Our firm handles all types of alcohol related crimes

These types of cases can include:

• Public Intoxication
• Disorderly Conduct
• Open Container
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol
• Sale Alcohol to a Person Under Twenty-one Years of Age

Whether you were out on King Street and had too much to drink, a college freshman attending a party, having a friend with an open container in the car while you’re driving, or any other number of scenarios, alcohol violations occur everyday. Most of these types of cases are handled in magistrate or municipal court. However, a conviction for one of these crimes can have serious collateral consequences. If you’re facing an alcohol related charge, allow me to work to get you the best result possible.

Drug Charges

From simple possession of marijuana to trafficking charges. Drug offenses can include:

• Possession
• Possession with Intent to Distribute
• Distribution
• Trafficking

We all enjoy rights under the Federal and State Constitutions. One of these rights is the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. When representing a client on a drug charge, it is important to review all the evidence that led the police to find any drugs. One of the most important things is to determine whether police officers had probable cause to search a defendant. An experienced criminal defense attorney is able to review evidence and conduct an independent investigation into whether a search was legal. Every drug case is unique and therefore every strategy in representing a client charged with a drug offense is unique. I will review and assess your case and create a strategy unique to you and your needs.

Domestic Violence

These crimes include:

• Domestic Violence, First Degree
• Domestic Violence, Second Degree
• Domestic Violence, Third Degree
• Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature

Charges of any type of domestic violence are serious. Penalties include lengthy jail sentences, high fines, and collateral consequences such as the loss of the right to own, transport, or possess firearms or ammunition. Domestic violence cases can be especially complicated due to the nature of the relationship between the accused and the alleged victim. In South Carolina, domestic violence requires some type of action against a household member. A house hold member is defined as a spouse, former spouse, persons who have a child in common, and persons who are cohabiting or formerly have cohabited. Defending domestic violence cases requires a careful investigation of any allegation.

Municipal and Magistrate Offenses

Common offenses handled in these courts are:

• Traffic Violations
• Driving Under the Influence, First Offense
• Disorderly Conduct
• Open Container
• Public Intoxication
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol
• Possession of a Fake ID
• Simple Possession of Marijuana
• Assault and Battery, Third Degree
• Domestic Violence, Third Degree

However, many people think that misdemeanors don’t matter because they’re misdemeanors. However, a conviction of any magistrate or municipal offense can seriously affect employment opportunities, college aid, or housing opportunities immediately or in the future. You are entitled to the same Constitutional rights in municipal and magistrate court as you are in any other criminal court.

An additional advantage of hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney in magistrate or municipal courts is often the attorney can appear instead of the client for required appearances. Criminal cases in magistrate or municipal courts tend to move relatively quickly so it is imperative to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to begin an aggressive and effective defense immediately.

Crimes Involving Property

Some of the most widely charged of these crimes are:

• Shoplifting
• Malicious Injury to Personal Property
• Malicious Injury to Real Property
• Burglary
• Arson
• Breach of Trust
• Trespass

A conviction of a property related crime is serious as a conviction can result in a prison sentence, fine, and collateral consequences. These convictions can especially harm employment opportunities as convictions of these crimes implies dishonesty on behalf of the defendant. However, just because a person is charged with a crime does not mean that they are dishonest. Property crimes can be either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the value of property involved or the alleged actions of the defendant When facing a property crime charge, there is too much at risk to not be represented by an attorney. Contact my office today for a free consultation.

Sexual Assault Cases

These types of cases can include:

• Criminal Sexual Conduct, First Degree
• Criminal Sexual Conduct, Second Degree
• Criminal Sexual Conduct, Third Degree
• Indecent Exposure
• Obscenity
• Prostitution
• Solicitation of Prostitution

Crimes involving allegations of sexual misconduct are very serious in South Carolina. Individuals convicted of these crimes can face lengthy prison sentences, registry on the sex offender registry, and other penalties. Additionally, people facing allegations of sexual misconduct face a stigma from society. In these cases, it is important to thoroughly examine and investigate every statement in any allegation made against an individual. Facing a sex crime charge is daunting and at times embarrassing; however, without a lawyer working hard on your behalf, a bad situation can become much worse. Each one of these cases is very unique, let me put my experience to work for you. If you are facing a sex crime charge in Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester or any other county in South Carolina, call me today for a free consultation. As soon as I’m retained, we can work together to develop a strategy for your unique case.

Violent Offenses

Types of violent offenses can include:

• Attempted murder and murder
• Involuntary manslaughter and manslaughter
• Assault and battery cases, including assault and battery first, second and third degree
• Aggravated assault and battery
• Burglary and robbery cases
• Armed robbery
• Kidnapping
• Weapons violations

A conviction for any of these crimes can be punished by years long incarceration depending on the offense. When defending a crime such as this it is important to review the evidence to ensure the State has charged the appropriate offense instead of a higher level offense.

Defenses and mitigation can be discovered by an experienced criminal defense attorney through a review of all the State’s evidence and if warranted an independent investigation into the incident. These offenses are very serious and represent a real threat to your future.