Pickens County Violent Crimes Lawyer

Violent crimes are generally thought to be crimes where someone was hurt or injured. Generally, when there is a serious injury that occurs during the commission of a crime, the offense is most likely considered a violent crime. South Carolina defines a number of crimes as violent. If you are accused of such an offense, it is a serious matter, and you may need assistance from a Pickens County violent crimes lawyer. If you are convicted of a violent offense, you will face severe penalties and a permanent criminal record.

When you are facing a charge of a violent crime, your whole world is turned upside down. You and your family have a serious challenge that will impact the rest of your lives. It is necessary to vigorously defend yourself in order to overcome the charges. The best option is to hire a Pickens County violent crimes lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will answer your questions and defend your rights from start to finish of the legal process.

Types of Violent Crimes in Pickens County

Violent crimes generally fall under four major categories, including murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. There are almost 50 crimes that are considered violent in the state of South Carolina. The most common violent crimes include:

  • Murder
  • Attempted murder
  • Assault and battery
  • Assault with intent to kill
  • Armed robbery
  • Carjacking
  • Arson
  • Homicide
  • Aggravated domestic violence
  • Spousal sexual battery
  • Detonation of a destructive device

The list of violent crimes is extensive, and in general, includes any crime where force was used or where a weapon was involved. Sometimes other factors might cause a crime to be considered violent. For instance, some DUI homicides are considered violent crimes even though the driver did not use a gun to perform the crime.

When you are charged with a crime, you will usually face several charges. Some charges may be less serious than others. However, violent crime charges are the most serious and carry strong penalties if convicted. Violent crimes are generally felonies. Felony crime convictions are much more severe than others because of the penalties involved. If you are convicted of a felony, you must disclose it on future job applications.

You might be charged with a violent crime if you were an accessory. This means that you might have been involved in a crime, but were not the main offender. For example, the getaway driver in a bank robbery might be charged the same as the person who held the gun and went inside.

Penalties for Violent Crimes Convictions in Pickens, SC

Penalties for violent crimes are more severe than for non-violent crimes. Felonies are classified into 6 categories for purposes of sentencing. They range from Class A through Class F. Class A felonies are the most serious and carry the strongest penalties. Penalties typically include prison sentences, fines, and probation. The death penalty is a possibility for those who commit a capital offense. Capital punishment is most commonly allowed for murder convictions.

Each charge carries a separate penalty. The law provides guidelines for sentencing based on the crime conviction. The judge has some discretion to order a sentence that falls within the guidelines.

If you are found guilty of multiple crimes, you might face multiple sentences. These may be made concurrently or consecutively. After completion of a sentence, you will usually be placed on probation for a period of time. During this time, you will be required to report to your probation officer on a regular basis.

Since penalties for violent crimes are extreme, you could be facing years in prison. A Pickens County violent crimes lawyer works to resolve your case without a conviction and to achieve the lowest possible sentence if you are convicted of an offense.

Strong Defense against Violent Crime Charges in Pickens County, South Carolina

A violent crime charge requires a strong defense. If you were arrested for a violent crime, you need to obtain a Pickens County violent crimes lawyer as quickly as possible. Your lawyer will immediately begin to assist you in the process.

It is essential to have your lawyer present before you speak with law enforcement officials. What you say now can be used in court. Therefore, do not make any statements, even if you feel that they will be of help. Instead, wait for your attorney to be present so you can ensure that what you say will not worsen your situation.

Your first hearing is very important because, here, you will find out the exact charges against you and your bail will be set. In violent crime charges, bail is usually set high. The judge wants to be sure that you will return for subsequent hearings and trial. In some violent crimes, such as capital offenses, bail is not allowed. Your lawyer will work to try to get your bail set at the lowest possible number.

There are various factors that can be considered when setting bail. These include such things as your previous criminal record, employment, family, financial resources and community ties. Additionally, the judge will review whether you are a flight risk. If so, your bail will be set accordingly. You might have some conditions for bail, such as monitoring.

The charges against you are determined by the crime committed and the evidence to support a conviction. Your Pickens County violent crimes lawyer will immediately review the charges against you to determine their validity. Some charges may be able to be reduced or eliminated completely. This will help you obtain a more favorable outcome.

Understanding the Legal Process for Violent Crimes in South Carolina

The legal process is in place to allow those who are charged with crimes to get a fair trial. You have rights throughout the process, which cannot be denied. Although you have the right to a speedy trial, it can take some time to resolve your case. This might be frustrating, especially if you are behind bars. However, your Pickens County violent crimes lawyer is working hard to defend your rights every step of the way.

Throughout the process, there will be various hearings. The hearings allow your SC violent crime lawyer to learn as much as possible about the evidence in the case so that they can prepare a strong defense. Sometimes the evidence for some of the charges is weak. Other times, the evidence may have been obtained illegally. Your Pickens County violent crimes lawyer recognizes these conditions and works to have some of the charges lowered or dropped.

Your defense must address the evidence and facts of the case. Witnesses must be deposed, evidence must be reviewed, and the crime scene needs to be examined. There may be a lack of evidence that will help your South Carolina violent crime attorney present your defense.

Every case is different and has a unique set of circumstances. Some cases take longer to resolve than others. Rest assured that your Pickens County violent crimes lawyer will do everything possible to establish a successful defense in your case.

In some instances, a plea deal is possible. A plea deal is when the prosecutor allows you to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a reduced penalty. A plea deal may be available in certain circumstances. For example, if the evidence against you is not strong, the prosecutor may allow you to plead to a lesser charge and avoid trial.

Another reason for a plea deal might be to obtain your cooperation with another case. If there are several people charged with crimes in connection with your charges, you might be called upon to testify against them. This may be done in exchange for lesser charges or a reduced penalty.

Your Pickens County violent crimes lawyer may work with the prosecutor to arrange a plea deal. Your attorney will discuss the matter with you completely so you can decide whether you want to accept the offer. There may be benefits to you if you accept the offer; however, if the evidence against you in your case is weak and you have a strong defense, you may be better off with a trial. Your lawyer will help you determine the best course of action in your particular situation.

Violent Crimes Conviction Appeals

A conviction of a violent crime can be difficult to handle. However, there may be times when an appeal is possible. When there were mistakes made during your trial or when there were legal problems with the case, you may be able to appeal your case. A Pickens County violent crimes lawyer will assist with the appeal process.

Your lawyer will carefully examine the records of your case and trial to determine the grounds for your appeal. Once this is established, an appeal can be filed. Not all appeals are accepted. If your appeal has validity, you may be allowed a review of your case to determine whether another trial or a review of your sentence is an option.

How a Pickens Violent Crimes Lawyer Can Help

If you are charged with a violent crime, you need to present an aggressive defense against criminal charges. The penalties for a violent crime conviction are serious and life-altering. Your life and the lives of your family members will never be the same if you are convicted of a violent crime. You will likely spend a significant amount of time in prison and might have trouble getting a job once you have served your sentence.

A criminal conviction will be part of your permanent record and could keep you from achieving goals in your future. For these reasons, it is essential that you provide the strongest defense possible to the charges. A Pickens County violent crimes lawyer will help from the minute you are arrested.

Your lawyer will be by your side throughout the entire process, advocating for your rights. At every possible turn, your attorney will try to have your charges reduced or your sentence lightened. The sooner you engage a Pickens County violent crimes lawyer, the more time they will have to build a solid defense and obtain a more favorable result in your case.

It is essential to aggressively defend the charges that have been filed. A strong defense is necessary from the very beginning of your case. Not only will your violent crimes lawyer establish a strong defense, but he will also try to reduce the charges against you at the same time.

When you have been charged with a violent crime, you are probably terrified of what might happen. It is best not to try to go it alone. A Pickens County violent crimes lawyer understands the process and can evaluate the charges against you to immediately try to make a difference in the case. Criminal cases can be extremely complicated. It is essential to hire a lawyer who understands your needs and will work for you to protect your rights.

If you have prior convictions, you might feel that the situation is hopeless. This is far from the truth. Each case is distinctive and has a separate set of circumstances. Your lawyer will verify that the charges brought against you are correct and if not, will work to have the charges reduced. Often, more charges are initially brought against a suspect than are warranted. If you have been overcharged, your lawyer will work to have this rectified. You should only face charges that are appropriate.

Get the Help You Need from a Pickens Violent Crimes Lawyer

A Pickens County violent crimes lawyer is available to assist you throughout the legal proceedings. From the moment you are arrested, your lawyer will work on your behalf to resolve your case favorably.

The Pickens County violent crimes lawyers at Brumback & Langley are here to help. We understand how serious these charges are and will work tirelessly to defend your case. We will answer your questions and concerns and guide you through the legal process to successfully resolve your case. Our team is ready to assist you immediately. Contact Brumback & Langley today to discuss the details of your case and learn how we can help you and your family during this difficult situation.