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Blog Category | Criminal Defense
What Are the Consequences of a DUI Conviction?
Getting a DUI conviction in Union, SC, can strip away your driving privileges, end your career (especially if you drive for a living), and increase your auto insurance rates. Likewise, hefty fines, incarceration, mandatory programs, such as Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP), or probation, can negatively impact your...
Read MoreWhat to Do During a DUI Stop in Union, SC
If police pull you over in Union, SC, and suspect you of DUI, you have legal rights. Your next steps will significantly influence how your case progresses, so tread lightly. At Parker & Bain, our DUI defense lawyers in Union, SC, can safeguard your constitutional rights from the moment of...
Read MorePrescription Drug Arrests and Legal Defenses in Union, South Carolina
If you’ve been arrested in Union, SC, for a drug crime but you have a valid prescription, you aren’t automatically out of options. However, you should act carefully. While South Carolina law recognizes valid drug prescriptions, success depends on how well you document them, the strength of your prescription defense,...
Read MoreDiversion Programs for Drug Offenders in Union, South Carolina
Yes. There are diversion programs available for drug offenders in Union, SC. These programs give eligible drug offenders a chance to avoid a traditional criminal conviction by completing treatment, supervision, and education instead of serving jail time. At Parker & Bain, we make sure you fully understand these programs because...
Read MoreThe Difference Between Drug Trafficking and Possession in SC
In South Carolina, possession and trafficking are two very different drug charges. Possession usually means drugs were for personal use, while trafficking implies intent to distribute or sell. The dividing line often comes down to weight, intent, and how police interpret the evidence. The difference between a misdemeanor and a...
Read MoreCharged with a Drug Crime for Being in the Wrong Place
Yes. You can be charged with a drug crime if you were just in the wrong place and the drugs weren’t yours. In South Carolina, the law allows prosecutors to pursue constructive possession, meaning you didn’t have drugs on you, but police claim you had control or knowledge of them....
Read MoreLegal Penalties for Drug Possession in South Carolina
Drug possession penalties in South Carolina depend on the specific type and amount of the drug, and whether the charge involves personal use or distribution. Even a small quantity can lead to jail time, costly fines, and a lifelong criminal record. At Parker & Bain, our drug crime attorneys know...
Read MoreStatute of Limitations for Criminal Charges in South Carolina
Most criminal cases in South Carolina don’t have a statute of limitations. This means the state can file charges at any time, whether it’s months or decades after the alleged offense. This rule applies to both felonies and misdemeanors, which is a rarity compared to many states that limit prosecution...
Read MoreCan I Represent Myself in Court?
Technically, yes, you can represent yourself in court for most types of cases. However, the better question is: should you? The honest answer is no. Trying to face prosecutors without a lawyer almost always ends badly. South Carolina’s criminal laws are packed with technical rules, and not fully understanding even...
Read MorePotential Penalties in a Criminal Conviction
South Carolina law imposes strict penalties for both misdemeanors and felonies, but the actual cost often extends far beyond jail time or fines. A conviction in York, whether for a felony or misdemeanor, is likewise more than a line on your criminal record. It can take away your freedom, drain...
Read MoreCommon Defenses to Assault Charges in South Carolina
An assault charge in Gaffney is more than a legal problem. It’s a threat to your freedom, your record, and your reputation in a small community where word travels fast. While SC law provides defenses that can protect you, the best one depends on the facts of your specific case....
Read MoreUnderstanding Field Sobriety Tests in South Carolina DUI Cases
Police in Gaffney typically rely on field sobriety tests during DUI stops. These are roadside exercises, such as walking a straight line, standing on one leg, and following a penlight, that officers use to decide whether to arrest you. While the state treats these tests as essential, the truth is...
Read MoreConsequences of Driving Without a Valid License
It is estimated that roughly seven million people operate a motor vehicle without a valid license. If you are found driving without a valid license, the severity of your punishment will depend on the circumstances. While simply forgetting to renew an expired license may result in a citation, driving on...
Read MoreUnderstanding Field Sobriety Tests in South Carolina DUI Cases
Police officers typically conduct field sobriety tests on individuals they suspect of driving under the influence. Standardized field sobriety testing normally involves a three-pronged evaluation. These include a horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-legged stand tests. Field sobriety testing gauges a motorist’s coordination to discern if they are driving above...
Read MorePlea Deal vs. Going to Trial: What You Need to Know
If you’re facing criminal charges in Gaffney, SC, one of the most critical decisions you’ll need to make is whether to accept a plea deal or take your case to trial. At Parker & Bain, LLC, our criminal defense attorneys understand how overwhelming this decision can be. A basic knowledge...
Read MoreWhat Happens During an Arraignment?
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Gaffney, SC, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what lies ahead. One of the first critical steps in the South Carolina criminal process is the arraignment. At Parker & Bain, LLC, our defense lawyers help you understand your rights, prepare for...
Read MoreYour Legal Rights During Police Questioning in South Carolina
Being called in for questioning by the police or finding yourself in a custodial interrogation can be incredibly intimidating. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, the pressure of facing trained investigators can easily lead to mistakes that harm your case. It’s important to know that you have...
Read MoreHow Plea Bargains Work in Gaffney, SC, Criminal Cases
If you face criminal charges, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what happens next. Many people wonder whether they have any options other than going to trial. The good news is that your attorney can negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor in many criminal cases. Plea bargaining is...
Read MoreWhat is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?
Felonies and misdemeanors are the main types of criminal offenses in South Carolina. Felonies are more serious crimes punishable by over three years in prison, while misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by under three years in prison. These prison sentences are not mandatory, and an experienced Gaffney criminal defense...
Read MoreHow Can I Find a Good Criminal Defense Attorney?
Many law firms market themselves as providing criminal defense services. However, any licensed South Carolina lawyer can represent you during criminal proceedings. There is no separate legal certification for criminal defense, though reputable attorneys might seek out additional professional memberships in this area of law. Finding a good Gaffney criminal...
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