Murrells Inlet Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’re facing a criminal charge, the heat is on, and it’s time to take decisive action in defense of your rights and in pursuit of your case’s best possible conclusion. A criminal conviction on your record can lead to lasting consequences that could derail the future you’ve worked so hard to build for yourself. Having the professional legal counsel of an experienced Murrells Inlet criminal defense attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
The Charge Against You
South Carolina criminal charges are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. While a misdemeanor is a less serious charge, it can – nonetheless – lead to very serious consequences that you may not have bargained for, including a tarnished reputation that could interfere with your ability to grow your career or even rent a place to live. Felony charges are more serious still, and the line that divides them is generally the amount of time that you could potentially spend behind bars if convicted. Misdemeanor charges typically carry up to a year in jail, while felony charges usually carry a year or more in prison.
You Have Rights
The most important point to keep in mind if you’re charged with a crime in South Carolina is that you have legal rights that include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney – which are referred to as your Miranda rights. Putting each of these into effect from the start can make a serious difference in how your case is resolved, and doing so is always in your best interest.
It’s important to note that it is not enough to tell the officers who are detaining you that you won’t be doing any talking. Instead, you’ll need to remain silent in order to secure that right. Too many defendants are lulled into saying far too much to the police, which makes invoking your right to remain silent early on and sticking to it paramount.
Common Criminal Charges in South Carolina
Criminal charges come in all different forms, and while no two cases are exactly alike, some of the most common criminal charges in South Carolina include the following:
- DUI charges
- Traffic violations
- Assault charges
- Drug charges, including simple possession, possession with intent to distribute, trafficking, and manufacturing
- Domestic violence charges
- Firearm offenses
Regardless of the kind of charge you face, you owe it to yourself and to your future to work closely with a well-respected criminal defense attorney from the outset.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Murrells Inlet Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Matthew Swilley at Swilley Law Firm, LLC, is a knowledgeable Murrells Inlet criminal defense attorney who has reserves of experience guiding challenging cases like yours toward optimal outcomes that support his clients’ rights, and he welcomes the opportunity to also help you. To learn more, please reach out and contact us online or call 843-773-2789 today.