Clemson Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you face allegations of a criminal offense, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. Whether you face a misdemeanor or felony level offense, your rights are at risk if you fail to properly defend your case. Criminal penalties can be severe, including the possibility of long prison sentences, high fines, and the loss of certain constitutional rights. A legal defense may result in reduction of the charges against you or dismissal of the charges altogether.

Every case is unique. An experienced Clemson criminal defense lawyer will analyze your case for the right defensive tactics.

Types of Criminal Offenses

State law provides for several different categories of criminal offenses. Some are much more serious than others, but every criminal charge deserves a proper defense. Civil offenses such as traffic tickets often carry a fine but are unlikely to result in incarceration of any kind. Misdemeanors are more serious criminal offenses and can result in up to one year in prison and higher fines. A defendant charged with a felony faces very serious charges. The potential for long prison sentences, high fines, and the loss of rights such as the right to vote and carry a gun may occur.

Probation & Parole

As an alternative to incarceration, state law permits probation or parole under certain circumstances. This allows the defendant to serve part of their sentence while not in prison. This requires that the defendant follow very strict requirements set by the court. If the defendant fails to follow these requirements they could see that probation or parole revoked, and may even face additional criminal penalties. A qualified defense attorney in Clemson can help a defendant understand these requirements and help avoid additional penalties.

Commonly Charged Crimes in South Carolina

State law provides for a wide variety of crimes, way more than can be listed here. Certain broad categories of offenses exist and demonstrate the types of criminal offenses that are commonly charged within the state:

  • Theft offenses: robbery, burglary
  • Offenses of violence: murder, assault, domestic violence
  • Fraud offenses
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Drug offenses: possession, distribution, manufacture
  • Sex Offenses: rape, sexual assault, incest

The best way to handle any type of criminal offense is to hire an attorney who knows the gambit of criminal law defense work. An attorney competent in all of these areas can provide a tailored defense for the defendant’s specific situation.

How to Defend Against Criminal Charges

A strong defense is designed through a thorough analysis of the defendant unique circumstances. A “one-size-fits-all” defense simply does not cut it. Every defendant deserves a defense suited to their case.

Some commonly effective defenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Use of a suppression motion
  • Cross-examining witnesses
  • Demonstrating an alibi
  • Demonstrate reasonable doubt
  • Prove mistaken identity

Every criminal charge is different, as is every defendant. The defendant needs an criminal defense attorney who knows state criminal law and can build an effective defense.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in Clemson Today

When you face criminal charges it can feel hopeless to fight back, often because the prosecutor tells you it is hopeless. It is not hopeless. Every defendant deserves to have their case analyzed and a unique defense built for them; including you. Contact an experienced Clemson criminal defense lawyer to get started today.