by William Hodge | Sep 1, 2021 | Criminal Defense
What is Implied Consent? If a police officer in South Carolina pulls you over on suspicion of drunk driving, they will likely ask you to submit to chemical testing to measure your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). But can you get into trouble for refusing to take...
by William Hodge | Sep 1, 2021 | Criminal Defense
South Carolina DUI Penalties Were you recently charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Columbia, SC? If so, you could face some severe penalties, including: Jail time Driver’s license suspensions Fines Ignition interlock requirements Mandatory counselling...
by Cynthia Giles | Jan 9, 2021 | Criminal Defense
UNDERSTANDING BURGLARY CHARGES IN COLUMBIA, SC Burglary is a serious offense. Under South Carolina law, those convicted of burglary face significant jail or prison time, depending on the classification and severity of the offense. The defense of a burglary charge is...
by Cynthia Giles | Jan 9, 2021 | Criminal Defense
THE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF A SOUTH CAROLINA DRUG CONVICTION Drug charges carry some of the most strict consequences of all criminal offenses. In addition to lengthier prison sentences and fines, drug convictions can also result in collateral consequences, such as the...
by Cynthia Giles | Jan 9, 2021 | Criminal Defense
What is Implied Consent? If a police officer in South Carolina pulls you over on suspicion of drunk driving, they will likely ask you to submit to chemical testing to measure your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). But can you get into trouble for refusing to take...
by Cynthia Giles | Jan 9, 2021 | Criminal Defense
HOW A JUVENILE RECORD CAN AFFECT DEFENDANTS FOR YEARS TO COME All too often, juvenile defendants fail to appreciate the long-lasting consequences of a criminal case. A simple, youthful mistake can turn into a criminal record which follows a teenager well into adult...
by Cynthia Giles | Jan 9, 2021 | Criminal Defense
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN STOPPED FOR SHOPLIFTING Being stopped for shoplifting can be an unsettling experience. Your heart might be pumping, and you might be completely innocent. Your top priority should be to avoid digging a hole for yourself. Follow these tips to...
by Cynthia Giles | Jan 9, 2021 | Criminal Defense
YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA USE MIGHT HURT YOUR CRIMINAL DEFENSE Increasingly, many people are documenting their lives online using popular social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Unfortunately, what you post online might come back to haunt you. As...
by Cynthia Giles | Jan 9, 2021 | Criminal Defense
SHOULD CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS TESTIFY IN THEIR OWN DEFENSE? The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants you a privilege against self-incrimination. This means the prosecutor cannot force you to testify at your criminal trial, but you always retain the right to...
by Cynthia Giles | Jan 9, 2021 | Criminal Defense
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STATE AND FEDERAL CRIME? Don’t make a federal crime out of it. We’ve all heard the phrase, but what does it really mean? What’s the difference between a federal crime and a state crime? This distinction can be very important if you’re...
