Anytime that you are facing criminal charges, it is a serious matter. You may be dealing with potential jail time and other consequences that can affect your life permanently.
You never have to be alone when you end up in the criminal justice system — nor should you. The choices that you make now can remain with you for the rest of your life.
At Davis Curry Law, we provide you with a practical and vigorous defense when you have been charged with certain criminal offenses under South Carolina law. You should contact our Charleston criminal defense lawyer immediately after you have been arrested to protect your legal rights and begin work on your defense.
The Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in South Carolina
In South Carolina, misdemeanor charges can carry jail sentences. For example, the most serious type of misdemeanor DUI charge can be punishable with up to five years in jail, with no possibility of parole. Even a reckless driving conviction could lead to a 30-day jail sentence. Misdemeanor drug possession convictions can result in up to three years in prison, even for a first offense.
While the potential loss of your freedom is the most immediate threat that you face, there are other potential consequences of a conviction, including:
- Having a criminal record for the rest of your life, which could harm your ability to find employment or a place to live
- A negative impact on your child custody case, including possibly losing custody or the right to see your children
- The potential loss of your job
- The loss of your driving privileges
- A change in your immigration status and potential deportation
- Ineligibility for certain professional licenses (if the offense is directly related to the professional duties)
- The loss of public benefits (possibly including student loans)
Before you make any decisions in your case, you need to consider the ramifications and your potential options. While there are times that it may make sense to enter a plea bargain, you may also decide to fight the charges against you when your rights have been violated, or the prosecutor does not have the necessary evidence to win a conviction. The most important thing is that you understand your legal options and get advice from an experienced professional.
At Davis Curry Law, we diligently help clients in the following areas:
DUI Charges
Any DUI charge is a serious matter. There is always the possibility of jail time for any conviction. South Carolina law bases sentences on the number of prior DUI offenses and the BAC level when you were tested, so one particularly serious conviction could lead to a heavy sentence, possibly including jail time. Any conviction will lead to the loss of your driving privileges for at least six months.
Our Charleston DUI defense lawyer can either help you fight the charges against you or negotiate the most favorable possible plea bargain with the prosecutor in exchange for lesser charges.
Drug Possession Charges
Even misdemeanor drug charges should be taken very seriously, although they seem common. No matter what, you have legal rights. In some cases, the charges against you may be based on illegally seized evidence. In other cases, the prosecutor may not be able to prove every element of the offense. There is even a possibility that you could avoid jail time if you plead guilty.
A drug defense attorney can get to the bottom of your case quickly and act to protect your legal rights while you determine the best path forward for your situation.
Traffic Tickets
A traffic ticket can have far worse impacts on you than you initially think. Between the points on your driver’s license and higher insurance rates, the effects of a conviction could stay with you for years. In the most serious case, you could even face a jail sentence when you have been convicted of reckless driving.
It often makes sense for you to invest time and money in an attorney to fight the traffic ticket. A traffic court judge may be more likely to take an attorney seriously when they argue on your behalf in court.
Why Hire Davis Curry Law to Represent You Against Criminal Charges?
Attorney Michael Bender believes that everyone deserves the strongest possible legal defense, no matter what charges they are facing. You have legal rights, and we are devoted to protecting them throughout the criminal justice process. We work diligently to help you obtain the best possible outcome, recognizing that you are a person who must deal with the consequences of the result of your case for years to come.
We believe that every client deserves responsive service and a lawyer who will listen to their own particular considerations. Our team makes itself available to you when you need us. We know that you are going through a difficult time, and we do everything possible to provide you with the information and advice necessary to make informed decisions.
We understand that there are no easy answers in a criminal case, and you will go through a tough process. One thing that you do not have to worry about is your attorney’s level of service and commitment to your case.
When You Should Hire an Attorney for Your Criminal Case
Defendants can make mistakes that can harm their own case. There is no such thing as a do-over in a criminal case. Once you do or say something, prosecutors can use it against you. People often make errors in their case after they have been arrested.
Hiring an attorney as soon as you have been arrested can protect your legal rights. You have a right to put a stop to any questioning without your attorney present, and you do not have to answer questions.
Do not wait to hire an attorney. If you do, you could have made a crucial mistake by the time that your criminal defense attorney would be on the case. Davis Curry Law should be your first call when you have been arrested. We want to provide some peace of mind, knowing that you have a professional on your side who is dedicated to protecting you. Contact us today.
