In recent years, the state of South Carolina has implemented a number of changes to its domestic violence laws, with the goal of increasing penalties for those found guilty of such offenses. However, this push to combat domestic violence in South Carolina has resulted in a wide net being cast, which has led to many innocent individuals being caught up in the legal system. Many people are charged with domestic violence based on a neighbor’s complaint. Some police officers will tell couples, “If someone calls the police to report domestic violence, we have to take someone to jail in most situat ..read more

In recent years, the state of South Carolina has implemented a number of changes to its domestic violence laws, with the goal of increasing penalties for those found guilty of such offenses. However, this push to combat domestic violence in South Carolina has resulted in a wide net being cast, which has led to many innocent individuals being caught up in the legal system. Many people are charged with domestic violence based on a neighbor’s complaint, some police officers will tell couples, “If someone calls the police to report domestic violence, we have to take someone to jail in most situati ..read more

DUI charges in SC can happen to anyone. Politicians, police officers, lawyers, doctors, school teachers, you name it – the list goes on. In fact, some police officers will arrest a person for DUI just because they detect the odor of alcohol – regardless of how the person performs on the field sobriety tests. Whatever the case, chances are you are reading this because either you or someone you know has been charged with DUI in SC and you need to educate yourself on South Carolina DUI Law. In this article we’re going to cover: The elements of a DUI charge in SC, The difference between DUI and ..read more

When it comes to shoplifting and retail theft charges in South Carolina, it’s all too easy to assume the two are one and the same. They sound similar enough, so surely there cannot be much of a difference—right? The two charges are often confused with each other. However, shoplifting and retail theft are separate charges for a reason. In South Carolina, the implications and consequences of each one are far from the same. It is important that you know the difference in the unfortunate event you find yourself faced with either of these charges. Shoplifting Basics There are several different way ..read more

In Union County, South Carolina, a court clerk in the county’s child support office stole more than $10,000 over five years from the Domestic Relations account. After an investigation uncovered her crime, she lost her job and was arrested on felony charges and held on a $30,000 bond while awaiting trial. The Union County court clerk was trusted to handle $10,000 in public funds but instead stole the $10,000 and was charged with embezzlement. In South Carolina, being charged with embezzlement is a serious crime. A conviction of embezzlement could alter your entire future—including your job, fi ..read more

While attending a party one evening, you lock eyes with a woman. After gaining some confidence, the two of you share some drinks. It is now the end of the night and you head to a room together. The next thing you know, you are faced with a criminal sexual conduct (CSC)/rape charge. These are serious charges that come with heavy, long-term consequences. If you have been charged with CSC or rape in South Carolina, you probably have a few questions about how these charges can impact your life–and to what extent. We shed some light on these serious charges and how a conviction can affect your fut ..read more

If you have been charged with burglary in SC, or if you think you are under investigation for burglary, you probably have some pressing questions surrounding the facts of the case. If you want to read specifically about the fines, penalties and jail time associated with burglary in South Carolina then check out this article. Otherwise, let’s get started! First, let’s define the three elements of a burglary as they apply in South Carolina. 1. What is the definition of burglary? Burglary is the unauthorized entry into a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. 2 ..read more

If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in SC, there is a good chance your license has been suspended for an implied consent violation or a BAC violation (Blood Alcohol Violation). And, if you are convicted of DUI, your license could be suspended again. The FIRST THING we do for our DUI clients is to determine 1) whether your license is suspended and 2) how to get you back on the road so you can drive to work and get where you need to go. In this article, we will look at the basics of DUI license suspensions in SC, including: Implied consent suspensions (Refusal to Bl ..read more

If you have been charged with burglary in SC, or if you think you are under investigation for burglary, stop what you are doing right now and call a criminal defense lawyer – before you talk to police or investigators. Depending on the facts of a case, even a first-offense burglary charge could be charged as first-degree, which carries a potential sentence of life in prison, and you need an experienced Charleston, SC burglary defense attorney on your side immediately. Below, we will go over the basics of burglary charges in SC, including: Burglary 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-degree charges, The differ ..read more

Sexual assault, rape, or criminal sexual conduct (CSC) charges are serious allegations that can destroy a person’s life. Even if you are 100% innocent, the simple accusation carries a stigma that can follow a person for the rest of their life. The consequences for a conviction can be severe as well, and could include mandatory minimum prison sentences, lifetime registration on the sex offender registry, and even a requirement that you wear an ankle monitor for the rest of your life. In this article you will learn: When assault and battery is considered a “lewd act,” The difference between ra ..read more