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Choose a Reliable
South Carolina Criminal Lawyer

in Columbia and Charleston, SC

Do you need criminal defense representation? Contact Dayson Shalabi Burkett Law Firm, LLC, anytime for a free consultation.

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Receiving criminal charges can be life-changing. You can lose your job, vehicle, relationships with people you know, and rights. The South Carolina criminal lawyers at Dayson Shalabi Burkett (DSB) Law Firm, LLC, help ensure those accused of crimes have their rights protected with a strong defense.

While DSB primarily handles personal injury cases, our attorneys typically handle only a few criminal cases yearly. Call our South Carolina criminal lawyers for a free consultation to determine if we can accept your case.

Common Types of Criminal Charges

As you likely know, many types of crimes exist. Criminal law court cases in Columbia, SC, often involve various offenses requiring an experienced lawyer in your corner. Here’s more information about South Carolina criminal law.

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Drunk or Impaired Driving

Whether it was a wise decision or not, many people have found themselves behind the wheel after having a drink or two.

As innocent as your intentions may have been, it won’t matter after a police officer charges you with driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both in South Carolina. In this state, the abbreviation DUI also applies to someone driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Contacting a South Carolina criminal lawyer is vital after receiving a DUI charge. In this state, the abbreviation DUI also applies to someone driving while intoxicated (DWI). The laws surrounding this subject are complex. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the rough waters impaired driving changes entail, from help with license suspensions to ignition interlock devices.

While it’s not guaranteed, experienced and professional lawyers deeply understand South Carolina criminal law. This knowledge may help reduce or drop your charges.

Violent Crimes

Some criminal law court cases in Columbia, SC, can involve violent crimes. These crimes can include, but aren’t limited to, assault, homicide, robbery, sexual assault, arson, battery, or domestic violence. Misdemeanor or felony violent crime charges can carry severe penalties, including extensive fines and jail time.

Because of the seriousness of these crimes, it’s often beneficial to have a South Carolina criminal lawyer on your side. The experienced lawyers at Dayson Shalabi Burkett Law Firm, LLC, help our clients build a strong, strategic defense. We’re ready to challenge evidence or negotiate a plea agreement, doing everything possible to help you obtain the best possible outcome.

Drug-Related Crimes

Being caught with marijuana, cocaine, LSD, or a wide range of unprescribed medications can and often does lead to people facing drug charges in South Carolina. People in this state may also receive drug charges for possessing drug paraphernalia. For instance, South Carolina criminal law may mean you incur additional fines or jail time if the police find marijuana and a glass pipe used to smoke it on your person.

Other factors affecting the charges you receive include:

  • Type of drug (marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, etc)
  • Whether weapons are present
  • If you possess drug distribution materials
  • Having a criminal history
  • Proximity to a school, park, or other protected area

Vehicle-Related Offenses

Vehicle-related offenses are often the basis of criminal law court cases in Columbia, SC. Several examples of these offenses include speeding, reckless driving, running a stop light or sign, and distracted driving. You can also receive driving-related charges for operating a vehicle with a revoked or no license.

Compared to some of the previously listed crimes, the charges for offenses involving vehicles may seem minor. However, repeatedly committing driving-related crimes can result in increased insurance costs, a license suspension, or the loss of the ability to drive permanently.

A person being arrested before facing a criminal law court case in Columbia, SC

Why Choose Dayson Shalabi Burkett Law Firm, LLC?

When facing something as severe and potentially life-altering as criminal charges, you must have an experienced criminal lawyer in South Carolina in your corner. Here’s why you should consider choosing Dayson Shalabi Burkett, LLC, as your criminal defense law firm:

  • The personal touch we apply to each of our valued clients
  • Extremely responsive to your questions and concerns
  • Experienced in South Carolina criminal law

DSB’s attorneys Curtis Dayson and Ramie Shalabi are former state prosecutors in Richland County in Columbia, SC. Attorney Stephen Bowden was a public defender in Charleston County for seven years before Dayson Shalabi Burkett (DSB) Law Firm. Because of that, they have first-hand prosecuting experience to help those accused of crimes.

We know how prosecutors build criminal law court cases in Columbia, SC. You can depend on us to anticipate and counter their strategies. Click the button below to learn more about our distinct advantages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As some of the leading South Carolina criminal lawyers, we receive many questions from new and current clients. Chances are, you may have some or all of these same questions. Here are answers to the most common questions we receive.

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  • What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

    From a crime and punishment perspective, misdemeanors are generally less severe than felonies. Examples of misdemeanor crimes include simple assault, trespassing, and petty theft.

    Felony crimes include murder, robbery, and drug trafficking. People charged with misdemeanor crimes may have to partake in community service or pay fines. Felonies often result in extended, if not life-long, jail sentences.

  • What should I do after being arrested for a crime in South Carolina?

    After an arrest, one of the most important things to do is to speak with a criminal lawyer in South Carolina. It’s advisable to avoid making statements to the police without a lawyer present. Because crimes and their charges can vary, a criminal defense lawyer can hear the details of your case and advise you on what to do next.

  • Do criminal defendants have the right to a lawyer?

    Yes, under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, a defendant has the legal right to counsel in a criminal law court case in Columbia, SC. South Carolina must appoint an attorney at no cost if someone cannot afford one. This person is otherwise known as a public defender.

    However, remember that public defenders typically have many legal matters, sometimes totaling hundreds of cases. Hiring a South Carolina criminal lawyer means immediately having time and resources dedicated to your case.

  • When should I contact a criminal defense lawyer?

    Several situations typically make it advisable to contact a criminal defense lawyer. Most people, whether first-time or repeat offenders, contact criminal defense attorneys after an arrest. Other potentially beneficial times to contact a criminal defense legal professional include while you’re under investigation or after receiving a subpoena.

    The earlier you contact DSB, the more opportunities we have to help you obtain the best possible outcome.

  • What makes having a criminal lawyer in South Carolina beneficial?

    A criminal defense lawyer tends to be more knowledgeable about South Carolina’s laws than the average person. Without having this knowledge that can take years or decades to accumulate, trying to represent yourself means spending time and energy most adults don’t have.

    Another benefit of having a criminal defense lawyer on your side is help with potential negotiations. Understandably, the average person can find negotiation phases extremely stressful without a South Carolina criminal lawyer’s support.

  • What factors does a judge use when sentencing someone?

    While no two criminal law court cases in Columbia, SC, are identical, many judges look at a few factors while they’re in the sentencing phase. These factors are the severity of your crime or crimes, your criminal history, and your character while speaking with the judge and other legal professionals.

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Count on a Professional SC Criminal Lawyer

When you face potential criminal charges, acting fast is essential. Contact the experienced professionals at Dayson Shalabi Burkett Law Firm, LLC. You can reach our Columbia/Sumter office by calling (803) 973-0304 or our Charleston office at (843) 388-3368.

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