While it might not seem like a big deal, having a driver’s license is a privilege which we oftentimes take for granted, and getting it revoked or suspended can seriously impact your life. Instead of having the freedom to go where you want when you want, your day to day routine is seriously impacted while you rely on others for your transportation. There are certain offenses which will deem you unfit for a license in Read More
Furry Felonies: South Carolina’s Animal Fighting & Baiting Act
Encouraging animals to fight each other for sport has been illegal for many years, and comes with very serious penalties. Those who engage in this activity, whether as the owner of an animal, a trainer, property owner, or anyone present where the fighting occurs, can be found guilty of violating Title 16, Chapter 27 of South Carolina’s Code of Laws. This law is more commonly known as the Animal Fighting & Baiting Read More
Understanding the Difference Between Probation and Parole
Getting arrested can be frightening and confusing. There are several potential outcomes from sentencing and it is important to understand what exactly is taking place and what is expected of you. Two terms which occasionally are not correctly understood, especially by first time offenders, are “probation” and “parole.” Probation A person is given probation rather than being sentenced directly to prison or jail. Read More
Objection, Your Honor! Hearsay.
Generally speaking, criminal trials have extremely strict rules regarding what evidence can and cannot be utilized in court in order to demonstrate a person's guilt. These rules are intended to systematize the legal process and ensure everyone has an equal entitlement to a fair trial. They are intended to protect defendants from having evidence twisted and presented in a manner that portrays them as guilty, even when Read More
What to Expect When Someone Else Gets a DUI in YOUR Car
A family member or friend asks to borrow your car, and being the good person that you are, you let them take it. No big deal, right? Well, what happens if they get charged with Driving Under the Influence while operating your motor vehicle? It is important to note that in South Carolina a person can be charged with DUI not only if they are driving while under the influence or alcohol, but also if they are under the Read More
Understanding Conspiracy Charges
Anyone without a legal background or more advanced knowledge of the law may be perplexed to learn of the existence of a criminal charge known as “conspiracy.” More than likely for most people this word evokes images of wild-eyed fanatics in tinfoil hats spouting off about the JFK assassination or the moon landing. However, unlike most conspiracy theories, criminal conspiracy charges are very real and very serious, Read More
What You Need to Know About South Carolina Sobriety Checkpoints
If you plan to operate a vehicle in the state of South Carolina, particularly if you are considering drinking any amount of alcohol beforehand, you should be acutely aware of the possibility of running into a police Sobriety Checkpoint. Alternately known as roadblocks, DUI checkpoints, and mobile checkpoints, this type of police tactic is perfectly legal in South Carolina, and is intended to weed out inebriated Read More
4 Common Misdemeanor Misconceptions
Take a second and look up the word “misdemeanor” in a dictionary. Merriam-Webster defines it as “a crime that is not very serious.” Google explains that it is “minor wrongdoing.” These type of results are exactly what is wrong with the public perception surrounding misdemeanors. A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is considered to be less serious than a felony, but more serious than an infraction. And Read More
One’s Own Recognizance: The “Get Out of Jail Free” Card
After an arrest is made, most people have some understanding of how the process usually plays out. Generally, the accused will face an arraignment and bail will be set. They will then have to put up money or property to fulfill the bail amount or face the prospect of sitting in jail until their trial. For more detail on bail, please read our previous blog on the subject. However, did you know that it is possible to Read More
What to Do and What Not to Do When a Warrant Is Issued for Your Arrest
Having a warrant issued for your arrest can be an incredibly confusing and exceptionally frightening situation. Many people, due to a lack of knowledge of how the process works, will let these emotions get the better of them, causing them to take ill-advised actions in response to discovering the warrant. An arrest warrant is a form of authorization granted by a judge which allows law enforcement to arrest an Read More
