COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL CRIMES

Aggressive Representation at Affordable Prices

One of the most important aspects of my job as a criminal defense attorney is helping my clients get another chance to turn their lives around. Nowhere is this more important than in the juvenile and young adult representation I provide. As a Columbia student crime lawyer, I am able to make a difference in the lives of the young people I represent.

When you work with my law firm, William A. Hodge, Attorney at Law, you will benefit from my experience as a former state prosecutor and my honest, straightforward approach. I will give you a realistic understanding of every aspect of your case. While some attorneys give their clients unrealistic expectations and outlandish guarantees, I think it is more important to have an accurate understanding of the reality of the situation — the good and the bad — so you can make intelligent decisions.

COLLEGE CRIMES

Many of my cases come from the University of South Carolina, and I also represent students from all of the local colleges in criminal defense matters that include:

  • UNDERAGE DRINKING
  • DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
  • DISORDERLY CONDUCT
  • DRUG POSSESSION
    Including minor in possession and other drug- and alcohol-related crimes
  • THEFT CRIMES
    Read more on theft crimes
  • RECKLESS DRIVING
  • VIOLENT CRIMES
    Read more on violent crimes
  • CONTRIBUTING ALCOHOL TO A MINOR

In too many cases, the criminal law regulating alcohol simply does not reflect the reality of the situation. If you are 21 years old, you could face serious criminal charges if you buy beer for your girlfriend who might be a month or two younger than you, but is still underage. More than ever, South Carolina has been trying to curtail some of the crime in the bar scene in recent years, which results in these types of charges.

JUVENILE CRIMES

As a former state prosecutor, I handled juvenile matters, including matters involving very serious crimes, and I have been appointed to handle a number of juvenile cases since becoming a criminal defense lawyer. I know the ins and outs of the juvenile court system and its unique approach.

On the surface, juvenile court looks a lot like regular criminal court: Someone does something against the law, is brought into the justice system and ultimately receives some kind of penalty. Juvenile court has an entirely different approach. Instead of focusing on the penalty aspect of the proceedings, the primary goal of the juvenile court is helping find solutions for young people. It is more of a rehabilitative process. Whenever possible, the juvenile court looks to find the best programs and resources to help prevent this type of activity from happening again in the future.

I really enjoy my juvenile defense work because it gives me an opportunity to really impact the lives of some young people, to help them turn their lives around before it’s too late.

PRETRIAL INTERVENTION

Whenever possible, I help my clients get a pretrial intervention (PTI). PTI is a program that looks somewhat like probation. If you qualify as a first-time offender, PTI is a chance to go through something like a probationary period, and if you get through that period with no further infractions, the charges are expunged from your permanent record.

CONTACT ME TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

I would love to help you in any way I can. I offer free initial consultations, so even if you don’t end up hiring me, I will talk with you about your criminal defense matter. Call 803-457-2216 or email me.

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