Being charged with any criminal offense can be a nerve-wracking and often life-altering experience, especially if you have never faced criminal allegations before. However, whether you have an existing record or not, the quality of legal counsel you have when fighting these charges could make all the difference in whether your case ultimately has a favorable resolution for you.

When you are accused of violating South Carolina law, are being investigated for an alleged offense, or think you may be subject to scrutiny from law enforcement soon, you should make speaking with a Greenwood criminal lawyer your top priority. A seasoned defense attorney could build a comprehensive case on your behalf and fight to protect your rights.

Is Retaining Private Legal Counsel Worth It?

Every person accused of a crime in Greenwood or anywhere else in the country has a right under the Constitution to seek legal representation or have representation provided to them free of charge.  While public defenders serve a crucial role in America’s justice system, they also often have significant caseloads and minimal resources that significantly impact their ability to provide the same comprehensive defense as a private attorney.

Fortunately, working closely with an aggressive Greenwood attorney could be the key to ensuring a defendant’s rights are respected and actively enforced throughout the criminal process: from the initial investigation to the final stages of the trial. Additionally, legal counsel could negotiate a favorable resolution to the case outside of court, including arranging a plea bargain, finding an alternative to prosecution, or getting the charges dropped altogether.

If the case goes to trial, private legal representation could help build and effectively present a comprehensive defense strategy custom-tailored to the specific defendant’s needs and interests. Finally, in the event of a conviction, a criminal attorney could work diligently to mitigate the long-term repercussions of the charges and protect the defendant’s future.

Building a Strong Defense Against Criminal Charges in Greenwood

Like most states, South Carolina categorizes criminal violations of state law as misdemeanors or felonies—the former is seen as much less severe and punished much less harshly than the latter. Misdemeanors are categorized into one of three classes: A, B, and C. Felonies are sorted into one of six classes: A through F, with specific charges having unique penalties and sentencing ranges.

Skilled legal counsel could help effectively contest all sorts of criminal charges, including:

  • Assault and battery
  • Sexual assault
  • Robbery, burglary, shoplifting, and other forms of theft
  • Fraud and other “white-collar” offenses
  • Drinking and driving
  • Traffic violations
  • Crimes related to child pornography
  • Violations of restraining orders

During a private meeting, a hardworking and experienced attorney in Greenwood could discuss appropriate strategies for a particular criminal charge in more detail.

Contact a Capable Greenwood Criminal Attorney for Help

Everyone deserves fair representation after being accused of a crime in South Carolina. Fortunately, the help you need is available from a tenacious legal professional who knows how to fight and win on behalf of people like you in situations like yours.

A conversation with a Greenwood criminal lawyer could provide you with answers to important questions and confidence about what steps to take toward preserving your best interests. Call today to schedule a consultation, and let us get started working on your case.