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Choose a
Reliable SC 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. 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 prior to joining Dayson Shalabi Burkett (DSB) Law Firm.  Because of that, they have first-hand prosecuting experience to help those accused of crimes.

The SC 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 focuses on personal injury cases, our attorneys typically take on a select few criminal cases per year.

Call the Dayson Shalabi Burkett Law Firm, LLC, for a free consultation to determine if we can accept your criminal case.

Common Types of Criminal Charges

As you likely know, many types of crimes exist. Criminal law court cases in Columbia, SC, may involve someone facing one or multiple crimes. Here’s more information about various crimes that often cause people to hire a criminal defense lawyer for help.

A person’s arms in the sky getting out of handcuffs

Drunk or Impaired Driving

Regardless of whether it was a wise decision, 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 SC criminal lawyer is vital after receiving a DUI charge. While it’s not guaranteed, an experienced and professional criminal defense lawyer 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.

As you can imagine, violent crimes can bring about significant fines and considerable jail time in South Carolina. Because of the seriousness of these crimes, it’s often beneficial to have a SC criminal lawyer on your side.

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. If a police officer believes you’re selling drugs, an already bad situation becomes even worse.

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.

A person in need of a SC criminal lawyer after being arrested

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 criminal defense law

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As some of the leading criminal lawyers in SC, we receive a wide range of 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.

a police car parked outside of a criminal law court case in Columbia, SC

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. 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. If someone cannot afford an attorney, the state of South Carolina must appoint one at no cost. This person is otherwise known as a public defender. 

However, remember that public defenders typically have many legal matters to work on that can sometimes total hundreds of cases. Hiring a SC criminal lawyer could lead to more attention paid to your legal issues.

When should I contact a criminal defense lawyer?

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

What makes having a criminal lawyer in South Carolina beneficial?

A criminal defense lawyer tends to be more knowledgeable about South Carolina’s laws. 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 in your corner is help with potential negotiations. Understandably, the average person can find negotiation phases extremely stressful without a lawyer speaking on their behalf.

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.

A team of lawyers who handle car accident cases in Columbia, SC

Count on a Professional SC Criminal Lawyer

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

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