Myrtle Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer

Myrtle Beach, SC Criminal Attorney

Although all legal cases should be taken seriously, criminal cases are especially important. These cases can result in a criminal record, time in jail or prison, and lasting consequences for you and your family. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, it is important to treat the situation with extreme care.

Fortunately, an arrest or charge does not mean that you are guilty. With the help of an experienced South Carolina criminal defense attorney, you have a chance to win your case and maintain your freedom. However, it is essential to have a criminal defense attorney on your side. Without the help of an experienced lawyer and law firm, you will likely face the serious consequences that come with your charge.

Our team at Axelrod & Associates includes a team of knowledgeable and experienced Myrtle Beach criminal defense attorneys. We understand how difficult it is to face criminal charges of any kind. You can rely on our team to help you at every stage of the process and to work diligently to get a fair outcome.

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys in Myrtle Beach, SC

If you have been charged with or accused of a crime in SC, get an experienced Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyer on your side immediately.

Your criminal defense attorney on the Axelrod team will meet with you to discuss what happened, what your options are, and what your goals are in your case. We will investigate the charges against you, employ a private investigator or expert witnesses when needed, attempt to get your charges dismissed, negotiate a resolution that meets your goals, or try your case to a jury of your peers.

Axelrod & Associate’s criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience representing clients charged with crimes ranging from speeding tickets to murder, including:

• Homicide/murder and manslaughter,
• Drug offenses ranging from simple possession to drug trafficking,
• Domestic violence,
• Assault and battery charges,
• Property crimes including burglary and armed robbery,
• Sex offenses including criminal sexual conduct or rape charges,
• Driving under the influence (DUI),
• Traffic violations,
• Bond hearings,
• Criminal appeals at all levels,
• Civil forfeiture proceedings,
• Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) proceedings, and
• Juvenile criminal defense charges in SC’s family courts.

What To Do If You Are Arrested in SC

The strength of your case depends upon a lot of things, but your arrest experience is a significant factor. If the arresting officer acts illegally, your case may be dropped. On the other hand, if you say something incriminating, you could lose your chances of avoiding punishment. Because of this, it is extremely important for you to know what to do when you are arrested.

Our criminal law attorneys are passionate about protecting your rights and ensuring that arresting officers are held accountable when they misstep. By following these steps, you can strengthen your case and maximize your chances of avoiding serious consequences.

If you are arrested:

• Do not give any statements or answer any questions from law enforcement. The police are trained in interrogation – you, most likely, are not. The only thing that you should say in response to questions from law enforcement is, “I want my attorney, please.” After you have retained counsel, your attorney can talk to law enforcement on your behalf.
• Do not talk to friends or family about your case or charges. Anything that you say to anyone about your case may come back to haunt you later. Do not talk with inmates at the local jail and keep a low profile until you have consulted with your criminal defense lawyer on the Axelrod team.
• Contact your attorney ASAP. You have questions that need answering. You need someone to communicate with law enforcement or the prosecutor’s office on your behalf. The state may already be preparing your case for trial – investigating, gathering witness statements, or issuing subpoenas or search warrants for evidence they can use to convict you. You need an experienced trial attorney on your side as well.
• Don’t plead guilty and don’t despair. Even for “minor” lower court charges, do not plead guilty until you have met with your criminal defense attorney. You may have defenses that you aren’t aware of, your constitutional rights may have been violated, law enforcement may have made critical mistakes during your arrest or investigation, and you almost certainly have options that the court, prosecutor, or officer are not going to tell you about.

By following these standards during your arrest, you protect yourself and give your attorney the starting ground they need to help you with your case.

Sentencing for Criminal Convictions in SC

If you lose or do not contest your case, the consequences can be severe. Of course, your sentencing will depend upon your unique situation and several contributing factors. The more serious your offense, the more severe your punishment will be. Many individuals who are convicted of a crime face a combination of the following:

• Time in prison
• Probation
• Fines
• Community service
• Mandatory classes or impact groups
• Reparations
• Loss of privileges such as driving, voting, etc.

It is important to speak with your criminal law attorney about your unique case and the consequences that you face. This can help you to be prepared to fight for your innocence.

Lasting Consequences

Though the immediate consequences from the court can be quite severe, most people who have been convicted of a criminal offense face lasting consequences beyond what the court mandates.

Many types of criminal convictions can never be expunged, and, even if you don’t go to prison, many have collateral consequences that the court may not tell you about. For example:

• Sex offender registry
• License suspensions
• License revocations or habitual traffic offender status
• Loss of your right to own and carry a firearm
• Loss of your right to obtain occupational licenses
• Exclusion from certain types of housing
• Inability to get student loans
• Inability to find meaningful employment
• Deportation
• Administrative penalties

These penalties can affect your entire life, so it is essential to do your best to avoid the charges.

Get an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner now who cares, who understands the law, and who will do everything legally and ethically possible to get the results you need.

Possible Defenses Against Criminal Charges in SC

Your attorney’s defense strategy will depend upon the details of your case and the reality of the situation. It is imperative that you speak openly and honestly with your attorney so that they can develop the most reliable and realistic defense for your criminal charges. If they do not have all the information, the defense will be less reliable, and you could risk your entire case.

Some commonly used defenses for criminal charges include:

• If you did not commit the crime of which you are being accused, your attorney needs to maintain your innocence.
• Sometimes crimes are committed in moments of insanity or mental incapacitation, and the punishment can be reduced, eliminated, or altered to fit the situation.
• Coercion or duress. If someone else forced or manipulated you into committing the crime, the court may be more lenient with their sentencing.
• Necessity. In some situations, individuals commit a crime to avoid a more serious or dangerous situation from occurring. This can be used to reduce or eliminate charges.
• Statute of limitations. You cannot be tried for a crime after a certain amount of time has passed. All crimes have different statutes of limitations.
• Mistake of law/fact. A mistake of law or mistake of fact is a viable defense if you committed the crime believing that it was a legal act. For example, if you are charged with stealing your neighbor’s car but you believe that your neighbor had given you permission to use it, a mistake of fact may be a helpful defense.

Your criminal law attorney will help you develop a strong defense for your given situation. Our defense lawyers have a significant amount of experience in this area, and we are confident that we can create an argument in your favor.

It is helpful to remember that, as the defendant in a criminal defense case, you are innocent until proven guilty. This means that you do not have to prove your innocence, but rather infuse the prosecution’s argument with reasonable doubt. If the jury has doubts about whether you are guilty, they cannot convict you.

How Do I Choose a Good South Carolina Criminal Lawyer for My Case?

When many people face criminal charges, it is the first time that they have been exposed to the legal system. This can make the entire process much more intimidating and can make it difficult to find the right attorney. Understanding what to expect from your attorney can help you find someone who is a good match for your case.

You can expect that:

• Your lawyer will listen closely to everything that you have to say about your case.
• Your lawyer will ask you educated questions about your experience.
• You will feel comfortable speaking openly with your attorney about your experience.
• Your lawyer will express confidence in your case and believe that they can help you.
• Your lawyer has significant experience in cases like yours.
• You have access to references and testimonials from your attorney’s past clients.
• Your lawyer is honest with you, even when the information is not what you want to hear.
• Your lawyer takes the lead in finding evidence and building your case while briefing you on any updates or problems.

If you feel that any of the above factors are not true for your lawyer, it is time to find a new attorney for your case. In criminal cases, it is vital to find someone you trust.

GOT AXELROD?

Your criminal defense lawyer at Axelrod & Associates knows the local courts, attorneys, prosecutors, officers, criminal procedures, and criminal laws. We understand that the consequences you face are serious, whether it is a potential driver’s license suspension or life in prison.

If you have been charged with a crime in SC or believe that you are under investigation, call 843-353-3449 now or complete our contact form to set up a free initial consultation.

South Carolina Criminal Law Resources:

• Assault and Battery
• Violent Crimes
• Bail-Bond Hearing
• Civil Asset Forfeiture
• Criminal Appeals
• Criminal Sexual Conduct
• Domestic Violence
• Drug Crimes
• Homicide, Murder and Manslaughter
• Juvenile Criminal Defense
• Marijuana Possession
• Traffic Tickets
• Post-Conviction Relief (PCR)
• Property Crimes Defense
• Robbery and Burglary
• Illegal Search and Seizure Defense
• Tourist Crime Defense