Every profession has its stereotypes, which often manifest themselves in annoying questions from presumably well-intentioned party guests. Ph.D. students in the humanities get tired of being asked, “So, what are you going to do with that degree?” Physicians cringe when party guests ask them, “What do you make of these symptoms?” before rolling up their […]
Plea Bargains: Should You Take One in South Carolina?
When you see criminal defense attorneys on fictional television shows, you usually see them defending their clients in a trial before a jury. In reality, only a fraction of legal cases end up going to trial. This is true in criminal law as well as in civil cases, such as divorce cases. In the criminal […]
Sex Crimes & Wrongful Convictions in South Carolina
Sexual harassment and sex crimes are a big part of the news right now. From major stories covering producer Harvey Weinstein, to news anchors, directors, heads of major studios, and even those covering police officers — society is becoming more and more comfortable talking about criminal justice and defense issues that affect many sectors. But […]
Mandatory Minimum Sentences in South Carolina
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
How Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Lead to Criminal Behavior
If you are facing criminal charges and also suffering from the effects of a traumatic brain injury, you might be surprised to find out that the two could be related. A traumatic brain injury can impact your ability to make positive and rational decisions. It could lead to you being manipulated by others, without realizing […]
