Georgetown Criminal Defense Lawyer

Georgetown Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are arrested or charged with a crime, it is crucial that you know and defend your rights, including your right to an attorney. A criminal conviction can have a severe impact on your entire life, from significant fines to jail or prison time and the long-term effects of a criminal record. A Georgetown criminal defense lawyer could help mitigate or eliminate your criminal consequences.

Every person who is accused has the right to effective legal defense, and it is important to protect those rights within the legal system. An arrest and charge can be intimidating, but they do not equal a conviction. An attorney can review your case and build a defense to lessen the effect of criminal charges on you and your family.

Axelrod & Associates: Your Georgetown, SC, Criminal Defense Lawyer & Law Firm

When you are charged with a crime, the prosecution believes they can convict you. Even if you are innocent, that does not mean you will be found innocent in court. You need an attorney to protect your rights and fight for the ideal outcome for your case. At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined legal experience. We have worked in criminal defense for years and are proud to represent those in Georgetown and the nearby communities.

We believe everyone has the right to strong and effective criminal defense. Our team can help you understand the situation and give you the information you need to make choices regarding your future. We understand how stressful your situation is and want to provide you with compassionate and straightforward legal advice. Our team can negotiate with prosecutors to eliminate or mitigate charges and defend you in court when necessary.

Criminal Cases We Handle in Georgetown

When you work with a defense attorney in Georgetown, SC, you’ll want them to have success in cases like yours. An experienced attorney will have a better grasp on the evidence needed in your case, the investigation necessary, and the court procedures and filings that may be useful. At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., we have experience with the following types of criminal charges, among others:

• Theft and property crimes. This covers robbery, burglary, and shoplifting. These may be charged as misdemeanors or as felonies, depending on whether any deadly weapons were used or other violent crimes were committed. The severity of the charge also relies on the value of the item or items stolen.
• Juvenile offenses. When those under the age of 17 or 18 are accused, it is typically handled in juvenile court, which is part of the family law system. A criminal defense attorney is still important to protect a juvenile’s rights. In some cases, a juvenile is tried as an adult, and an attorney is even more beneficial.
• Drug offenses. Drug crime charges range in severity based on the type of substance and its categorization, the type of crime being committed, and the amount of the substance that is involved. Drug offenses include the trafficking, manufacturing, cultivation, and possession of illegal and controlled substances.
• Driving under the influence (DUI). It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while over the legal BAC limit or while visibly impaired by drugs or alcohol. Penalties for a DUI are more serious if you caused an accident and if anyone was seriously hurt or killed as a result. DUI penalties also increase severely on repeat offenses.In addition to criminal penalties, a DUI can result in civil injury claims from others who were injured and the suspension of your driver’s license.
• Domestic violence. Domestic violence crimes are defined as physical acts of violence committed against family members or household members. Domestic violence could result in both a criminal and civil case, as well as restraining orders that restrict your movement or where you live.
• Assault and battery. When you enact physical harm to another person, this constitutes the charge of battery. When you attempt to cause physical harm or do something that causes another person harm, this is the charge of assault. These charges are frequently charged together.
• White-collar crimes. White-collar crimes are financial crimes that are typically nonviolent and committed mostly by corporations and within businesses. These crimes include many types of fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, insider trading, and cybercrimes. These cases may result in a civil case from those who lost money from the crime, in addition to criminal charges.
• Sex crimes. These include charges such as sexual assault, criminal sexual misconduct, prostitution, and indecent exposure. These charges come with significant personal and professional reputational consequences. Conviction of these crimes often results in mandatory sex offender registration.
• Homicide. Homicide charges include both murder and manslaughter charges, which are among the most severe crimes. If these crimes are charged as capital crimes, they could result in the death penalty.

Criminal cases may cover other proceedings in the criminal court, including bond hearings, conviction and charge appeals, and relief proceedings after conviction. Criminal courts also handle traffic infractions.

Criminal Penalties for Conviction

The exact criminal penalties resulting from a conviction depend on many factors, including the type of charge, aggravating or mitigating factors, and any plea deals. Common criminal penalties include:

• Monetary fines
• Incarceration in jail or prison
• Probation
• Community service
• Required classes, groups, or therapy
• Revocation or suspension of driver’s license
• The loss of certain rights, like firearm ownership or voting
• Reparations to the victims of certain crimes

In addition to short-term consequences, a conviction also results in a criminal record. A criminal record is permanent and can affect several aspects of your life. Its consequences include:

• Limiting your housing options
• Preventing you from obtaining loans
• Preventing you from entering certain occupations
• Making it difficult to secure employment
• Limiting your educational opportunities

Criminal charges are either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors include any crime with a sentence of one year or less in jail and are considered less serious crimes. Felonies are considered more serious and include crimes that result in one year or more in prison. Although misdemeanors are less serious crimes, both types of charges result in fines, potential imprisonment, and a criminal record.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Best Defense in a Criminal Case?

A: Every criminal case is unique, and there is no exact answer that fits every scenario. However, a good defense is one that demonstrates innocence when the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to meet the burden of proof.

Your attorney may be able to disprove or create doubt in the evidence of the prosecution, limiting the chances of you being found guilty. In other cases, a stronger defense is an affirmative defense, such as self-defense or emergency, in which you admit to the crime but have reason for it.

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Georgetown, South Carolina?

A: The cost of a criminal defense attorney varies based on many factors, but the average is between $250 and $350 an hour. The factors that impact the cost of an attorney include:

• The fee structure. Typically, criminal defense attorneys charge an hourly rate, although others charge a flat fee or retainer fee.
• The attorney’s experience. Experienced attorneys are likely to charge a higher rate but may also be able to resolve your case more favorably.
• The complexity of your case. A complicated case may also be more costly.

Q: What Are the Three Most Common Criminal Defense Strategies?

A: The majority of defense strategies in criminal defense cases are one of the three categories:

1. Innocence: This includes defenses such as insufficient evidence or an alibi. The defense may claim the crime did not happen.
2. Affirmative Defense: This includes the defense of self-defense, duress, necessity, emergency, or insanity. The defendant admits to the crime but provides an alternate reason that justifies their actions.
3. Constitutional Violations: This occurs when a defendant is not read their rights, is subject to illegal search and seizure, or is a victim of entrapment.

Q: How Long Does It Take for a Case to Go to Trial in Georgetown, South Carolina?

A: Every case is subject to unique timelines, including the schedule and availability of the court in question. It may take months or more than a year for a case to go to trial, and it may take several years to finalize a trial. The more complicated a case is, and the more numerous or severe the charges are, the longer it is likely to take. Speak with your defense attorney about the unique charges you or a loved one faces to determine the likely timeline for your circumstances.

Work With Axelrod & Associates, P.A., for Georgetown Criminal Defense

It’s important that you protect your rights and secure a strong criminal defense attorney who has experience in your local community. When you need a dedicated and effective Georgetown criminal defense lawyer, contact Axelrod & Associates, P.A. We can help you through this difficult time and provide you with the comprehensive legal care you need.