If you are facing criminal charges in Irmo, South Carolina, talk with a criminal defense lawyer about your rights and your options. The criminal justice system works differently from other areas of law, and the right approach depends on the charge and the evidence.
Touma Law Group serves Irmo from its Columbia office at 1820 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Call (803) 879-4499 to schedule a free confidential consultation with one of our attorneys. A licensed South Carolina attorney at our firm must review the facts of your case before you rely on the general information on this page.
The Role of a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Irmo
A criminal defense lawyer represents people the government has charged with a crime. The lawyer reviews the evidence, speaks with witnesses, prepares legal documents and represents the client in court. The Sixth Amendment gives a person accused of a crime the right to the assistance of counsel.
A lawyer can also advise you about plea offers and sentencing. A guilty plea must be made knowingly and voluntarily, and the court must be satisfied of that before it accepts the plea (Boykin v. Alabama). If you are facing criminal charges in Irmo, you can consult a Columbia criminal defense lawyer about your case.
A lawyer can evaluate your case, talk with you about possible defenses, and represent you in criminal court hearings. Ask any lawyer you are considering about their knowledge of South Carolina law and their experience with the court where your case will be heard.
Types of Crimes That Can Be Handled by Our Criminal Defense Lawyers
An Irmo criminal defense lawyer can represent people charged with a range of crimes. The sections below describe a few of them. Penalties can change when the General Assembly amends a statute, so confirm the current law and your specific charge with your attorney.
Drug-related Crimes
Drug crimes in South Carolina can carry jail or prison time and fines. For example, manufacturing, distributing or possessing with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II narcotic drug carries up to fifteen years in prison, a fine of up to $25,000, or both for a first offense (S.C. Code Ann. § 44-53-370(b)). Simple possession of many controlled substances is a misdemeanor on a first offense, but larger amounts can be presumed to be possession with intent to distribute (S.C. Code Ann. § 44-53-370(d)).
A lawyer can review the charge and the evidence. Read about defense strategies for different drug charges to learn how these cases can be approached.
DUI
If you have been charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) in Irmo, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A first offense carries, at the lowest tier, a fine of $400 or 48 hours to 30 days in jail, and higher alcohol concentrations carry higher penalties (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2930). A DUI offense carries serious penalties, and a conviction also requires completing an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program. Your driver’s license is addressed in a separate process.
Theft Charges
If you are accused of theft in Irmo, talk with a lawyer early, even for a charge that seems minor. South Carolina grades larceny by value. Larceny of $2,000 or less is petit larceny, a misdemeanor with up to 30 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000, and larceny above $2,000 is grand larceny, a felony (S.C. Code Ann. § 16-13-30).
Weapons Charges
Weapons charges can result in jail or prison time. Unlawfully carrying a handgun in a restricted place is a misdemeanor on a first offense, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both (S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-50(A)(2)). A person convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-500).
Financial Crimes
Financial crimes such as fraud and embezzlement can lead to jail time and other penalties upon conviction. The charge and the penalty depend on the facts and the amount involved.
White Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes involve deception or fraud for financial gain. They can be committed by individuals or organizations in their business activities. Examples include embezzlement, money laundering, bribery, identity theft and corporate fraud. The penalties depend on the offense and the facts.
Qualifications to Look for When Hiring an Irmo Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you are facing criminal charges in Irmo, choose a lawyer you can trust to explain your case. A few things to consider are listed below.
Licensing and Experience Level of the Attorney
In South Carolina, a person may practice law only if enrolled as a member of the South Carolina Bar, and licenses to practice are granted by the Supreme Court (S.C. Code Ann. § 40-5-310 and § 40-5-220). Ask whether a lawyer is licensed in South Carolina.
It also helps to ask about a lawyer’s experience handling cases similar to yours and how familiar the lawyer is with the criminal justice system.
The Reputation of the Firm and Attorney
Look at what other people say about a firm. Check with the local bar association or read online reviews to learn how others have found the firm to work with. Reviews describe other people’s experiences and do not predict the result in your case.
Benefits of Having a Criminal Defense Lawyer on Your Side
If you are charged with a criminal offense in Irmo, a lawyer can help you understand the charges, review the evidence and discuss the possible outcomes. A defense attorney can also protect your rights and guide you through the legal process, explain the potential consequences and speak for you in court.
Prepare and Present Your Case in Court
The outcome of a criminal case can affect many parts of your life, so preparation matters at every stage of a case. A lawyer can help you prepare for hearings and, if the case goes to trial, for the trial.
Which court hears your case depends on the charge and where it is alleged to have happened. The SC Judicial Branch courthouse directory lists the county courthouses, and your attorney can confirm where your case will be heard.
Provide Advice on How to Deal With Charges and Penalties
Facing criminal charges can be stressful and overwhelming. A lawyer can explain the charges and the possible penalties, discuss how a defense might be built, and help you protect your rights. A lawyer can also discuss plea agreements with you if one is offered.
Plea Agreements
If you have criminal charges, an attorney at Touma Law Group can talk with you about your options, including whether to negotiate a plea if one is offered. In a plea agreement, a person pleads guilty or no contest to a charge, and the prosecutor may agree to reduce or dismiss other charges. A lawyer can explain the advantages and disadvantages so you can decide whether it is in your interest. No lawyer can promise that a prosecutor will offer a plea.
For help with a criminal case, contact Touma Law Group. We offer a free consultation to talk about your options.
