Forest Acres Criminal Lawyer

Defense Attorney in Forest Acres, South CarolinaFacing a criminal charge could be overwhelming to an individual and their family. You may not know where to turn or how to proceed. An experienced Forest Acres criminal attorney could help put your mind at ease.

If you are charged with a crime in Forest Acres, contact a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to schedule a consultation to learn more about your rights and options. You do not have to face a criminal charge alone.

Assault and Battery

Assault can occur even when no battery occurs. This is because the crime of assault refers to causing the immediate apprehension of an imminent harm. For example, if a person tries to commit a battery by throwing an object at another person, but that person ducks and the object misses, the person attempting the batter could be charged with assault.

The crimes of assault and battery occur when harmful or offensive contact is actually caused. The punishment for assault, and assault and battery, is the same. Battery and assault, third degree, is a misdemeanor and if convicted, a defendant could face 30 days in jail and a $500.

Illegally Carrying a Concealed Weapon

A license is required to legally carry a concealed firearm in Forrest Acres. A person charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon without the proper permit could face up to a one-year jail sentence.

Marijuana Possession Less than One Ounce

Even though marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance in South Carolina, in small quantities it is sometimes treated more lightly than other controlled substances. If a person is charged for the first time with the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, it will be a misdemeanor which could result in confinement for no more than 30 days and a fine of up to $200.

It is sometimes the case that the court in Forrest Acres allows a defendant to enter a pretrial intervention program (PTI) or enter a conditional discharge. Such a program requires them to complete an approved drug abuse class. Successful completion of this program could result in a much more lenient treatment of a defendant’s case. A dedicated criminal lawyer in Forest Acres could advocate for a client to be allowed to enter such a program.

Controlled Substance Possession

With regards to controlled substances other than less than one ounce of marijuana, the law in Forest Acres varies depending on the drug and the amount. Although South Carolina classifies drugs according to schedules, the schedule which a drug is labeled is not always indicative of the punishments associated with that substance. For example, the possession of less than one gram of cocaine is punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a $5000 fine upon conviction. This is also the case with the possession of less than one gram of methamphetamine. If charged with such an offense, a Forest Acres criminal lawyer could argue for a defendant to be released under the condition that they enter into and complete a rehabilitation program.

Controlled Substance Sale or Distribution

The possession of more than a gram of certain drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, will establish a prima facie case that the defendant had the intent to sell or distribute that substance. A Forest Acres criminal attorney could be particularly valuable in convincing the court that such an intention did not exist. The maximum penalty for sale or distribution, in either case, is 15 years in prison and a fine of $25,000.

Driving Under the Influence

The penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in Forrest Acres depend on a number of factors. First, it depends on whether a defendant has had a previous conviction for DUI. Second, it depends on the defendant’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest.

For a first conviction, and a BAC of above 0.08% but less than 0.10%, there is a mandatory jail sentence of 48 hours and a $400 fine. This jail sentence could be replaced by 48 hours of community service, however. A Forrest Acres criminal attorney could negotiate such an arrangement with the court on a defendant’s behalf.

A Forest Acres Criminal Defense Attorney Could Help

Being accused of a crime could have tremendous consequences. A conviction could affect your livelihood and your future. Do not fight these charges alone. A skilled lawyer could help you combat the charges ag.

A Forest Acres criminal defense attorney could help build your defense and help you prove your innocence. Do not delay. Call today to learn about your legal options.