Criminal Defense Attorneys In Gaffney, South Carolina

Were you or a family member charged with a felony or misdemeanor in circuit court, magistrate court or city court? DUI, robbery, drug charges, or murder, our lawyers are available to review your criminal charges and possible defenses.

We have extensive experience in the practice of criminal law, handling practically all types of criminal cases, including murder, armed robbery, burglary, criminal sexual conduct, larceny, drug offenses, assault and battery, DUI and many others. Our defense work has led to many successful resolutions, including one case that went to the South Carolina Supreme Court.

Should You Hire A Lawyer?

Once charged with a criminal offense, it’s important that you hire an experienced criminal attorney as soon as possible. This is the case regardless of whether it’s an offense triable in magistrate court, city court or circuit court. Our attorneys have the experience you need. Furthermore, we are not afraid to see your case to the court of appeals or the South Carolina Supreme Court.

A Word About Bond

If a magistrate signed your warrant, then your bond will be set by a magistrate. If a city judge signed your warrant, then your bond will be set by a city judge. However, if charged with a crime where the maximum sentence is life in prison, such as murder, burglary in the first degree, or criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the first degree, then your bond must be set by a circuit judge. In these events, you will need a lawyer to file a motion for bond and go in front of a circuit court judge.

Whether your bond is set by a city judge, a magistrate, or a circuit court judge, the court uses various factors to decide whether you are a flight risk and/or whether you are a danger to society. Normally, a person would not be a flight risk if they have substantial ties to the local community. This may include family and/or a job. A person may be considered a flight risk if they are from out of state and have no local ties. The court may consider a person to be a danger to the community based upon the seriousness of the offense and the person’s prior record.

This does not necessarily mean that bond would or should be denied. Instead, it only means that the bond would be in a higher amount. If the magistrate or city judge sets a high bond, then a lawyer can file a motion with the circuit court asking the circuit court judge to reduce your bond. Therefore, if you or a loved one are in jail and a high bond has been set, a lawyer may be able to get the bond reduced.

Can We Help You With Your Bond Hearing?

If you have been charged and need a bond set or reduced, then we would be glad to consider taking your case. However, we do not take cases for the limited purpose of a bond hearing. We have found that taking a case for the limited purpose of a bond hearing usually has an unsatisfactory result. There are so many factors that we look at to properly handle a criminal case. Consequently, you can’t just take a case for a limited purpose.

One final word: While nobody wants to stay in jail, it is unwise to spend all your money on bond and have nothing left over to hire a lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Criminal Charges

An arrest is a shock to your system. It is only natural to have a lot of questions. Below are answers to some of the questions that our attorneys hear most often.

What are the possible consequences of a criminal conviction in South Carolina?

Most significantly, a criminal conviction means that you may face time in jail or prison, depending on the charges. However, even if you avoid time behind bars, a criminal conviction can result in heavy fines, long periods of probation or home confinement, mandatory drug and alcohol counseling programs, the loss of your driver’s license and the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or possess firearms. For non-U.S. citizens, a conviction on any criminal charge can also have immigration consequences that can include deportation.

How can a criminal conviction affect my personal and professional life in South Carolina?

Aside from the legal ramifications of a criminal conviction, there can also be collateral consequences on your personal and professional life. Your criminal record will follow you around forever. Depending on the nature of your conviction, you could find it difficult to find housing or get a job. Your choice of careers may be limited, and you could be ineligible for certain professional licenses (and lose the ones you have). You may also have difficulty in your interpersonal relationships because of the stigma associated with having a criminal record, especially for a felony.

What should I do if I’m charged with a drug crime in South Carolina?

If you are charged with a drug crime in South Carolina, do not expect leniency – even if it is your first offense. Be conscious of your constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent. Refrain from making any statements to law enforcement without your legal counsel present. Then, seek immediate legal guidance so that a defense attorney can assess the charges against you, the evidence, the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case, and your legal options.

Stay In Touch

A Gaffney criminal defense attorney from Parker & Bain, LLC, would be happy to represent you. We will let you know when to come to court after your first and second appearances. However, if you don’t let us know that your address or phone number has changed, we can’t get in touch with you.

Keep in contact by calling (864) 489-8128  or filling out our confidential online contact form.