers were this consistant and our public officials and law enforcement put there foot down this states DUI record might not be as bad as it is.I commend him for working so hard to serve the public.
July 21, 2008 at 2:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bullbythehorns (anonymous) says...
He was a hell of an attorney and will be missed. No one ever liked going against him in a courtroom. He knew his stuff, but managed to be not only well respected among defense attorneys, but prosecutors and law enforcement as well. He was kind to all involved. My sympathy goes out to his family during their time of loss.
July 21, 2008 at 2:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whalernut (anonymous) says...
To the Joyes I wish all the best in these trying times.
My family wishes you all the best. You are all in our prayers.
This is also a sad day for the folks at Joye law firm. I have been associated with these folks a time ago and wish all of you the best too.
July 21, 2008 at 5:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
My condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
July 21, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
Thank you Mr. Joye for your ongoing support of POW/MIA issues. Honorable men (such as yourself) are very rare, and you will truly be missed.
July 21, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
allaneddie (anonymous) says...
Sorry to hear that this fellow died, but I have to wonder how many died as he put DUI offenders back on the roads of our state.
July 21, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
Wow, very sad news indeed. I pray that the Joye family will find peace during this time of bereavement. God bless you all.
July 21, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
summerville_guy (anonymous) says...
RW, as has been pointed out in the past many times before, this is not necessarily the place for consoling the family. There is a guestbook section of this website for each obituary set up for that. I would send you a link, but Mr. Joye's obituary is not up yet.
This section of the website is for comments in general about the stories. I see nothing wrong with allaneddie sharing his thoughts, as I see nothing wrong with you sharing yours without calling people names. That's just immature.
July 21, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
this is not necessarily the place for consoling the family. There is a guestbook section of this website for each obituary set up for that.
This section of the website is for comments in general about the stories.
Exactly right, just as we comment on the Murdered, the Murder and Crooks on this site.
July 21, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Radar24 (anonymous) says...
Alleneddie, I couldn't agree with you more!
July 21, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
allaneddie-Mr. Joye did not put any DUI offenders back on the street.
If, in fact, a DUI defendant, was indeed guilty, then the State allowed them back on the street by not proving their case, by.
July 21, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
excuse typo at the end of above post
July 21, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fairview (anonymous) says...
Of Mr. Joye's many accomplishments, I heard the one he was proudest of was that he was an Eagle Scout. And he should be proud of that, as only 2% of the boys who enter Scouting become an Eagle Scout. He was also awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the local Scout Council for service to youth.
July 21, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signstation100 (anonymous) says...
Joye had an opportunity to work with F. Lee Bailey when he first came to Charleston on a molestation case on CAFB. What an opportunity for a young lawyer to set standards for his life's work.
I hope that his alleged "working for the rights of the individual" was developed because of the devastating verdict of NOT GUILTY that was won by the man who molested me, before me and probably after me.
The man was guilty as hell and FLB and RJ got him off. I am sorry for his family but cannot RELISH his humanitarian endeavors with the others mushing over him.
July 21, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
amicus_non_ego (anonymous) says...
abitskeptical -
Could not have been said better. I've read countless comments indicating either a "quick to judge" guilty mentality or those that blame defense attorneys for doing their job.
The burden of proof is on the State people and there is no place for a presumption of guilt in a court of law.
As for alleneddie's comment, your tone would change immensely if you are ever wrongfully charged by S.C.'s finest.
July 21, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
amicus_non_ego (anonymous) says...
Signstation100 -
Your blame should rest squarely on the shoulders of the prosecuting attorneys. They are the ones that failed you. While your situtation is unfortunate, and your angst may sway your logic, it is far better for a 100 guilty men to go free than 1 innocent man be punished. FLB and Joye did not molest you...and the prosecutors lost your case.
July 21, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signstation100 (anonymous) says...
Forgot to add that I have paid a personal cost for the NOT GUILTY verdict of that perverted criminal. I was 12 or 13 and it ruined my life in areas of relationships, marriage, self-esteem etc.
They sent that man to another AFB...no less criminal than a minister sent to another church. People have to pay for those errs...the criminal AND the lawyers who get them off. Let this be a warning to other lawyers....dont get off guilty people becuase there are always victims who are damaged more than the so-called "victim/criminal"
My apologies to the family for my comments but this is fresh in my mind and thats all I can relate to Joye about.
July 21, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signstation100 (anonymous) says...
FLB and RJ WERE the prosecutors.
July 21, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
amicus_non_ego (anonymous) says...
Tell me how the prosecutors "got him off" then... You are either mistaken, or failing miserably to weave this fabrication.
What was the last name of your criminal, if you don't mind me asking?
July 21, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signstation100 (anonymous) says...
ok I misstated. Sorry. Yes my lawyers failed me. But the whole thing was "arranged" and I disagree that it is better to let 100 guilty men off. That means there are 100 victims who spend their whole life suffering.
I will drop this now because this is not appropriate to go on and on. Im sure he was a nice man and had a nice family and helped a lot of people.
My loss is not important here...nor was it important then.
July 21, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
ditto to amicus (& I guess myself)
Signstation-I am sorry for your horrendous experience.
The anger & frustration you feel towards FLB & Mr. Joye is, however, misplaced.
The burden of proof is always supposed to be on the People who are represented by the State or the US.
There are various reasons a guilty man can go free.
Often there just is not enough good evidence.
Sometimes(!), prosecutors get arrogant &/or lazy & do not prepare a case as they should.
Sometimes, corruption within the system does allow this.
It is hard for a victim to appreciate the wisdom & beauty of theories underlying of our system of justice when justice is not given to a guilty person.
However, in theory at least, when the innocent are accused, it is indeed important that the burden of proof is supposed to be on the People....this theoretical supposition at least gives a glimmer of hope to the wrongfully accused.
Unfortunately, too often nowadays, people are, in reality, guilty until proven innocent...which becomes next to impossible to do when the entire system, is riddled with corruption.
July 21, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
It is important to know what side of the court room Joye was on in Signstation's case. I thought from her post that he was defense counsel. I do not see where he ever was a prosecutor. Maybe I missed this.
July 21, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
My condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
July 21, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
My deepest Condolances to family and friends. You will be in My Prayers.
July 21, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bkc6 (anonymous) says...
Our condolances goes out to the family of Mr. Joye. It's pretty sad when at a time like this the family has to put up with the stupidity of some of these commets. The family is going through enough without your help. If you can't say anything nice than don't say anything at all. I just went through what the Joyes' are experiencing now and my heart hurts for their lost just as it does for mine. God Bless you Joye family. You are in my thoughts.
July 21, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southerngirl45 (anonymous) says...
My sincere condolances to the Joye family. Mr.Joye was an outstanding attorney.He will be missed by everyone!
July 21, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southerngirl45 (anonymous) says...
bkc6,I, like you have just lost someone dear to me and I agree with you that this is not the time or place for bashing. The Joye's are grieving for their loved one,please give them some respect! Save your political debates for another page.The Joye family is highly respected and once again I offer my condolances.
July 21, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekguy2008 (anonymous) says...
I cannot be sad when a defense attorney dies. Reese has gotten so many Drunks off of charges, it just ain't funny.
Hell may have a new tenant today, but Joye's legacy will live on. He wrote a book on how to avoid a DUI, so even MORE innocent people will become victims of drunk drivers, couresy of reese joye.
When you spend your entire life defending trash, I can't be sad when you keel over.
July 21, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JohnS (anonymous) says...
I still can't get over the genus over finding the one min of audio tape missing from Ray Nash's set up stop with Sen Scott. Lips moving and no voice. Joye was the man to call if you had serious problems.
July 22, 2008 at 12:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Creeker01 (anonymous) says...
I guess you've never watched digital tv or seen what happens when those cheapie wireless audio mics drop out.:rolleyes:
Reese was a nice guy in person and a Master of Courtroom trickery in action.
To blame the Prosecution and Law Enforcement each time a Defendant escapes justice is simply ignorance. Occasionally, yes but mostly, no.
July 22, 2008 at 2:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Courtroom "trickery" has more than its fair share of use by the prosecution. To believe otherwise is simply ignorant or naive.
The fact is, some defendants receive justice when they are acquitted, as they were not guilty in the first place.
Of course, some defendants receive injustice when they are wrongfully accused &/or convicted. It happens more than people want to know...as it would rock their perception of how things ought to be.
The qualifying word "guilty" is noticeably absent in front of "defendant" in the following statement:
"To blame the Prosecution and Law Enforcement each time a Defendant escapes justice is simply ignorance."
Sadly the above statement is indicative of the reality that contrary to law, the prevalent mentality is that the burden of proof not only is on the accused, but if you are officially accused, you MUST be guilty.
With that said, I do not see where anyone said LE &/or the prosecution is to "blame" "each time" guilty (I assume you meant the GUILTY ones)defendants are acquitted.
The fact is, however, the state does have the burden of proof & the same access to the law & all of its technicalities as the defense attorney.
As for those who believe defense attorneys defend only trash:
Well..I hope you are never wrongly accused of something & find yourself in need of a defense attorney. In the unfortunate event that this ever happens to you:
Get back to us on what you think then.
July 22, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FiscalConservative (anonymous) says...
Wow geekguy, I hope you are never falsely accused of a crime. If you are you better represent yourself and hope you don't go to jail. But I guess that would be justice in your mind.
Sad to loose RJ. It is a huge honor to be regarded as one of the top people in your field/profession, one most people do not have the drive, will, nor intelligence to accomplish.
July 22, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boplaw (anonymous) says...
Hopefully geekguy will not be too far behind him.
Jerk.
July 22, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekguy2008 (anonymous) says...
Gee...I hope none of y'all's relatives are killed by a drunk driver and then you get to sit in court and watch reese get them off.
Not that I'm wishing anything bad on you or anything.....
July 23, 2008 at 2:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boplaw (anonymous) says...
geekguy, that post makes about as much sense as your last one. Obviously the concept of past, present, and future tense was lost on you in grammar school yet you were socially promoted.
Get this Mensa candidate:
No one is asking you to be sad Reece passed away. However, for you to post "Hell may have a new tenant" is beyond disrespectful to his family, whom I know to be good, decent people.
Keep hiding behind your keyboard, but do everyone a favor and quit throwing unlit molotov cocktails from the comfort of your parents' frog while dressed in little more than your skivvies.
It will be better that way.
July 23, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signstation100 (anonymous) says...
To bkc6
I did not castrate Joye, just had a flashback moment.
The person I am angry at is F.Lee Bailey...not Joye.
What kind of message is it to young girls that a guilty man who violated them was not punished....there were FIVE other girls. Reese only did what Bailey asked him to do. That doesn't make him a bad person. But while that Captain went free, our lives were changed forever.
Did anyone see the comments on Charleton Heston's obit?
It was VICIOUS from the anti-gun Heston haters...didnt give his family one minute of consolation.
abitskeptical: I tried to answer your email but it didnt work. I am sorry but I do not recall the answer to the Q you asked.
July 23, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by signing up!
Full terms and conditions can be read here.