When you are facing criminal charges in McCormick, South Carolina, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to navigate through the complex criminal justice system. If you don’t present the best defense at your disposal, you have too much to lose. There are many McCormick criminal defense lawyers. But all of these professionals are not created alike.
Ayers, Smithdeal, and Bettis P.C. is your trusted partner in McCormick, South Carolina to handle your criminal defense case and reduce the impact of the charges as much as possible or have them dropped altogether.
You are already stressed and overwhelmed. You need a trusted partner to guide you through this complex process by listening to your concerns and answering your questions. Our experienced McCormick criminal defense lawyers have dealt with hundreds of cases in the past and know the ins and outs of criminal cases.
We will explain your options in a way that lets you make the best decision for you and your family. If you hire one of our criminal defense experts, you are more than just another case or file number. We communicate with every client and treat them with the respect and personal attention they deserve.
That is why you need to rely on Ayers, Smithdeal, and Bettis, P.C. to defend your criminal charges and reduce the impact of the charges as much as possible or have them dropped altogether. Call our McCormick criminal defense lawyers today at 855-213-4405.
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What Are Your Rights as a Criminal Defendant in South Carolina?
Even though most people are aware of the right to remain silent when they have been accused of a crime, only a few of them are aware of the many rights they can exercise during such an event. Here are some of your rights as a criminal defendant in South Carolina.
The Right to Be Informed of the Nature of the Complaint
Law enforcement should state what crime you have been accused of. It can simply be what the charges are and how many counts of charges are being alleged.
The Right to Counsel
The defendant has the right to seek legal counsel when they have been accused of criminal charges. When the defendant faces the possibility of a prison sentence, he or she has the right to a court-appointed attorney if he or she cannot afford to retain an attorney on his/her own.
The Right Against Self-Incrimination
The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees this right. The defendant doesn’t have to testify in his/her own criminal case. In fact, they don’t have to make statements or admissions to law enforcement.
The Right of Confrontation
The defendant has the right to defend his/herself in a court of law and confront the accusers through cross-examination.
The Right to Due Process
The Fourteenth Amendment Of The United States Constitution guarantees this right. No state, including South Carolina, may deprive the defendant of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.
The Right to a Speedy Trial
The defendant has the right to a speedy trial. This right is designed to prevent any prejudicial delays in your case.
The Right to Bail
Despite this right, there are times when the defendant could be held without bail in case he or she is found to be a danger to society.
The Right to a Preliminary Examination
The main purpose of this right is to get some information from the law enforcement officer and decide whether the state has probable cause to charge the defendant with a crime.
The Right to a Unanimous Verdict
Each juror of the jury should unanimously find you guilty for you to be charged with the crime.
The Right to Compel the Attendance of Witnesses
The criminal defendant has the right to get witnesses to testify on his/her behalf.
What Is a Misdemeanor Vs a Felony in South Carolina?
When you are charged with a crime in South Carolina, you should be told whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor is a lesser criminal charge in SC. Even though most people erroneously believe that a misdemeanor cannot lead to jail time, it surely can.
If the defendant doesn’t have strong legal representation, he or she may find it difficult to defend even a misdemeanor and land into trouble in the process.
A misdemeanor conviction in SC can result in a fine up to $3,000 or $5,000, up to three years in jail, or both depending on the specifics of his/her crime. There are other punishments such as community service, paying restitution, mandatory counseling sessions, or loss of a regular legal privilege such as losing a driver’s license.
Felony charges are more serious crimes. Murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and rape are some of the common felony charges in South Carolina. A felony has a harsher punishment than a misdemeanor.
More serious crimes are punished by life in prison. Capital homicide may be punished by the death penalty (capital punishment). Felony convictions are usually fined thousands of dollars. The fines are included in the statute for individual crimes.
Should I Consult a McCormick Criminal Defense Lawyer Before Speaking to Police?
Yes. You should always consult a criminal defense lawyer before speaking to the police. Criminal defense cases are quite complex and should be handled with utmost care. If you say the wrong thing while you are being arrested, it can be held against you in the trial. A good lawyer will advise you on what to say and what not to say to the law enforcement officers.
Make sure you hire a reliable McCormick criminal defense lawyer at Ayers, Smithdeal, and Bettis P.C. to represent you in your criminal defense case and reduce the impact of the charges as much as possible or have them dropped altogether.
What Is the Habitual Offender Law?
A habitual offender is a name given to a repeat felony offender in SC. If the defendant has committed 2-3 previous felonies or many misdemeanors, he or she will be labeled a habitual offender. When a defendant has been labeled a habitual offender, increased penalties may apply to subsequent crimes committed.
How Can a McCormick Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me?
Facing a criminal charge is one of the most frightening things that could happen to any individual in McCormick, SC. Most people are clueless as to what to do in such a situation. The wisest thing to do is to hire an experienced McCormick criminal defense lawyer at your earliest.
Defend Your Rights During Questioning by Police
Remain calm and keep a clear head, and don’t say anything unwanted to the law enforcement officers since it can be used against you at a later date. Say little as possible until you speak to a reliable criminal defense lawyer at Ayers, Smithdeal, and Bettis P.C.
Law enforcement is committed to solving the crime and will do whatever it takes to solve the crime even at your expense. Don’t speak to the police until you contact one of our experienced criminal defense lawyers. Our McCormick criminal defense lawyers have decades of experience representing hundreds of clients in McCormick. They will help you make decisions that are in your best interest.
Plea Deals
We are ready to negotiate with the district attorney in the event that there is a plea deal. That way, we can make sure that you understand the facts of the case and what you are accepting.
Represent You at Trial
There are so many things to prepare when taking your case to trial. In fact, it isn’t limited to direct examination or cross-examination of witnesses. The jury will closely watch and listen to both sides of the case.
They are also watching every movement in the courtroom including your facial expressions, body language, and gestures. An experienced defense lawyer will help you prepare for the case in a way that the jury doesn’t suspect your movements or body language in the process.
Get the Best Defense in Your Criminal Case
When you or your loved one is charged with a criminal offense, you should contact the best McCormick criminal defense lawyers as soon as possible. Trying to handle the case on your own isn’t the best thing to do. Even though going alone is your right, it is the worst legal option you can choose.
Criminal defense cases are quite complex and require the assistance of knowledgeable and experienced McCormick criminal defense lawyers. Appearing in court without a criminal defense lawyer leaves you completely defenseless. It can result in you being victimized by law enforcement.
The highly reliable and experienced McCormick criminal defense lawyers at Ayers, Smithdeal, and Bettis P.C. are your best bet when you are charged with a crime. They will do whatever it takes to make sure your rights are protected. Our lawyers have successfully handled hundreds of criminal defense cases in the past. They know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system in South Carolina.
Call Ayers, Smithdeal, and Bettis P.C. today at 855-213-4405 to speak with our McCormick criminal defense lawyers.
