Charleston Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing a criminal charge can be a daunting and challenging experience. You may feel fearful, uncertain about the future, and unsure of your rights. Legal systems can be extremely complex to navigate, and you should not try to fight any criminal charge on your own.

An experienced Charleston criminal defense lawyer could advocate on your behalf through every step of the legal proceedings and protect your constitutional rights. An attorney could also evaluate the most effective defense strategies to challenge the charge you are facing.

Commonly Charged Misdemeanor Offenses

Misdemeanors are less serious crimes than felonies. State level misdemeanors are punishable by up to three years in jail, while state level felonies are punishable by more than three years. South Carolina classifies misdemeanors into three classes, from A to C, with Class A misdemeanors being the most serious.

Class A misdemeanors include:

• Assault and battery
• DUI with injury
• Shoplifting items valued between $2,000 and $10,000
• Vandalism
• Joyriding
• Sending obscene messages without consent

Class B misdemeanors include:

• Trespassing
• Possession of marijuana (for first-time offenders)
• Disorderly conduct
• Using counterfeit tickets
• Rioting
• Submitting a false claim for benefits

Class C misdemeanors include:

• Public intoxication
• Driving without a license
• Harassment
• Hazing
• Discharging a laser at an aircraft
• Fraudulent registration or voting
• Impersonating a police officer

Penalties for misdemeanors may include jail time, fines, probation, community service, or restitution. An individual should hire a criminal defense lawyer in Charleston to protect their rights and future. A lawyer could help them navigate the legal system, build a defense, and challenge the prosecutor’s evidence.

Felony Crimes and Penalties

South Carolina classifies felonies into six classes, from A to F, with Class A being the most serious. The class of felony determines the severity of the sentence.

Frequently charged Class A felonies include:

• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Armed robbery
• Attempted murder
• Robbery while armed with a deadly weapon
• Criminal sexual conduct—first degree

Class B felonies include:

• Drug trafficking
• Manslaughter (including vehicular)
• Second-degree arson

Class C felonies include:

• Carjacking
• Aggravated assault and battery
• Attempted armed robbery

Class D felonies include:

• Burglary
• Stalking
• Embezzlement
• Forgery

Even lower-level Class E felonies (such as identity theft and cruelty to animals) and Class F felonies (such as failure to register as a sex offender) can result in harsh legal consequences. Penalties can range from life in prison or even the death penalty for certain Class A felonies to 20 years in prison for Class C felonies and up to five years in jail for some Class F felonies.

A Charleston criminal defense attorney could help protect an individual’s constitutional rights from their first contact with authorities. They could also help them understand the laws surrounding their case, analyze the evidence, anticipate the prosecution’s strategies, and develop a defense plan.

Call a Charleston Criminal Defense Attorney for Assistance

A Charleston criminal defense lawyer understands the complexities of the relevant laws and could tailor your defense to the circumstances of your charge. Defense strategies could include challenging evidence admissibility, negotiating plea deals, and even seeking a reduction or dismissal of your charge depending on the facts at hand.

A skilled criminal attorney could be your most important ally when facing criminal charges, providing unwavering guidance and support throughout the legal process. Contact the experienced attorneys at our firm today to request your free case evaluation.