We get calls from time to time from people who want to know how to get a restraining order. Sometimes we can help and sometimes we can’t, but it is important to know when you can get a restraining order and how to do it. There are three types of restraining orders available under SC ...
What are the stages of a criminal trial? Although most criminal cases do not get to a trial, everything that happens in a case is informed by what a possible trial would look like. If we are likely to win a trial, we are not likely to accept a plea offer to prison time, for ...
What would you think if you meet with a defense lawyer who tells you, “Don’t rock the boat” in your first meeting? What do they mean? You aren’t going to get a “good deal” if you “rock the boat?” Are they afraid of damaging their relationship with the police or prosecutors? Why? If you are ...
How does SC’s driving points system work? When does the SCDMV suspend your license for accumulation of driving points? Below, we will discuss the basics of the driving points system in SC, including: How many points are assessed for different types of violations, When an accumulation of points results in a license suspension, What to ...
In State v. Collins, the SC Court of Appeals suppressed an involuntary statement by the defendant and reversed his convictions for 1st degree arson and conspiracy. Ordinarily, we think of an involuntary statement as one that is obtained by threats and coercion. In this case, although there were threats by law enforcement, the decision seemed ...
“Know your enemy…” Most of us have heard the phrase, but it’s only one-half of the equation: “Know the enemy and know yourself.” How can we apply this lesson from Sun Tzu’s Art of War to the practice of criminal defense? If we take our duty to defend our clients seriously, we must 1) know ...