Little River Criminal Defense Lawyer

Little River Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal cases are exceptionally important, as the outcome can affect an individual’s entire future. A criminal conviction can result in fines, incarceration, and a permanent criminal record that harms many future opportunities. Criminal law ensures that the rights of those accused of crimes are protected. Every person deserves a fair trial and effective legal representation in the face of criminal charges.

If you or a loved one are facing a criminal case, it can be a terrifying experience. However, an arrest or charge does not mean that someone is guilty. It’s essential that you get the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney to protect your rights, challenge prosecutorial evidence, and build your defense.

Axelrod & Associates: Your Little River Criminal Lawyers

The attorneys with Axelrod & Associates have more than 100 years of combined experience in law. We have worked proudly to represent those accused of crimes in the communities surrounding Little River. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you by:

• Providing you with an honest look at your situation
• Explaining your available legal options
• Investigating charges
• Seeking out expert witnesses
• Working to get your charges mitigated or dismissed
• Negotiating your case
• Taking your case to trial when necessary

We fight to get you the most positive outcome for your criminal case. Our attorneys can provide you with support and counsel during this difficult time while working to protect your future.

Criminal Cases We Handle in Little River

Axelrod & Associates has extensive experience defending clients from criminal charges, including:

• Theft and property crimes. This includes larceny, robbery, armed robbery, and burglary. Whether these crimes are charged as felonies or misdemeanors may depend on the use of deadly weapons and the value of the items stolen.
• Juvenile criminal offenses. Those under the age of 18, or under the age of 17 for certain charges, are charged in juvenile court. Juvenile crimes are charged in family courts, but they still need an experienced attorney to protect the rights and interests of the minor.
• Drug crimes. This includes possession, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances. The severity of a drug crime charge depends on the type of charge and the type and amount of the drug involved.
• Driving under the influence (DUI). A DUI is charged when someone is operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The legal limit of blood alcohol content is anything equal to 0.08% in South Carolina.
• White-collar crimes. Commonly committed by businesses and professionals, white-collar crimes are financially motivated crimes, including fraud, forgery, embezzlement, and money laundering.
• Domestic violence. These crimes are physical acts against family members or those in the same household. Domestic violence accusations can result in criminal charges and a civil case.
• Assault and battery. These are two separate charges that are commonly charged at the same time.
• Sex crimes. This includes criminal sexual conduct and rape. A strong criminal defense is essential in cases this severe.
• This includes murder charges and manslaughter charges. These are considered some of the most severe criminal charges. Homicide could be charged as a capital crime in South Carolina, resulting in the potential for the death penalty.

Additionally, criminal court handles cases and hearings such as:

• Traffic infractions and violations
• Bond hearings
• Criminal charge appeals
• Post-conviction relief proceedings

Every case involving criminal charges will require a different approach, depending on the exact circumstances of the crime and arrest. An attorney has the essential experience with cases similar to yours to determine the ideal method of handling your criminal case.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?

Whether you have faced criminal charges before or have never been to criminal court, it can be an overwhelming experience. A criminal defense attorney can help you prepare for the case ahead and give you a realistic outlook concerning the legal options you can take. A defense attorney has handled and defended cases like yours and can review the prosecution’s evidence for bias and weakness.

Your defense attorney can look out for your rights. If any of your civil rights were violated in the process of your arrest, some evidence may become inadmissible. An attorney can also provide alternate explanations for the events that you are being charged for. It may be possible for charges against you to be lessened or dropped.

A criminal conviction carries not only criminal penalties, but it could also harm your educational opportunities, housing options, and ability to get a professional license. The consequences of a conviction can affect your entire future, and it’s important to safeguard your rights with a criminal defense attorney.

Penalties for Criminal Offenses

The penalties for a conviction of a criminal charge depend on the type of charge, the existence of a prior criminal record, any aggravating factors, and other specifics about the case. Many criminal charges carry penalties that include:

• Fines
• Time in jail or prison
• Community service hours
• Probation
• Revocation of rights like driving or voting
• Mandatory classes or groups
• Reparations to the victims

Criminal charges may be categorized as misdemeanors or felonies. The one you are charged with depends on the specific crime. Misdemeanors and felonies have their own classifications, each with its own maximum sentencing.

Misdemeanors are considered to be lesser crimes, but that doesn’t make the impact they have on your life minimal. Misdemeanor penalties include:

• Class C Misdemeanors: Up to 1 year in jail. This includes crimes such as second-degree harassment and voter fraud.
• Class B Misdemeanors: Up to 2 years in jail. This includes crimes such as tax fraud or the use of a firearm while under the influence.
• Class A Misdemeanors: Up to 3 years in jail. This includes crimes such as retail theft, some drug possession crimes, and some violations of a restraining order.

The exact jail time assigned depends on the specific charge.

Felonies carry much more severe penalties and involve more serious crimes. Felony penalties include:

• Class F Felonies: Up to 5 years in prison. This refers to crimes including certain violations of a restraining order and stalking.
• Class E Felonies: Up to 10 years in prison. This includes crimes such as resisting arrest with a deadly weapon and intimidation of court officials, jurors, and witnesses.
• Class D Felonies: Up to 15 years in prison. This includes accessory after the fact to a Class C, B, or A felony and second-degree burglary.
• Class C Felonies: Up to 20 years in prison. This includes aggravated assault and battery, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and attempted armed robbery.
• Class B Felonies: Up to 25 years in prison. This includes crimes such as second-degree arson or second-degree assault and battery by mob.
• Class A Felonies: Up to 30 years in prison. This includes crimes such as voluntary manslaughter, criminal sexual conduct, and attempted murder.

Aggravated circumstances in a murder conviction could result in life in prison or the death penalty.

In addition to time in jail or prison, both felonies and misdemeanors could involve fines and reparations to the victims.

Long-Term Penalties

A criminal conviction has consequences beyond prison or court fines. Depending on the criminal charge, this may include:

• Driver’s license suspension
• Exclusion from some housing
• Loss of your right to vote
• Inability to obtain certain loans
• Loss of your right to possess firearms
• Loss of a professional or occupational license
• Deportation
• Sex offender registration

A criminal conviction can harm your entire life.

FAQs

Q: What Makes a Good Little River Criminal Defense Attorney?

A: Finding an experienced attorney is essential to the outcome of your criminal case. You want to be sure that they have knowledge of and success with cases similar to yours, and you also want to feel comfortable with them. Your defense attorney should make you feel at ease, even when being honest about your situation. You should feel confident that your attorney can build you a strong defense and that you can trust them.

Q: What Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Do?

A: Criminal defense lawyers represent and defend individuals who have been charged with crimes. They support and defend the accused through the legal process and try to lessen or eliminate the charges against them. A defense attorney can challenge the evidence provided by the prosecution and try to reach a settlement. If that isn’t possible, they can defend the accused in court.

Q: Who Is Responsible for Determining Guilt?

A: In a criminal case, guilt could be determined by the judge or the jury. There may be a bench trial, or a trial without a jury, for certain lesser crimes or situations where the defendant waives the right to have a jury trial. In those cases, the judge will determine guilt based on the evidence and arguments presented by the defense and the prosecution. Otherwise, the jury will decide based on those arguments.

Q: What Is the Burden of Proof in a Criminal Case?

A: The prosecutor has the burden of proof. In a criminal case, the prosecutor is the state, and they must show evidence that proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. How this is shown depends on the exact crime. If guilt is proven, it means that the judge or jury has no choice but to consider the defendant guilty. A defense attorney has to find reasonable doubt.

Contact Axelrod & Associates

When you’re facing criminal charges, you need to work with a criminal defense attorney who understands the case you’re facing and has experience in your immediate area. Contact Axelrod & Associates today to see how we can provide you with legal support and protect your future.