Orangeburg Criminal Defense Lawyer

Trusted Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney

When you are facing criminal charges, you may be wondering what comes next. Not only do criminal cases in Orangeburg move fast, but they can also affect your freedom, current employment, finances, and future opportunities. By learning more about South Carolina criminal defense laws and the legal process, you can make informed decisions regarding your case with the help of an Orangeburg criminal defense lawyer.

Criminal charges arising in Orangeburg are often connected to arrests near busy areas such as Russell Street, John C. Calhoun Drive, Magnolia Street, and the areas surrounding South Carolina State University and Claflin University, where law enforcement activity and traffic enforcement are common throughout the city.

About the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we have helped clients throughout Sumter, Orangeburg, Camden, Charleston, Florence, Columbia, Manning, and other South Carolina communities since 1996.

Whether you need assistance with a criminal matter, driving under the influence (DUI) charge, personal injury claim, wrongful death case, divorce, or child support issue, we strive to provide you with the individual attention you deserve. We aim to explain your options in language you can understand when you are facing a difficult legal situation.

Understanding Criminal Defense Laws in South Carolina

In South Carolina, crimes are typically categorized as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Orangeburg had a crime rate of 74.23 per 1,000 residents. In a given year, there were 166 violent crimes and 827 property crimes.

Although felony charges are typically charged more severely than misdemeanors, a misdemeanor conviction can still have life-altering consequences. For example, having a misdemeanor on your record could impact your future housing options, employment opportunities, and professional licenses.

South Carolina law breaks down crimes into classifications. Many crimes fall under this section, which provides a general guideline for criminal penalties. Prior convictions, injuries, and aggravating factors can alter these penalties.

South Carolina’s Protection of Persons and Property Act can come into play with self-defense and stand your ground defenses. If you are charged with a crime involving violence, it may be possible to reduce your charges or have your case dismissed if you were acting in self-defense. In South Carolina, you can defend yourself if you are in a place you have the legal right to be and certain other factors are met.

Types of Criminal Charges in Orangeburg

In Orangeburg and throughout South Carolina, criminal charges vary. Some charges stem from nonviolent offenses. Others could cause injury to another person or cost someone thousands of dollars. Some common criminal charges include:

• Drug crimes. Drug charges may stem from possessing a small amount of marijuana to trafficking drugs. Intent to distribute and the type of drug you are accused of possessing can play a factor in your penalties.
• Violent crimes. Violent crime charges can result in lengthy prison sentences if convicted. These crimes include assault, armed robbery, criminal sexual conduct, and attempted murder.
• White-collar crimes. White-collar crimes can include fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and other financial crimes. As the name suggests, these crimes are nonviolent but can still result in steep penalties.
• Juvenile crimes. Juvenile crime is different than adult crime. However, there are serious consequences for juveniles who break the law.

Criminal Defense Strategy

No two criminal cases are the same. When you are dealing with the criminal justice system, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to your case. There are many different defenses to criminal allegations. Some defenses are stronger in certain situations than others. Defense tactics often develop after reviewing the prosecutor’s evidence and finding issues with how the police conducted their investigation. Some common defenses include:

• Illegal search and seizure
• Mistaken identity
• Self defense
• Entrapment
• Lack of intent
• Lack of evidence
• Constitutional violations
• Having an alibi

Your Orangeburg criminal defense attorney can look at the facts of your case and pursue the most appropriate defense based on your specific circumstances.

Hire an Orangeburg Criminal Defense Lawyer

Many people decide to hire a criminal defense lawyer after they have been accused of a crime. Not only can jail time and court costs be imposed when convicted, but your professional license and educational opportunities can be affected. If you work in education or childcare, you could lose your job.

Once you hire an Orangeburg criminal defense attorney, they can review the evidence against you, file motions, meet with the prosecutor, prepare for trial, and work toward developing a strong defense. Many criminal cases take months to resolve and require you to return to court multiple times.

FAQs About Orangeburg, SC Criminal Defense Laws

What Should I Not Say to a Lawyer?

When speaking to a lawyer, you should not say anything that is untrue. Only tell your lawyer factual truths. You do not have to speculate about who is at fault or what happened if you don’t know. Your lawyer can look at the evidence and build you a proper defense based on this information. If you lie to your lawyer, it can backfire and cause more work for them to do.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Yes, it is worth it to hire a criminal defense attorney. A criminal defense attorney understands the law and can use it when building an appropriate defense for you. Your lawyer also knows how to negotiate on your behalf and to argue the prosecution’s points against you. A lawyer is trained and educated in handling your type of case.

Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped Before Trial?

Yes, they can sometimes. Charges can be dropped if there is not enough evidence to support the prosecution of that crime. They can also be dropped if witness testimony is shaky or if they feel there are constitutional violations involving the investigation of the defendant. Additionally, the charges could be lowered after entering a diversion program or a plea deal with the prosecutor.

What Is the Difference Between Probation and Parole?

Probation and parole are two similar types of community supervision, but they take place at different times in a criminal case. Probation is frequently ordered in lieu of jail or prison time, letting someone stay in the community under court-ordered conditions. Parole happens after serving part of a prison sentence and is supervised release before a sentence officially ends.

Contact an Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney from the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

If you have been charged with a crime, the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help you in your defense. Contact us today for a consultation.