Felonies & Misdemeanors
Criminal Defense Attorney in Greenville
Felonies
Anyone that is charged with a felony should seek counsel from a criminal defense attorney in Greenville. Such charges are serious and can affect you for the rest of your life. Felony charges are given to individuals who’ve committed serious crimes, of which the criminal justice system feels no less than one year in jail is a fair punishment for a conviction. A felony conviction can have a devastating effect on your ability to find employment, own a firearm, and find suitable housing in the future. Examples of felony crimes include:
- Aggravated assault
- Drug manufacturing and trafficking
- Sexual Assault
- Arson
- Manslaughter
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
- Murder
- Robbery
When facing such serious charges, you don’t want to step into a court room without a trusted and experienced attorney by your side. Some things a criminal defense lawyer may do for you include:
- Investigating Your Charges
- Submitting Court Documents
- Make Recommendations to the Court such as Probation or Anger Management
- Help Reduce Your Fines and Penalties
If you are charged with a felony, the judge will inform you of your right to a preliminary hearing. Your attorney, should you retain one, will represent you from there. Also, if the charge warrants, the judge will set your bail. This could be one of the most important actions the judge will take at your hearing. With bonds, there are two main types. One being a cash bond, of which family or friends may have to pay to get you out of jail. Another is a signature bond, of which you sign a document stating you will be at every court date set, no excuses. If you miss, you could be taken back to jail and not given a bond option.
Facing time behind bars, fines, loss of job, stress, and a tarnished name are all consequences that you don’t want to experience. Contacting a criminal defense attorney in South Carolina can help some of those consequences be less severe, or non-existent. Garcia Law Firm is ready to help you and your loved ones gain the peace of mind you need and want when facing such charges.
Misdemeanors
A person who commits a misdemeanor crime is guilty of a crime that isn’t considered very serious. Misdemeanors are punishable by no more than one-year in jail, probation, fines, and special programs for rehabilitation. Common misdemeanor charges include:
- Driving on a Suspended License
- Shoplifting/Theft under $500
- Assault/Domestic Assault
- Jaywalking
- Simple Drug Possession
- Disorderly Conduct
- Trespassing
Public intoxication, petty theft, possession of a small amount of drugs, and reckless driving are also examples of some of the misdemeanor charges that you can face. If you are arrested on the spot or asked by the authorities to surrender, you should have a good plan for how to handle these charges. Any good attorney at law will tell you that the most important thing is to get on the phone with a criminal defense attorney in Greenville before you say something that can be used against you in court. You have the right to be represented by an attorney even in those initial moments when police are asking questions. Too many defendants find out later that they harmed their own defense by speaking to police without a Greenville criminal defense lawyer present.
Whether it’s interviewing potential witnesses, examining evidence prosecutors are using against you, or making sure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, using a criminal defense attorney in Greenville, such as those at Garcia Law Firm, will ensure you will have an attorney who understands the criminal justice system and can guide you through its many complexities.
Fortunately for most people who find themselves facing drug and domestic violence charges, most cases are resolved without ever setting foot inside a courtroom. Instead, many cases are settled through the Solicitor General’s office or are dismissed, allowing defendants to get on with their lives. If you or a loved one have found yourself in a situation such as this, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced attorneys at Garcia Law Firm.
Contact the office today to gain a peace of mind by discussing the next best step for your case.