Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Mount Pleasant

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina?

  Call the Mount Pleasant Police Department at (843) 884-4176 for non-emergencies or (843) 743-7200 for a 24/7 dispatch.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina?

  Call The Mount Pleasant Police Department’s Records Section at (843) 884-4176, or go to the station personally at the Municipal Complex located at 100 Ann Edwards Lane in the metro.

• How can a person be a habitual offender in Mount Pleasant?

  If you have had three major traffic violations within a span of three years, you could become a habitual offender. These violations include DUI, hit-and-run, and reckless driving. Additionally, if there are ten minor traffic violations on your record, you could be declared a habitual offender in Mount Pleasant and anywhere in the state.

• What is Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature (DVHAN) in Mount Pleasant?

  Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature (DVHAN) occurs when an accused person in Mount Pleasant commits domestic violence that manifests an extreme disregard for human life. This happens when the accused uses a deadly weapon, impedes the victim's normal breathing, or uses physical force that keeps the victim from seeking emergency medical help. DVHAN also happens if the act is committed in the presence of a minor or when the victim is pregnant.

• How can a person change a court date at the municipal court in Mount Pleasant?

  You can request to change a court date at the municipal court in Mount Pleasant by submitting a first continuance request online. If the request was received within 48 hours of the court date, there might be insufficient time to process the request, and the case will move forward as scheduled. You will receive a return email if your request is granted. Contact the court administrator at (843) 884-6796 or visit the office at 100 Ann Edwards Lane.

• Is the accused person's presence required at trial in Mount Pleasant?

  It depends. In cases involving capital punishment, the accused person is required to be present at trial. However, accused persons may voluntarily waive their right to be present in trial for felony and misdemeanor cases. The accused person will then be tried after the court determines that a notice was given for the accused to be present during trial and a warning was issued that the trial will proceed without the presence of the accused.

• What happens in the first 24 hours following an arrest in Mount Pleasant?

  You will be taken to the police station in Mount Pleasant or county jail and get booked to record the arrest officially. The booking process includes fingerprinting, taking your mugshot, and collecting your personal belongings for evidence. Within the next 24 to 48 hours, you are going to have a bond hearing wherein a judge will decide whether or not you can be released from jail which comes at a financial cost to you.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.