Richland County Criminal Defense Lawyers
Columbia attorneys provide zealous representation for the accused
A criminal conviction not only puts your freedom and property in jeopardy but also can have serious negative consequences on your reputation and prospects for a better life. It is an unfortunate fact that people are sometimes convicted of crimes they did not commit or receive harsher sentences than they deserve. If you’re charged with a crime in South Carolina, Montgomery Willard LLC in Columbia will provide a strong defense and work for attaining all remedies that may be available.
Common criminal charges in South Carolina
The following are the offenses most commonly prosecuted in South Carolina:
- Assault and battery — These terms define a single crime, namely unlawfully injuring another person or attempting/threatening to do so with the ability to carry it out. The degree of the crime is based on the severity of the harm or threat. The most serious form, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, involves great bodily injury or use of a deadly weapon.
- Drug possession — This crime is knowingly having a controlled substance in one’s custody or control without a valid prescription or legal authorization. The degree and the penalties depend on the type of drug involved and the amount possessed.
- Theft — This is any taking of another person’s money or other property without their consent, including shoplifting goods from a store.
- Domestic violence — This includes an assault and battery committed against a member of one’s family or household. In addition to criminal penalties, it may result in a restraining order prohibiting the defendant from getting near the alleged victim.
- Disorderly conduct — This covers a number of actions that might be committed in public, including being drunk, making noise or firing a gun.
- White collar crime — This is any wrongful taking of property by non-violent means, such as embezzlement, fraud, insider trading, identity theft and tax evasion.
Being a repeat offender generally increases the seriousness of the charge and the penalties that a defendant faces. Certain criminal statutes include enhancement provisions that elevate the degree of the crime or impose harsher sentencing for recidivists.
The importance of strong criminal defense
A defense attorney is essential to protecting the accused’s constitutional rights, ensuring fair treatment and making the strongest case possible for acquittal or reduction of sentence. They investigate facts, challenge the state’s evidence and cross-examine witnesses to expose false or unreliable testimony. Attorneys also negotiate plea deals, argue for reduced charges and help with the defendant’s admission into pretrial intervention (PTI), drug court or other diversionary programs. Without a capable defense attorney, a defendant risks unfair outcomes and harsher sentences.
Developing effective criminal defense strategies
You can trust the attorneys of Montgomery Willard LLC to provide the best criminal defense the circumstances allow. In some cases, by challenging probable cause for a search or arrest or by showing inadmissibility of the state’s evidence, we might get the charges dismissed. Whenever possible, we will seek reduction of charges or a case disposition that avoids jail or heavy fines. If you’re convicted despite our best efforts, we will identify all trial errors or other grounds that support an appeal.
Contact an experienced Columbia criminal defense firm
The skilled attorneys of Montgomery Willard LLC will provide effective counsel if you are charged with a crime in Richland County or anywhere in South Carolina. Call us today at 803-470-0722 or contact us online.
