How Hard Is It to Fight a DUI Charge in South Carolina?

How Hard Is It to Fight a DUI Charge in South Carolina?

If you are facing a DUI charge in South Carolina, you need to fight your charge by all means available. A conviction could mean fines and jail time (among other penalties); even if you can avoid jail, a conviction will still negatively impact most aspects of your life.

But how hard is it to fight a South Carolina DUI? Do you need a defense lawyer, or can you do it yourself?

Fighting a DUI Charge in South Carolina is Hard, Really Hard

The short answer is that fighting a South Carolina DUI is hard—hard. You need to avoid numerous pitfalls, and even if you do, prosecutors may still be able to secure a conviction. Fighting a DUI charge requires your full attention and the advice, insights, and representation of an experienced defense lawyer.

Here are just some of the reasons why you shouldn’t try to fight a South Carolina DUI charge on your own:

There Are Several Potential Ways to Fight a South Carolina DUI

While there are several potential defenses to DUI charges in South Carolina, choosing the proper defense (or defenses) to assert in your case requires an in-depth understanding of the facts and the law. If you try to maintain a viable defense but aren’t able to do so successfully, or if you overlook a defense that you could—and should—have used to protect yourself, you could face the consequences of a DUI conviction unnecessarily.

When facing a DUI charge, making claims or assertions isn’t enough to protect you. For example, while an unconstitutional traffic stop or arrest may give you a defense under the Fourth Amendment, you can’t simply walk into court and state that the police violated your Fourth Amendment rights. You must be able to demonstrate the violation with evidence—and you must also be able to prove that the violation warrants dismissal of your DUI.

Not Everything that Seems Like a Defense is a Defense

Crucially, while there are several potential defenses to DUI charges in South Carolina, not everything that seems like a defense will protect you in court. There are many misconceptions, and if you rest your case on a fundamentally flawed defense, you will stand virtually no chance of avoiding a conviction.

Prosecutors Can Win Without Your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

One of the most common misconceptions about facing a DUI in South Carolina is that prosecutors need your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reading to secure a conviction. Under South Carolina’s DUI law, this is not the case.

While proving your BAC is one way that prosecutors can secure a conviction, they can also connect a conviction by presenting evidence that you were “under the influence of alcohol to the extent that [your] faculties to drive a motor vehicle are materially and appreciably impaired.” If your faculties were “materially and appreciably impaired,” it doesn’t matter whether your BAC exceeded the legal limit.

Prosecutors Can Win Without Evidence of Impairment

Just as prosecutors can win without your BAC, they can also win without evidence of impairment. If your BAC was over the legal limit (and prosecutors can prove it), then it doesn’t matter whether your driving abilities were “materially and appreciably impaired” due to alcohol consumption.

While there are various to challenge the reliability and accuracy of your results, successfully soiree an in-depth understanding of South Carolina law and the rules that govern police breath testing procedures on the side of the road, even if your one reading is unreliable or inaccurate (or otherwise objectionable), you won’t be able to keep it out of one case unless you prove it in court.

The Judge Isn’t On Your Side

The judge isn’t on your side when facing a DUI charge in South Carolina. The judge isn’t on anyone’s side. The judge’s role is to hear the evidence and render an unbiased decision based on South Carolina law. If prosecutors present a compelling case for guilt and you don’t do anything to raise legitimate issues with their case, the judge may have no choice but to find you guilty of DUI. Even if you are a sympathetic defendant and genuinely made a one-time mistake, this isn’t enough to convince the judge to deviate from their legal duties behind the bench.

Missing Court Dates and Making Other Mistakes Can Leave You Without a Second Chance

From a court date to saying the wrong thing to the judge, numerous mistakes can prevent you from asserting a successful defense. These mistakes can also leave you without a second chance to fight your DUI. When fighting a DUI charge in South Carolina, you need to be very careful and avoid doing anything that could lead to an unnecessary conviction.

Is It Worth Fighting Your DUI in South Carolina?

Given these challenges, is it worth fighting your DUI in South Carolina? Or is it time to accept the consequences and move on?

As we mentioned in the introduction, the consequences of a DUI conviction can be substantial. Jail time is a real possibility for first-time offenders, and a conviction can also lead to thousands of dollars in fines, surcharges, costs, and increased insurance premiums. Then, there are the collateral consequences of having a conviction on your permanent record. In other words, fighting your DUI charge is well worth it, and you need to work with an experienced defense lawyer to ensure you do everything you possibly can to avoid unnecessary consequences.

Discuss Your South Carolina DUI Case with a Defense Lawyer for a Free

If you are facing a DUI charge in South Carolina, we encourage you to contact us promptly for more information. To discuss your case confidentially with an experienced Rock Hill defense lawyer, call 803-328-8822 or request a free online consultation.

South Carolina’s Ignition Interlock Device Law Now Applies to DUIs with a BAC of 0.08 Percent or Above

South Carolina’s Ignition Interlock Device Law Now Applies to DUIs with a BAC of 0.08 Percent or Above

Getting a DUI in South Carolina has several consequences. Upon conviction, you may be required to pay substantial fines, you may have to perform community service, and you may even have to spend time in jail. Having a DUI conviction on your record will also lead to increased insurance premiums, and it can impact your life in various other ways as well.

Thanks to a law passed in the summer of 2023, getting a DUI in South Carolina now also means installing an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle.

South Carolina’s New Ignition Interlock Devices Law (2023 Update)

While South Carolina has had an ignition interlock device law for several years, the law used to only apply in limited circumstances. Specifically, the law previously provided that individuals convicted of DUI would be required to participate in South Carolina’s ignition interlock device program only if: (i) their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.15 percent or above, (ii) they violated South Carolina’s implied consent law, or (iii) they caused a serious accident or had a minor in their vehicle.

But this changed on May 26, 2023.

This is when South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed S.36, known as the Ignition Interlock Bill, into law. Under S.36, South Carolina’s ignition interlock law now applies to all drivers who get arrested for DUI with a BAC of 0.08 percent or above.

Complying with South Carolina’s ignition interlock device program isn’t easy—or cheap. If you are required to enroll in the program, you must have a certified IID installed in your vehicle at an authorized service center at your expense. You must also go to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) and obtain an “II” restricted license. Once you take these steps, you can drive your IID-equipped vehicle provided that:

  • You blow into the IID and allow it to take your picture each time you drive;
  • You do not have someone else blow into the IID for you; and,
  • You take your vehicle to an authorized service center for an IID inspection and to have your IID data downloaded every 60 days.

What if you don’t install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle after a DUI conviction in South Carolina? Participation in the state’s ignition interlock device program is required; and, if you don’t participate, you won’t be able to restore your driving privileges. The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (DPPPS) makes this clear, stating:

“Drivers with an offense date on or after October 1, 2014, will not have the option of getting their driver’s license until successful completion of the IID Program.  Those drivers who decide not to enroll will remain suspended indefinitely.”

In short, if you are facing a DUI charge in South Carolina and you blew above the legal limit (or refused the breath test in violation of South Carolina’s implied consent law), a conviction will mean either installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle or risking the indefinite loss of your driving privileges. While neither of these are ideal (or cheap), this is now what the law requires regardless of your BAC.

South Carolina Ignition Interlock Device Exemptions

South Carolina’s DUI laws are strict, and all individuals who get convicted of DUI will now be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicles in most cases. However, there are two exemptions under the state’s ignition interlock device program that allow individuals with DUIs to drive without an IID.

The first is the employment exemption. As the DPPPS explains: “An offender that is required in the course and scope of his or her employment to drive a motor vehicle owned by the offender’s employer may drive his or her employer’s motor vehicle without installation of an IID, provided that the offender’s use of the employer’s motor vehicle is solely for the employer’s business purpose.” In other words, if you drive a company vehicle for work, then you can continue to drive that vehicle without an IID (after seeking an employment exemption through the SCDMV)—as long as this is your first offense. However, if you own your own business, you will not be able to drive a company vehicle unless you convince the court that “the vehicle’s ownership by the business serves a legitimate business purpose and the titling and registration for the vehicle by the business was not done to circumvent the intent of the law.”

The second is the medical exemption. This exemption applies if you have a medical condition that makes you “incapable of properly operating” an ignition interlock device. To secure a medical exemption under South Carolina’s ignition interlock device program, you must request a medical waiver from the SCDMV.

Avoiding Ignition Interlock Device Installation (and Other Penalties) After a DUI Arrest

The costs and challenges of dealing with South Carolina’s ignition interlock device program are just a few of the many reasons why you should fight your DUI. Fortunately, there are several potential defenses available, and an experienced DUI defense lawyer will be able to use the facts of your case to protect you to the fullest extent possible.

When you hire a DUI defense lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will evaluate all options for fighting your drunk driving charge and helping you avoid the consequences of a DUI conviction. Depending on the facts of your case, this may involve:

  • Challenging the legality or constitutionality of your traffic stop or arrest
  • Showing that the arresting officer failed to follow appropriate breath testing procedures
  • Showing that your BAC reading is invalid or unreliable
  • Raising other issues with your traffic stop, arrest, or BAC reading
  • Getting your charge reduced to a “wet reckless.”

Discuss Your Case with an Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer in Rock Hill, SC

If you need to know more about the consequences of getting a DUI in South Carolina and the defenses you may have available, we encourage you to contact us promptly. Call 803-328-8822 or get in touch online to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Rock Hill, SC.

10 Steps to Protect Yourself After a DUI Arrest in South Carolina

10 Steps to Protect Yourself After a DUI Arrest in South Carolina

When you get arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in South Carolina, you need to be very careful. Mistakes can be costly—and, typically, once you do something you shouldn’t have, there’s no way to take it back.

Driving under the influence is a crime in South Carolina; and, recently, we discussed some dos and don’ts for individuals who are facing criminal charges. In this article, we’re covering some additional steps you can (and should) take to protect yourself if you are awaiting trial on a DUI.

What Can (and Should) You Do to Protect Yourself After a DUI Arrest?

What should you do after a DUI arrest? To maximize your chances of a favorable outcome, you should:

1. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

If you are facing a DUI charge, you need to exercise your right to remain silent. At this point, you should not say anything about your case to anyone except your defense lawyer. Don’t talk to the police or prosecutors, don’t discuss your arrest with your friends or coworkers, and don’t post about your case online. The well-known saying is very true: Anything you say can and will be used against you.

2. Request an Administrative Hearing

To protect your driver’s license, you will need to request an administrative hearing. This is separate from your DUI trial. You can lose your driver’s license before your trial, and you will lose your license unless you request a hearing and assert a successful defense.

3. Take Detailed Notes About Your Arrest

As soon as possible, you should take detailed notes about your DUI arrest. Write down everything you can remember while the details are still fresh in your mind. Why did the officer say he or she pulled you over? Did the officer explain South Carolina’s implied consent law? Did the officer clearly explain how to perform the field sobriety tests? Did the officer read your Miranda rights? These are all critical details, and the more you can write down, the better.

4. Highlight Any Facts that Seem Especially Relevant

Once you write down everything you remember from the night (or day) of your arrest, you should highlight any facts that seem especially relevant. Are there any facts in particular that you think your lawyer might be able to use in your defense? Do you have reason to believe that you were profiled? Did you not understand how to take the breathalyzer or perform the field sobriety tests? If you have any reason to suspect that there may have been issues with your arrest, these are definitely details that you will want to discuss with your lawyer.

5. Make Sure You Know Your Court Date (and Hearing Date)

When you are facing a DUI charge in South Carolina, you need to make sure you know your court date. If you don’t show up on time, the judge could charge you with failure to appear. This could lead to a bench warrant being issued for your arrest, and it could have a variety of other consequences as well.

Likewise, once you request an administrative hearing, you need to make sure you know your hearing date, and you need to make plans to be there on time. If you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer can appear alongside you and present your arguments on your behalf.

6. Prepare for Your Initial Court Appearance (and Hearing)

While knowing your court date (and hearing date) is important, it is far from all you need to do to prepare. If you hire a lawyer, your lawyer will walk you through everything you need to know. Even if your job is just to stay silent while your lawyer speaks on your behalf, you still need to know how to dress, where to go, and what to expect when your court date (or hearing date) arrives.

7. Don’t Drive Drunk (and Don’t Drive At All if Your License is Suspended)

While you are awaiting trial on a DUI charge, it is extremely important that you don’t get arrested for drunk driving again. The easiest way to avoid this is to avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking. If you aren’t driving drunk, the police can’t catch you.

If your driver’s license is suspended, you need to avoid driving at all. Not only can driving on a suspended license lead to additional consequences, but it can negatively impact your DUI case as well.

8. Find Out if You Are Eligible for the Alcohol Education Program (AEP)

If this is your first DUI case, you may be able to avoid a conviction by entering into South Carolina’s Alcohol Education Program (AEP). While there are costs and time commitments involved, avoiding the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction will be well worth it if you are eligible to participate in the program.

9. Realistically Assess Your Options

If you aren’t eligible for the AEP, you will need to work with your lawyer to realistically assess your options. Does it make sense to fight for a “Not guilty” verdict at trial? Or, should you consider negotiating a plea bargain? While you shouldn’t give in if you have defenses available, you also shouldn’t take unnecessary risks when there are better alternatives.

10. Make Informed Decisions Based on Your Lawyer’s Advice

Ultimately, protecting yourself after a DUI arrest is all about making informed decisions. If you rely on your lawyer’s advice, you will put yourself in the best position possible to obtain a favorable resolution. While there are no guarantees, you can improve your chances of success, and doing so involves understanding how the law applies to your individual circumstances.

Discuss Your Case with a Rock Hill DUI Lawyer

Are you facing a DUI charge in South Carolina? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact us for more information. To schedule an appointment with an experienced Rock Hill DUI lawyer, give us a call at 803-328-8822 or request a free consultation online now.

Charged With a Crime? Here Are Some Dos & Don’ts

Charged With a Crime? Here Are Some Dos & Don’ts

Facing a criminal charge can be an incredibly daunting experience. The potential consequences and impact on your life can be significant. To navigate this challenging situation effectively, it’s crucial to understand what actions to take and what to avoid. Michael L. Brown, a prominent criminal law attorney, emphasizes the following important points for you to be aware of.

Dos:
The first and most important step is to contact a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. Even if you only suspect that a criminal charge may be filed against you, reaching out to a knowledgeable attorney is essential. This proactive approach can greatly assist you in fighting the charge. A skilled criminal lawyer can intervene on your behalf throughout the legal process, providing guidance and support. At the very least, they can help you understand the process of being charged and what to expect.

When working with your lawyer, ensure that you fully disclose your side of the story professionally and objectively. This open communication is vital in developing a strong defense strategy. Maintaining this level of professionalism when presenting your case in court is equally important. An articulate and well-communicated defense can significantly impact the jury and the judge, potentially increasing your chances of a favorable outcome. Practice your defense with your lawyer to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Don’ts:
Under no circumstances should you enter a plea without first seeking legal advice and assistance from your criminal lawyer. This applies to both major and minor offenses. It’s crucial to understand that any offense, regardless of its severity, can have long-lasting consequences for your future. Avoid discussing your case or signing statements without your criminal defense attorney’s knowledge and guidance. Any statements you make or discussions you have can potentially be used against you in court. Protect your rights and consult with your lawyer before engaging in any conversations related to your case.

Additionally, don’t wait to seek legal guidance when faced with a criminal charge. Time is of the essence, and immediate action is necessary. Contact a criminal attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected and you have the best possible defense strategy. Michael L. Brown, a trusted criminal lawyer from our firm, can assist you. Take the initiative and call his office to see how he can help you navigate your situation.

In summary, it’s important to act swiftly and wisely when confronted with a criminal charge. Reach out to a criminal lawyer, communicate openly and honestly with them, and seek their guidance throughout the process. Avoid making any decisions without proper legal advice and representation. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of a favorable outcome in your case.

Contact our firm immediately to understand how Michael L. Brown, our firm’s experienced criminal lawyer, can assist you. From providing personalized legal advice to building a robust defense strategy, Mr. Brown is dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome for your case.

Another important point to remember is to refrain from discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney. While it may be tempting to seek support or advice from friends or family, maintaining confidentiality is crucial. Anything you say about your case can potentially be used against you, so it’s best to limit discussions to those within the attorney-client privilege.

Furthermore, avoid posting about your case on social media or any public platform. Prosecutors and law enforcement authorities often monitor these platforms, and any information shared can harm your defense. Remember, online posts can easily be taken out of context or misconstrued, potentially weakening your position. It’s wise to maintain a low profile and let your attorney handle all communications related to your case.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of following your attorney’s advice and instructions throughout the legal process. Your attorney has the knowledge and experience to guide you through every step, from investigation to trial. Trust their expertise and be cooperative and responsive to their requests. Working together as a team can strengthen your defense and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

In conclusion, facing a criminal charge is a serious matter that requires immediate action and careful consideration. By contacting a criminal lawyer promptly, openly communicating with them, and seeking their guidance, you can effectively navigate the complexities of the legal system. Avoid making decisions without legal advice, maintain confidentiality, and heed the advice of your attorney throughout the process. With the support of Michael L. Brown, a skilled criminal lawyer, you can confidently face your charge and work towards a favorable resolution. Don’t delay; take the necessary steps to protect your rights and secure your future.

What Are Your Rights if Prosecutors Hide Evidence in South Carolina?

What Are Your Rights if Prosecutors Hide Evidence in South Carolina?

As a criminal defendant in South Carolina, you have the constitutional right to a fair trial. Among other things, this means that you have the right to ensure that the judge or jury hears all relevant evidence—including evidence in the government’s possession that is favorable to your defense.

So, what happens if prosecutors hide this evidence?

Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon scenario. In fact, The Appeal, a nonprofit dedicated to exposing flaws in the U.S. criminal justice system, refers to prosecutors withholding evidence as an “epidemic.” While the good news is that defendants have clear legal rights when prosecutors hide exculpatory evidence, asserting these rights often proves challenging.

Understanding Brady Violations: When Prosecutors Withhold Exculpatory Evidence

Withholding exculpatory evidence is so common that it has its own legal term: A Brady violation. As the Legal Information Institute (LII) explains:

“The Brady Rule . . . requires prosecutors to disclose materially exculpatory evidence in the government’s possession to the defense. . . . ‘Brady material’ or evidence the prosecutor is required to disclose under this rule includes any evidence favorable to the accused–evidence that goes towards negating a defendant’s guilt, that would reduce a defendant’s potential sentence, or evidence going to the credibility of a witness.”

While there used to be a requirement for defendants to request exculpatory evidence before courts would find a Brady violation, this is no longer the case. As the LII further explains, “the Supreme Court has eliminated the requirement for a defendant to have requested favorable information, stating that the Prosecution has a constitutional duty to disclose.”

Even so, the prosecution’s failure to disclose evidence that is favorable to a defendant does not constitute a Brady violation in all cases. As noted in the quote from LII above, the evidence in question must be both “material” and “exculpatory.” For evidence to be considered “material,” it must have the potential to influence the judge’s or jury’s decision regarding guilt. For evidence to be considered “exculpatory,” it must be significant enough that it could reasonably lead to an acquittal.

What types of evidence can qualify as “material” and “exculpatory”? Some possible examples include:

  • Physical evidence that indicates you might not have committed the crime
  • Police reports or other records that indicate you might not have committed the crime
  • Evidence of police misconduct (i.e., racial profiling or violating your Miranda rights)
  • Information about a deal between the prosecution and an informant
  • Information that discredits a witness or casts doubt on a witness’s testimony
  • Information that casts doubt on the truthfulness of an alleged victim’s story

It is important to note, however, that the potential impact of evidence is judged on a case-by-case basis. In other words, evidence that might trigger a Brady violation in one case won’t necessarily trigger a Brady violation in another. The key question is whether the judge or jury in your case would be likely to rule in your favor if the evidence at issue was properly disclosed.

How Do You Prove the Prosecution is Withholding Evidence?

If you believe the prosecution is withholding evidence in your case, you have a few primary options available. Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be possible to prove a Brady violation by:

  • Using Other Evidence That Is Available – In some cases, it will be possible to use one piece of evidence (or multiple pieces of evidence) to prove that the prosecution is withholding another piece of evidence that is directly relevant to your defense.
  • Filing a Brady Motion – Another option is to file a Brady motion, which compels the prosecution to disclose any material and exculpatory evidence in its possession. In addition to disclosing any evidence they have intentionally withheld, prosecutors must also determine whether they have inadvertently failed to disclose any material and exculpatory evidence in the government’s possession.
  • Exposing the Violation At Trial – A third option is to expose the violation at trial. By questioning witnesses and presenting other evidence, your defense lawyer may be able to show that evidence is being withheld.

Are You Entitled to a “Not Guilty” Verdict if Prosecutors Withhold Exculpatory Evidence?

If prosecutors withhold exculpatory evidence in your case, this does not automatically entitle you to a “not guilty” verdict. Rather, the appropriate remedy will depend on the effect of the non-disclosure on your case. If it is still early in your case, the judge might decide that the Brady violation has not impacted your right to justice and your case should move forward. The judge may also simply require that the prosecution produce the evidence so that it can receive due consideration during your trial.

However, if neither of these outcomes adequately protect your right to justice, then you may be entitled to a mistrial or to have your charges dismissed. Having your charges dismissed is the best-case scenario, and you will want to work closely with your defense lawyer to target this outcome if it is warranted.

What If You Find Out After Your Trial that the Prosecution Withheld Exculpatory Evidence?

If you discover that the prosecution withheld exculpatory evidence after the fact, this is a different situation entirely. An unjust conviction can entitle you to a new trial, if not a reversal and dismissal. You may also be able to seek relief based on prosecutorial misconduct. Here, too, you will need to work with an experienced defense lawyer who can examine the facts of your case, determine if the withheld evidence was material and exculpatory, and determine the best way to seek justice for your wrongful conviction.

Discuss Your Case with Rock Hill, SC Defense Lawyer Michael L. Brown, Jr.

If you believe prosecutors have withheld exculpatory evidence in your criminal case, we encourage you to contact us promptly for a free consultation. To discuss your case with Rock Hill, SC criminal defense lawyer Michael L. Brown, Jr. in confidence as soon as possible, call 803-328-8822 or tell us how we can reach you online now.

What Does a Criminal Lawyer Do?

What Does a Criminal Lawyer Do?

Being charged with a crime is an emotional event. But regardless of the circumstances, it’s not something you should attempt to handle on your own. During a stressful time like this, you should be working with an experienced criminal lawyer on your case. South Carolina criminal defense attorney Michael L. Brown, Jr. wants you to know the following about what a criminal lawyer does and how they can help you.

The Discovery Process. The first thing your defense attorney should do is file a motion for discovery in your case. In South Carolina, this is often referred to as a Rule 5 motion or a Brady Motion. A properly filed motion will trigger a duty for law enforcement to provide a copy of the material evidence in the case against you. South Carolina Court Rule 5 requires that law enforcement provide this information within 30 days of filing the discovery motion.

  • Warning. Beware of any attorney that guarantees a resolution in your case during your first meeting or consultation. No attorney can give you their professional opinion about the case without seeing the evidence against you after filing for discovery.

The Negotiation Process. After the discovery process, your attorney should begin negotiations with the prosecuting agency in the case. Typically, the prosecutor will provide the defense with a plea offer after discovery has been exchanged. A plea offer is an offer by the prosecution to plead to a certain charge for a specific result in the sentencing. Once your attorney has negotiated the best plea offer available in your case, your attorney should schedule a meeting with you to review the benefits of such an offer.

  • Diversion Programs. Sometimes the plea offer will include an offer to enter in a diversion program. There are several diversion programs in South Carolina. These programs require the defendant to accomplish specific tasks (e.g., counseling, drug treatment, community service) in exchange for a dismissal. The most frequently used diversion programs in South Carolina are Pre-Trial Intervention, Conditional Discharge, and Alcohol Diversion Program.

Litigation. If you and your defense team are unable to agree on a plea deal, the result is often to litigate the case. When hiring an attorney, you want to decide on an attorney who has significant litigation skills. A criminal trial is a complex proceeding where your attorney will present both legal and factual defenses in your case. You want an attorney who is both academic in their study of the law and persuasive in their ability to convince a jury as to why you are innocent. This is the most important skill a good defense attorney must have to be competitive in the criminal defense industry.

Most importantly, a good criminal defense attorney should act in your best interests at all stages of representation.

If you are charged with any of the following crimes, you should call a criminal defense attorney for help:

  • Driving Under the Influence/Driving at an Unlawful Alcohol Content (DUI/DUAC).
  • Criminal Domestic Violence
  • Drug Offenses for Narcotic Drugs or Prescription Medication
  • Crimes of Violence, such as Assault and Battery, Murder, and Kidnapping.
  • Crimes Involving Theft, such as Petit Larceny, Breach of Trust, Shoplifting, and Property Enhancements.
  • Traffic Offenses such as Driving Under Suspension, Reckless Driving, and Hit and Run.

Of course, there are many other types of criminal charges. If you’re facing any type of charge, call a South Carolina criminal lawyer to see if your case qualifies. Take Michael L. Brown, Jr., and Zach Merritt criminal attorneys free consultation based in Rock Hill, SC. Our experience and passion for criminal law mean we’ll fight for the justice you deserve. Trust us to stand up for your rights in court.

Call Now Button