Having criminal law questions is understandable. Let the legal professionals at DSB Law Firm answer these vital questions.
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 probation or prison sentences, if convicted.
Bail is money paid to secure release from jail while a case is pending. Not every charge qualifies. The amount depends on the offense, your prior record, and whether a judge determines you to be a flight risk.
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.
Yes. Charges can be dismissed if the evidence is weak or non-existent, rights were violated, or key witnesses become unavailable. A criminal defense lawyer can review the facts and push for dismissal when possible.
While no two criminal law court cases in Columbia, SC, are identical, many judges consider a few factors during the sentencing phase. These factors are the severity of your crime or crimes, your criminal history, and your character as you speak with the judge during the sentencing phase.
This is one of the most frequently asked criminal law questions we receive. 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.
Not always. Some matters are resolved through negotiations or hearings without a full trial. Your lawyer can explain what appearances are required and when.
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 attorney include when 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.
A criminal defense lawyer tends to be more knowledgeable about South Carolina’s laws than the average person. Without this knowledge, which can take years or decades to accumulate, trying to represent yourself means spending time and energy that most adults don’t have.
Another benefit of having a criminal defense lawyer on your side is help with potential negotiations when determining whether the evidence the Solicitor’s office has would be admissible at trial. Understandably, the average person can find the negotiation phases extremely stressful without the support of a South Carolina criminal lawyer.
Some convictions remain permanent, but others may qualify for expungement. Eligibility depends on the charge, outcome, and the time that has passed. Criminal law questions like this are common after a case ends.
