Criminal Defense
Overview
Are you being investigated or have you already been charged with a crime in South Carolina? If so, it is vital that you seek representation as soon as possible. Criminal convictions can result in major consequences, from job loss to jail time to child custody issues.
You have legal rights in the criminal justice system and you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side who can exploit the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and devise the best strategy possible to reduce your chances of incurring penalties or being convicted. Joshua Bailey, a partner with the Snow and Bailey Law Firm, provides superior legal representation to help you navigate the legal system and prepare you for the charges you are facing. He is trustworthy, tenacious and dedicated to fighting for your rights, your reputation, and your liberty.
Cases We Can Help With
The Snow and Bailey Law Firm offers aggressive and strategic defense against many types of criminal charges including, but not limited to, the following:
- Driving Under The Influence
- Traffic Offenses
- Murder / Manslaughter
- Drug-Related Charges
- Assault and Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Sex Crimes
- Internet Crimes
- Theft Crimes
We also provide legal assistance with:
- Bond Hearings
- Bench Warrants
- Post-Conviction Relief
- Expungements
- Pardons
Common Situations
It is natural to be frightened when interacting with law enforcement and facing accusations that you have committed a crime. Our firm can put your mind at ease and will provide answers to important questions like:
- What should I do if I’ve been charged with a crime in South Carolina?
- How can a criminal defense lawyer help me?
- How do I choose the best criminal defense law firm for my case?
If you have been charged with a crime in South Carolina, you need to know if you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges and the potential penalties you face. You must determine whether to plead guilty or not guilty, and whether to negotiate a plea bargain or go to trial.
The criminal justice system can be confusing if you don’t know the rules – which is why the first thing you should do after you have been arrested is to call a lawyer. You deserve the best possible representation, and it starts with retaining the services of a criminal defense attorney who is knowledgeable about local laws and who will protect your rights. Do not hesitate to contact our firm as soon as possible after your arrest or if you are questioned by police in connection with a crime to ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Not every case goes to trial, which means there is a chance that your charges may be dropped or that a plea bargain to reduce penalties can be negotiated without ever having to set foot in a courtroom.
Joshua Bailey fights diligently to avoid convictions for all of his clients. He understands the procedural and legal nuances of the complex South Carolina legal system and will work tirelessly on your behalf from raising defenses to introducing reasonable doubt to obtain the most favorable result.
Upon conviction, sentence may range as follows:
Jail – A first-offense DUI generally carries 48 hours to 30 days in jail. But if the driver had BAC of at least .10% but less than .16% , the minimum jail time is increased to seven days. And if the offender had a BAC of .16% or greater, the jail time is 30 to 90 days. Judges can allow an equal amount of community service in place of jail time.
Fines – A person who’s convicted of a first DUI must pay a fine of $400. Drivers with a BAC of at least .10% but less than .16% will pay a $500 fine, while drivers with a BAC of .16% or greater will pay a $1,000 fine.
Treatment – All persons convicted of a DUI must complete the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP). This requirement consists of the convicted person completing and alcohol and drug evaluation and then following recommendations of the evaluation.
Suspension of Driver’s License – Judges will suspend the first offender’s license for six months. Drivers enrolled in the ADSAP program can obtain a provisional license which permits them to drive during the suspension period.
BAC of .15% or more – Drivers with a BAC of .15% or more will also receive an additional one-month suspension at the time of arrest and are ineligible to receive a provisional license. They can get an ignition interlock restricted license after conviction that allows them to drive only with the use of and ignition interlock device, often referred to IID.
Drivers that refused chemical testing will also be eligible for the IID license but not the provisional license.
