Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
South Carolina Criminal Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: Who af fault when passanger jerkes stearing wheel and driver overcorrected and hit car head on?

Driver and passanger were arguing, passanger asked multiple times to be let out if the vehicle but driver denied. Passanger gerked the wheel causing car to go off road into a grass field; driver then corrected the vehicle but wasn't paying attention and didn't stop the car from crossing... Read more »

Mark A. Siesel
PREMIUM
Mark A. Siesel pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 20, 2023

If you are the owner of the vehicle, as the liability is clearly on your car (the other driver doesn't appear from what you describe to have done anything wrong). If you were driving someone else's vehicle with their consent, both you and the owner are responsible under vicarious... Read more »

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: Guilty or Not guilty?

I was recently arrested in SC for malicious damage to property valued under 2,000 after breaking a plate. It was a first time charge, I’ve never, ever been in trouble. Unfortunately; I absolutely cannot afford a lawyer right now as i’m also paying for a divorce lawyer. The incident occurred... Read more »

Stephen Grooms
PREMIUM
Stephen Grooms
answered on Apr 7, 2023

In South Carolina you have to wait 3 years from the date of a misdemeanor conviction before being eligible to apply for an expungement. Your must also have no additional convictions during that three year period while you wait.

You may want to consider asking the court if you could apply...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for South Carolina on
Q: I need a lawyer to look into my now settled arson case pled out to vandalism can't get my motion of discovery

The short of it is I was set up for burning my own house down with all my stuff in it not an insurance job a cheating girlfriends now of age boyfriend that was never told about during there investigation but went into a fire station and told them that I was bragging to him that I done it and even... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 11, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. If you have already settled your case and are still seeking your motion of discovery, you may want to consider seeking the help of an attorney who specializes in criminal law.

Here are some steps you can take:

Consult with a criminal...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: I need advice about criminal cases and also police for violations against me. Also, for them not filing charges against

I need advice about criminal cases and also police for violations against me. Also, for them not filing charges against someone who stole my truck. It's complicated. Basically, if the police decide you better do things there way kr they will put charges on you rather they have evidence proof... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 2, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds like you may benefit from consulting with a criminal defense attorney who can advise you on your legal options and help you understand your rights. An attorney can also provide guidance on how to file a complaint against the police for... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: The detective told 4 lies durning A grand jury hearing . What can be done?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 4, 2023

If you were indicted, your best strategy is to hire a competent experienced criminal defense attorney and show the jury at trial each of those statements was a lie.

That could increase your chance of being found not guilty.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: Can an officer pull u over and test a pill and weed tell u that they aren't charging you for it only gives the person

A dus and let them go but comes back a month n half later to serve a warrant with the whole narcotics team. Inst that like double Jeopardy

Casey Brown
Casey Brown
answered on Jan 23, 2023

The first question is Did the officer have a right to stop the vehicle. Then, the issue is how did they find the alleged substances. They should not be tested these substances roadside. But it is possible to charge the person later with a warrant for arrest though problematic for the prosecution.... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Cannabis & Marijuana Law for South Carolina on
Q: If I have completed Pti and paid for my expungement, can they still drug test me

I am currently waiting for the completion of my expungement letter to come in but I also have an over the phone appointment with my Pti counselor, so I was wondering if she could ask for a drug test to interfere with anything because I have already taken a delta dummy from the Vape shop and will... Read more »

Casey Brown
Casey Brown
answered on Dec 14, 2022

The typical process is that you complete PTI, then they send a letter to your prosecutor who then dismisses the case. Then you can apply (with a fee) for an expungement of the arrest from your record. Once PTI is completed you should not have any appointments. If PTI has not been completed they can... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for South Carolina on
Q: What does sc "Highway rights Of Way"(SC section 61-4-110) mean? This is in open container stature.

I was not pulled over by officer or on a highway of any type. I had an empty container in my car in the trash bag in car . I was cited with violation of open container statue. I had pulled off highway to turn into a motel for night, as I was moving. It was one am and I was extremely tired. My car... Read more »

Casey Brown
Casey Brown
answered on Dec 14, 2022

SC Highway Right of Way is the side of the road that is next to the highway. The distance from the highway, other structures or nature, as well as whether that location is within a municipality would determine if a vehicle is within the right of way of the highway. You may want to consult an... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: If I broke a person's door and told them stop giving my child drugs what charge should I receive

He said I broke the door then entered but then I turned around and left, there was no threats at no other crime commited

Casey Brown
Casey Brown
answered on Dec 14, 2022

It would depend on more facts and circumstances from the alleged incident, but a person could be facing a range of charges from malicious damage to personal property up to potentially a burglary. Again, it would depend on the facts of case. Speaking to an attorney as soon as possible would be... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for South Carolina on
Q: What are the stipulations to mutual combat in the state of south Carolina?

If two consenting adults agree to engage in mutual combat under supervision of a referee in an enclosed area and all guidelines were met eg.. both parties agree, understand the engagement rules, and agree to end the fight upon a retreat or the inability to continue could legal proceedings occur?

Jonathan Edmond Bennett Lewis
Jonathan Edmond Bennett Lewis
answered on Nov 12, 2022

Yes, both parties may be charged pursuant to S.C. Code Statutes regarding assault and battery.

Only fights authorized by the SC State Athletic Commission, a division of SC Labor Licensing Regulation, are immune from application of the SC Codes punishing assault and battery.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: is 16-15-355 a tier 1 or tier 2 offense? i can not find any info in south carolina law.

trying to find out what tier this crime falls under. i was charged in 1997 for it. trying to find out when i can apply for removal from registry and it depends on what tier..

Casey Brown
Casey Brown
answered on Sep 26, 2022

The answer would depend on what day of 1997 the person began registering. This is a tier II offense and the person must wait 25 years from the start of registration to apply for removal since the Powell v Keel case and the law change in May 2022.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: Can evidence collected from someone's home in south Carolina be field tested out of the accused person sight
Casey Brown
Casey Brown
answered on Sep 26, 2022

Assuming that law enforcement had the right to obtain the item(s) from a home, it depends on the type of item seized. In the example of alleged narcotics, law enforcement must send it to a lab for testing. Field testing also depends on the alleged item seized. Even if an item is field tested it... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: Two first offense simple possession drug charges. Condition of bond home detention gps.

What is the quickest way to get the ankle monitor off?

James Thomas
James Thomas
answered on Aug 8, 2022

It depends on the jurisdiction, but generally your lawyer would need to file a motion to modify your bond conditions to remove the HD/GPS requirement. If you are eligible for a diversion program like PTI and you want to go that route, your lawyer might be able to get the Solicitor's office to... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for South Carolina on
Q: Can I answer no to the question listed below if I was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor? No conviction occurred.

"Have you ever been convicted, pled guilty or pled nolo contendere to a felony of any kind or to a non-felony crime involving drugs or moral turpitude?"

I was charged with a misdemeanor for shoplifting. I completed PTI and was never convicted and never plead guilty. I then had the charge expunged.

Stephen Grooms
PREMIUM
Stephen Grooms
answered on Jul 21, 2022

The answer to your question is "yes". You can state that you have never been convicted, assuming this is your only criminal court case. PTI is not a conviction, it is a diversion program that allows you to resolve your charge without going to court and entering a plea.

Best of luck

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: What has to be proved to convict someone up first degree burglary
Casey Brown
Casey Brown
answered on Jun 23, 2022

In SC the State has to prove each of these elements of first degree burglary:

1. entering a dwelling,

a. without consent AND

b. with the intent to commit a crime

c. at night or remaining there until nighttime

or

c. by a person with a prior record of...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for South Carolina on
Q: Can someone be rightfully charged with burglary 1st at the same address he lives at?

If my boyfriend and I live in the home and he comes and goes freely tho he lives in a dwelling on the property ..... Can the owner of the home rightfully push the charges of burglary? Even though he comes and goes and washes his clothes and makes his meals in the home bc his dwelling don't... Read more »

Casey Brown
Casey Brown
answered on Jun 22, 2022

An ownership interest in the dwelling will not preclude a conviction of burglary as a matter of law. The jury would have to determine under the totality of circumstances if the defendant used the dwelling in such a manner that it could be said to be his/her home. The test will be if under the... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: Hello, I'm inquiring about a friend who got arrested on charges of meth distribution.

Hello, I'm inquiring about a friend who got arrested on charges of meth distribution. The person my friend was hanging out with has been an offender on multiple charges in the past and had meth in possession at the time of the arrest. Even though my friend doesn't deal in drug... Read more »

Casey Brown
Casey Brown
answered on Jun 22, 2022

It may be a case of actual v constructive possession. The issues will depend on why law enforcement was there, what rights they had to enter the premises/vehicle, where the alleged narcotics were found, and under what circumstances.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: How do I get a cdv misdemeanor 1st degree charge in Ohio sealed or expunged

It was in 2002 and I’ve never had a similar charge, I’d like my second amendment rights back

Jonathan Edmond Bennett Lewis
Jonathan Edmond Bennett Lewis
answered on Jun 17, 2022

Unfortunately you can’t, absent a full pardon by the Governor of the State of Ohio; sealing or expunging the arrest does not vacate or remove the underlying conviction, which is entered into the National Criminal Information Center (NCIC), the computerized index used to screen for firearms... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for South Carolina on
Q: Will I have trouble in the airport?

Me and my friend made a terrible mistake trying to steal from Walmart. They called the police and the police wanted to schedule the court for May 19. We had flight tickets (we are international students) to go home in the next week so they somehow could hold the “court” right there at the... Read more »

Stephen Grooms
PREMIUM
Stephen Grooms
answered on May 3, 2022

It sounds like you may have been issued a citation for shoplifting or petty larceny and plead guilty or no contest. If this is the case then that is a criminal misdemeanor charge, but it can also be classified as a crime of dishonesty. Both could impact your immigration status.

If you were...
Read more »

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: If items were found in room where some one was sleeping during a drug raid. Is it possible to get out of those charges

Individual was asleep in room and bookbag was found in closet

Casey Brown
Casey Brown
answered on May 5, 2023

Many Possession charges deal with the person having dominion and control over the area the items were found. A criminal defense attorney will be able to look at a specific situation for these issues and assist someone who has been charged.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.