An Isle of Palms criminal defense lawyer could help you avoid jail time or serious financial penalties when charged with or suspected of a crime. Among other services, an attorney could ensure that law enforcement does not violate your constitutional rights during a criminal investigation.
At Adams & Bischoff, we take it one step further and ensure that attorney-client privilege applies to all communications, including medical experts. Contact our firm today to begin working with a legal team dedicated to protecting your rights.
An Attorney Could Defend You Against Charges For Violent Crimes
The state imposes some of its harshest penalties for crimes in which an individual commits a violent act against another. A criminal defense attorney in the Isle of Palms could advise you on the potential consequences for a specific violent crime.
Codified under S.C. Code Ann. § 16-3-600, assault and battery are among the most common violent crimes in the state. A prosecutor could seek these charges if a person causes bodily injury to another individual or touches another person’s private parts without consent. The degree of charges will depend on the specific facts of a case. More serious offenses, such as high and aggravated assault and battery, can lead to up to 20 years in prison.
If a violent crime causes the death of another person, an individual could face murder charges, under S.C. Code Ann. § 16-3-10. Murder charges can result in severe penalties, including life imprisonment. Unintentional homicide or murder that lacks intent could produce charges of manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter.
South Carolina also penalizes a range of sexual misconduct crimes. For example, the state can pursue a first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge if an individual commits sexual battery using force. This crime is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
The State Has Harsh Penalties for Property Crimes
An Isle of Palms lawyer could also defend a client against criminal charges involving property, for which penalties can include prison time, fines, or restitution.
If a person unlawfully takes another individual’s property, they could be charged with larceny. The penalties for larceny and similar crimes are frequently determined by the value of the stolen property. Grand larceny convictions for property worth over $2,000 can result in a 10-year maximum prison sentence.
A court could find a person guilty of robbery if they took property by force. Common law robbery offenses are felonies that can impose up to a 15-year prison term.
An individual is also potentially subject to burglary charges if they illegally enter a dwelling or home without consent, to commit a crime. The severity of these charges depends on the individual’s actions upon entering the dwelling, with first degree burglary crimes imposing a minimum 15-year prison term.
The State Prohibits Possession of Controlled Substances
South Carolina imposes very serious penalties for illegal possession of controlled substances without a medical prescription. The crime’s penalties will vary based on factors such as the drug’s classification and the amount in the defendant’s possession.
The state categorizes controlled substances into five schedules, with Schedule I including drugs most likely to cause addiction and abuse, listed under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-53-190. The minimum and maximum prison sentences are determined by the type of drug in possession.
If an individual possesses a controlled substance in quantities exceeding the limits outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 44-53-370, a prosecutor could charge them with the intent to distribute. For example, possession of more than 10 pounds of marijuana could result in felony trafficking charges.
An Isle of Palms criminal defense attorney could explain the different criminal penalties you may be facing based on the type and amount of controlled substance in your possession.
Speak with an Isle of Palms Lawyer Immediately When Facing Criminal Charges
If you are the subject of a criminal investigation or were charged with a crime, engaging an Isle of Palms criminal defense lawyer promptly could help protect your constitutional rights. An attorney at one of our offices in Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and North Charleston could help you navigate the complexities of criminal proceedings and fight on your behalf in court. Contact us today.
