Criminal Defense

What should you do after an arrest or charge?

Read the paperwork you receive and keep it together. It may identify the court, the charge, the date to appear, and conditions of release. Missing a court date or disregarding a bond condition can create additional problems. If you have been released, follow the written conditions while you seek legal advice.

You do not need to explain the facts to every person who asks. A careful conversation with counsel is a better place to begin. Preserve relevant messages, documents, and contact information without altering anything. If the situation involves family conflict or a related child custody matter, separate court orders may need to be understood together.

How is bond considered in South Carolina?

Bond is an early issue in many criminal cases. Under South Carolina law, a court considers bond eligibility and may impose conditions. The appropriate terms depend on the charge, the person’s history, safety concerns, and other facts presented to the court. Conditions can include limits on contact, travel, or possession of weapons.

South Carolina law also provides a process for Circuit Court to reconsider certain bonds initially set by a summary court. A bond question may overlap with a pending separation or divorce case, but a family dispute does not resolve the criminal charge. Each proceeding has its own purpose and rules.

How is a defense evaluated?

A charge is not a full account of what happened. The defense review may include the timeline, identification, statements, recordings, searches, witnesses, and whether the available evidence supports each required element. The facts can also affect whether a motion, further investigation, or a negotiated resolution should be considered.

It is important not to assume that one person’s experience predicts another’s. Courts, prosecutors, and available programs operate within particular statutes and local procedures. We explain what we see in the record and help clients weigh decisions without making promises about results.

Can a criminal record be expunged?

Some records may be addressed through expungement procedures created by statute, but eligibility is limited and fact-dependent. The charge, disposition, prior record, program history, waiting periods, and statutory exclusions can all matter. An expungement is not available simply because a person wants a record removed, and it should never be assumed before the case and the governing provisions are reviewed.

A record can also affect related concerns such as employment, licensing, or a civil injury claim arising from the same event. The next step is to obtain the court record and evaluate the specific situation.

What can you expect from a consultation?

Bring charging papers, bond paperwork, court notices, and a written timeline of what you recall. Include information about witnesses, recordings, prior court dates, and any conditions that are difficult to understand. We can discuss the current posture, questions to ask, and what preparation may be useful. A calm, organized approach gives you a clearer basis for deciding how to proceed.

It also helps to write down the practical concerns that are weighing on you: work, transportation, family responsibilities, or contact restrictions. Those concerns may not change the charge, but understanding them helps make a plan for meeting court obligations while the case is pending.