How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in South Carolina?

If you or a member of the family have been charged with any crime, it is vital that you take full advantage of your right to legal counsel. However, you may reasonably wonder, how much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in South Carolina? The perceived expense of legal representation, unfortunately, deters many people from hiring legal counsel when they need it most, and it’s vital to know what to expect when it comes to hiring defense representation.

Hiring Your Defense Lawyer in South Carolina

The majority of criminal defense lawyers operate on an hourly basis, meaning they will charge their client an hourly rate, tracking the time spent working on their case in 10- or 15-minute increments. The longer the attorney works on the case, the more it costs the client. The attorney will usually send regular bills for legal fees to the client as the case progresses, and some attorneys will charge flat rates for specific legal services for their client.

If you need to hire a criminal defense attorney in South Carolina, it is crucial that you fully understand their billing policy before you commit to hiring them. When you are searching for a criminal defense lawyer to handle your case, it is important that you review a prospective attorney’s professional record to ensure they have proven experience handling cases similar to yours. Different types of criminal cases involve different legal statutes and concepts.

Know Your Rights After an Arrest in the State

The Constitution includes two very important amendments that come into play in any criminal case. First is the Fifth Amendment’s protection against self-incrimination. When you are placed under arrest for any crime in the state, you have the right to remain silent. Do not answer any questions from the arresting officers, make any statements, or sign any documents the police provide to you. Comply politely with their instructions but remain silent.

The second of your constitutional rights that comes into play in this situation is the Sixth Amendment guarantee of legal counsel. You have the right to an attorney when you have been charged with any crime, and you should exercise your right to remain silent until such time as you can speak with an attorney. Even if you know you have done nothing wrong, say nothing until you have legal representation.

Facing a criminal charge of any kind can be overwhelming. Whether you committed an offense and fear the consequences you face, or you have been wrongfully accused and worry that you will be unjustly punished for a crime you did not commit, you must exercise your right to legal counsel if you want to have the greatest chance of reaching a positive outcome to this difficult situation.

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer translates into an investment in your own future. Regardless of the severity of the charges filed against you, any type of criminal record can interfere with your life in many ways, and it is crucial to prepare the most effective defense possible in this situation.

FAQs

Q: Why Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: You should hire a criminal defense lawyer in South Carolina because you have the right to legal representation when you have been charged with any crime, and it is vital that you take full advantage of this right to have the greatest chance of avoiding the worst penalties you could face if you are convicted. Do not assume you can mount an effective defense on your own, even if you know you are innocent.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer if I’ve Been Falsely Accused of a Crime?

A: If you have been falsely accused of a crime, it is prudent to expect the criminal justice system to inherently side with your accuser. Do not assume that you can clear your name alone, and do not make the mistake of thinking that hiring a criminal defense lawyer makes you look guilty. You may have overlooked key areas of defense that a good attorney can leverage effectively for you.

Q: How Long Does a Criminal Case Take to Complete in South Carolina?

A: The time required for a criminal case to complete depends on multiple variables, such as the number and severity of the charges and the quality of the defendant’s legal counsel. It is possible for some criminal cases to be resolved in a few weeks, while others can take several months or even several years before a verdict can be reached or before the case is dismissed.

Q: When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: You should hire a criminal defense lawyer in South Carolina as quickly as possible after you have been arrested for any crime. Once you are placed under arrest, exercise your right to remain silent until you can speak with a lawyer. Do not say anything to the police or attempt to explain your way out of the situation; you are more likely to make your situation worse if you do so. Comply with instructions from the police and say nothing until you can speak with a lawyer.

Q: How Much Are Attorneys’ Fees for a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: Attorneys’ fees for a criminal defense lawyer can vary from attorney to attorney. Every defense attorney has a different billing policy, and the majority of private criminal defense attorneys in South Carolina work on an hourly basis. This means that the more time a defense lawyer spends working on their client’s case, the more it costs the client in legal fees. A good attorney can carefully explain their billing policy at the outset of your case.

Axelrod & Associates, P.A., can provide the criminal defense representation you need when you have been charged with any crime in the state. Our rates are reasonable, and we carefully review our billing policy with each new client before any contracts are signed, so there are no surprises when it comes to the cost of our representation. Contact us today and schedule your consultation with a criminal defense attorney.