Summerville Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being the subject of a criminal investigation or accusation can be a difficult situation for anyone, no matter the charges you face. Not only are there potential consequences for conviction and jail time, but you also face months of uncertainty on how a charge may impact your future. The Summerville criminal defense lawyers at Shelbourne Law is equipped with the knowledge and courtroom experience to provide you with skilled and passionate representation, while also taking the time to thoroughly explain your rights and case strategy.
Whether you have been charged or have reason to believe you are about to be, we can guide you through the process and make sure your rights are protected. There is little to nothing you should be doing on your own when navigating the criminal justice process. When you hire Shelbourne Law, you are not only hiring someone who will stand up for you, but you are placing your future in our hands, which is a matter we do not take lightly.
Our lawyers represent individuals facing both misdemeanors and felony charges, including:
- Driving under the influence
- Driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration
- Driving under suspension
- Habitual traffic offender
- Drug possession
- Assault and battery
South Carolina Criminal Defense – Understanding the Process
There are many steps to a criminal charge. You can expect to have multiple court dates before your trial date. Being empowered when you face criminal charges begins with understanding what is to come.
Pre-Arrest Investigation
The criminal process cannot get initiated with the court system until a warrant is served on you and you are processed through the jail. However, if the police ask to speak with you or you are made aware that you are the subject of a criminal investigation, our team can help ensure the protection of your rights and to get an early grip on the investigation.
Additionally, if you are aware that a warrant already exists, the team at Shelbourne Law can help coordinate a time for you to turn yourself in and allow us to represent you at the first critical stage of your case, the bond hearing.
Bond Hearing
The first hearing within the criminal process is the bond hearing. This is where the court reviews the charges against you and sets bond. Bond is an amount of money that you post to be released from jail while your charges are pending. The court may also impose conditions of bond for you to comply with, such as restraints from persons and places, limitations on where and when you can travel, and electronic monitoring. You have a right to have a lawyer present at these proceedings, and representation at this hearing can make a difference. Call Shelbourne Law right away if you are interested in representation at your bond hearing. These hearings are typically scheduled quickly once booked into the detention center.
Preliminary Hearing
The preliminary hearing is another essential hearing within the criminal process available for General Sessions charges. This is an opportunity to look further into the discovery in your case and to see how the prosecution may be presenting its evidence. This is also the first opportunity to contest your charges in an adversarial setting. Similar to the bond hearing, you have a right to have a lawyer represent you during this proceeding. It is essential to contact us quickly if interested in representation, as you only have 10 days from the date of your bond hearing to request a preliminary hearing.
Plea
One way that you may choose to resolve your case is through a plea bargain. The decision to enter a guilty plea is an important decision, one that should be made after careful consideration. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators and know how to approach negotiations in a way to help you understand whether accepting an offer is in your best interest and help you achieve a positive result.
Trial
If you decide not to enter a plea, you have the right to a trial. Planning for trial begins long before the trial date and requires thorough investigation and preparation. Our Summerville criminal lawyers are comprised of skilled trial attorneys who are prepared to counter the prosecution’s evidence, contest it, and present your own evidence effectively. We understand the procedural rules and how to present a compelling case before the case goes to the jury to decide its verdict.
Experienced Summerville SC Criminal Lawyer
All criminal charges are serious so whatever charges you are facing, you need to fight them quickly, directly, and completely. The team at Shelbourne Law is here to represent you throughout the process. Contact us today for a free consultation at 843-871-2210.
