Punishments for criminal convictions are partially determined by pre-written and universally applied laws and partially by the discretion of judges. In a criminal trial, the jury decides whether the defendant is innocent or guilty of the charges, and if they find the defendant guilty, the judge decides the punishment. In many cases, the judge can […]
Mental Illness as a Criminal Defense in South Carolina
In fictional dramas, you have probably seen defendants pleading “not guilty by reason of insanity.” If you have never witnessed firsthand the criminal case against a defendant with a mental illness, you may have some incorrect assumptions about how a defendant’s mental health affects the way that South Carolina criminal defense lawyers respond to the […]
What Happens When You Get Arrested in South Carolina?
For most people, getting arrested is a frightening and stressful situation. If you do not have experience with the criminal justice system and are not sure what to expect, the unfamiliarity and fear can make a tough circumstance even more difficult. For this reason, you need a criminal defense attorney to help you understand what […]
How Do Insurance Companies Calculate Pain and Suffering From a Car Accident?
If you were in a car accident in South Carolina, you may have questions about the potential value of your claim. While calculating damages related to car repairs, medical bills, and lost wages is easy because you have receipts and bills to back them up, assigning a value to your pain and suffering is more […]
Uninsured Motorist Kills South Carolina Man in Long Auto Accident
South Carolina’s Highway Patrol is reporting a fatal accident involving a moped driver and a passenger vehicle, according to a recent WBTV news report. The 39-year-old moped driver was killed when a Chrysler 300 hit the moped from behind. The accident occurred near Charter Drive and Turn Plow Drive in Long. The driver of the […]
What to Expect in Your South Carolina Criminal Defense Case
When someone experiences a criminal arrest and charge, the resulting consequences can be both frustrating and life-altering, depending on the specifics of the situation. While it is true that many criminal defense cases begin with an actual arrest by law enforcement officers, some defendants actually are made aware that they are the subject of criminal […]
South Carolina Drivers Ranked Third Worst in the Nation, Study Shows
A 2016 study conducted by CarInsuranceComparison.com (CIC) based on recent data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found South Carolina drivers rank the third worst in the nation, according to a news report issued by the Post and Courier. Data used in the study cites statistics analyzed for roadway fatalities, careless driving, […]
In South Carolina, Can Wrongful Death Be Claimed in Auto Accidents?
Like most civil lawsuits, in a personal injury case a plaintiff – or the person initiating the lawsuit in court – bears the burden of proof. This applies to both establishing that an injury occurred for which monetary compensation is an adequate remedy and that the fault of the accident was the defendant’s. Because determining […]
What is Considered a “Violent Crime” in South Carolina?
South Carolina criminal law, like similar criminal laws of other states across the nation, separates its criminal offenses into “violent” and “nonviolent” crimes. When someone mentions the term “violent crime” it often brings up extremely graphic images in your mind of blood and severe injury – even death of another. While this scenario is a […]
What Is Considered White-Collar Crime in South Carolina?
The term “white-collar” crime is commonly used to describe nonviolent crimes. Typically, these offenses may be committed by business and/or government professionals who are motivated by making money. As has been seen in the news over the past several years, a single white-collar crime can take down a business or a family financially by wiping […]