Serving 
Trusted Criminal Defense Attorneys in South Carolina
Were you or a family member charged with a felony or misdemeanor in a circuit, magistrate, or city court? DUI, robbery, drug charges, or murder, our lawyers are available to review your criminal charges and possible defenses.
We have extensive experience in the practice of criminal law, handling practically all types of criminal cases, including murder, armed robbery, burglary, criminal sexual conduct, larceny, drug offenses, assault and battery, DUI, and many others. Our defense work has led to many successful resolutions, including one case that went to the South Carolina Supreme Court.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Once charged with a criminal offense, it’s important that you hire an experienced criminal attorney as soon as possible. This is the case regardless of whether it’s an offense triable in magistrate, city, or circuit courts. Our attorneys have the experience you need. Furthermore, we are not afraid to send your case to the Court of Appeals or the South Carolina Supreme Court.
About Bond Issues in Criminal Charges
If a magistrate signs your warrant, then a magistrate will set your bond. If a city judge signs your warrant, then your bond will be set by a city judge. However, if you are charged with a crime where the maximum sentence is life in prison, such as murder, burglary in the first degree, or criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the first degree, then your bond must be set by a circuit judge. In these events, you will need a lawyer to file a motion for bond and go in front of a circuit court judge.
Whether your bond is set by a city judge, a magistrate, or a circuit court judge, various factors decide whether you are a flight risk and/or a danger to society. Normally, a person would not be a flight risk if they have substantial ties to the local community. This may include family and/or a job. A person may be considered a flight risk if they are from out of state and have no local ties. The court may consider a person a danger to the community based on the seriousness of the offense and the person’s prior record.
This does not necessarily mean that the bond would or should be denied. Instead, it only means that the bond would be higher. If the magistrate or city judge sets a high bond, then a lawyer can file a motion with the circuit court asking the circuit court judge to reduce your bond. Therefore, if you or a loved one are in jail and a high bond has been set, a lawyer may be able to reduce the bond.
We Can Help With Your Bond Hearing
We would gladly consider taking your case if you have been charged and need a bond set or reduced. However, we do not take cases for the limited purpose of a bond hearing. We have found that taking a case for the limited purpose of a bond hearing usually has an unsatisfactory result. There are so many factors to consider. One final word. While nobody wants to stay in jail, spending all your money on bond and having nothing left over to hire a lawyer is unwise.
FAQs About South Carolina Criminal Charges
An arrest is a shock to your system. It is only natural to have a lot of questions. Below are answers to some of the questions that our attorneys hear most often.
What are the possible consequences of a criminal conviction in South Carolina?
Most significantly, a criminal conviction means you may face jail or prison time, depending on the charges. However, even if you avoid time behind bars, a criminal conviction can result in heavy fines, long periods of probation or home confinement, mandatory drug and alcohol counseling programs, the loss of your driver’s license, and the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or possess firearms. For non-U.S. citizens, a conviction on any criminal charge can also have immigration consequences, including deportation.
How can a criminal conviction affect my personal and professional life in South Carolina?
Aside from the legal ramifications of a criminal conviction, there can also be collateral consequences on your personal and professional life. Your criminal record will follow you around forever. Depending on the nature of your conviction, you could find it difficult to find housing or get a job. Your choice of careers may be limited, and you could be ineligible for certain professional licenses (and lose the ones you have). You may also have difficulty in your interpersonal relationships because of the stigma associated with having a criminal record, especially for a felony.
What should I do if I’m charged with a drug crime in South Carolina?
If you are charged with a drug crime in South Carolina, do not expect leniency – even if it is your first offense. Be conscious of your constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent. Refrain from making any statements to law enforcement without your legal counsel present. Then, seek immediate legal guidance so that a defense attorney can assess the charges against you, the evidence, the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case, and your legal options.
Stay Connected and Informed
Our criminal defense attorneys at Parker & Bain, LLC, would happily represent you. We will tell you when to come to court after your first and second appearances. However, if you don’t inform us that your address or phone number has changed, we can’t contact you.
Keep in contact by calling (864) 489-8128 or filling out our confidential online contact form.