Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in South Carolina can be a confusing and stressful experience. The consequences of a DUI arrest extend far beyond the initial encounter with law enforcement. Understanding what happens after the arrest, the legal process involved, and the options available can help individuals protect their rights and make informed decisions. The Arrest and Initial Processing A DUI arrest usually begins when a law ... [Read More]

Being convicted of a crime can have life-altering consequences. In addition to potential jail time, fines, and probation, a conviction can affect employment opportunities, housing, and personal relationships. For some individuals, the conviction may feel like the end of the road, but the legal system does provide ways to challenge or modify a conviction after a case has concluded. Understanding post-conviction relief options in South Carolina is crucial for anyone ... [Read More]

Probation is a common alternative to incarceration in South Carolina. It allows individuals convicted of a crime to remain in the community under supervision, while complying with specific conditions set by the court. Probation can include requirements such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, attending counseling, performing community service, paying fines, or avoiding further criminal activity. While probation offers an opportunity to avoid jail time, it also comes with ... [Read More]

Facing charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is one of the most serious legal challenges a person can encounter in the federal system. Originally enacted in 1970 to combat organized crime, RICO has since been used to prosecute a wide range of cases, including financial fraud, political corruption, and corporate misconduct. Because these cases often involve complex investigations and broad allegations, defending against them requires a ... [Read More]

A criminal record can have lasting consequences beyond the immediate penalties of a conviction or arrest. It can affect employment opportunities, housing applications, professional licensing, and even personal relationships. For many people, the legal system provides a second chance through a process called expungement. In South Carolina, expungement allows individuals to have certain criminal records sealed or destroyed, giving them the opportunity to move forward without the constant burden of ... [Read More]

When a juvenile is accused of a crime, the legal process can be intimidating and confusing. Unlike adults, minors face a system designed to balance accountability with rehabilitation. South Carolina’s juvenile justice system recognizes that children and teenagers are still developing and that mistakes made at a young age should not necessarily define their future. However, juveniles still have rights, and protecting those rights is crucial for ensuring a fair ... [Read More]

Federal and state tax laws are complex, and mistakes on tax returns can lead to serious legal consequences. Two terms often used in discussions of illegal tax conduct are tax fraud and tax evasion. While they may seem similar, the legal definitions, required intent, and penalties can differ significantly. For individuals and businesses in South Carolina, understanding these distinctions is critical, especially if you are under investigation or facing charges. ... [Read More]

Being charged with a sex crime in South Carolina is serious. Even if a defendant avoids the harshest penalties, the consequences of a conviction extend far beyond jail time or fines. These additional impacts, known as collateral consequences, can affect many areas of life, including employment, housing, personal relationships, and civil rights. Understanding these consequences is critical for anyone facing such charges and underscores the importance of skilled legal representation ... [Read More]

Cybercrime has become one of the fastest-growing areas of federal criminal law. As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods that prosecutors use to investigate and charge individuals with computer-related offenses. Federal cybercrime cases can involve allegations ranging from hacking and identity theft to ransomware attacks and online fraud. In South Carolina, being accused of a federal cybercrime carries serious consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and long-term ... [Read More]

The federal grand jury plays a central role in the United States criminal justice system. For individuals under investigation in South Carolina, understanding how this process works is crucial. A grand jury can significantly influence the trajectory of a federal case, and navigating the process without proper legal guidance can have serious consequences. Unlike a trial jury, which determines guilt or innocence, a grand jury evaluates whether there is enough ... [Read More]