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South Carolina Criminal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: If a person has been in prison for a very long time but has been in no trouble since release is it likely for thePR bond

Especially if the new warrant is for a very low misdemeanor

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answered on Jan 31, 2024

If a person has been in prison for a long time but has maintained a clean record since their release, this can positively influence their eligibility for a personal recognizance (PR) bond, particularly for a low-level misdemeanor. A PR bond, also known as a personal bond, allows a person to be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law and Libel & Slander for South Carolina on
Q: How did they sign a warrant for my arrest based of the statement of a witness that was the so called victims best friend

The so called victim was my husband customer who wrote a bad check for 6500 and my husband and him argued at the dock. I never got off the boat but he said I damaged his car?! We didn't even put.in at that marina I wouldn't even have known.what car or truck was his out of the 60... View More

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answered on Jan 30, 2024

I understand your concern and frustration regarding the warrant for your arrest. In situations like this, it's important to know that law enforcement can issue a warrant based on the statement of a witness, even if that witness is the alleged victim's friend. However, the validity of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: Can a drug charge be thrown out after a certain amount of time of being pending in general sessions Court in SC

I've had a drug charge pending in general sessions Court for almost 2 years now and I was wondering if they was an amount of time that I could get it thrown out

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

The ability to have a criminal charge dismissed after a certain period depends on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the case and the laws of the jurisdiction.

In South Carolina, there is no automatic time limit after which a drug charge is automatically dismissed....
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: I have been locked up for 2 years and out on bond for 8 months and I have not met with or spoken to my public defender.

Now I have a plea hearing schedule for next Thursday and my PD doesn't even know my side of the story. I ask him to see if we could get a continuance and he said they declined. Can this happen, what can I do? I don't feel like I'm being treated fairly.

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answered on Jan 4, 2024

It is concerning that you have not had an opportunity to discuss your case with your public defender, especially as you approach a plea hearing. Communication between a defendant and their attorney is crucial for a fair legal process. It is unusual for a plea hearing to proceed without adequate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for South Carolina on
Q: I was arrested for DUS and requested medical. I kept asking the officer and medical staff for water and was refused.

I became irate and given no medical care and put back in cruiser. While waiting to leave I kept asking for water and slipped cuffs to my front and began beating on window asking again for water. The officer yanked opened door and jerked me out by my elbow while in cuffs and slammed me to the... View More

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answered on Jan 3, 2024

Your experience raises concerns about potential excessive force and denial of medical care, both of which are serious issues. In situations where an individual in custody is injured, law enforcement officers are typically required to provide access to medical care. Refusal to do so can be a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: Somebody else was driving my car and got arrested. Cops did not call now we have to pay impound fees.

So let somebody use car to go to store. It went through a roadblock and got arrested. Now we have to pay for four days because it was on New Year’s weekend. Cops never called register owner. How did they know the car wasn’t stolen why should we have to pay

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answered on Jan 2, 2024

Typically, law enforcement should notify the registered owner in such situations. To address this issue, you may want to gather relevant details, such as proof of ownership and the circumstances surrounding the incident, and contact the impound lot or local law enforcement. In some cases, there... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Wrongful Death for South Carolina on
Q: How would a suspect fleeing on foot while armed or presenting to be armed effect TN V Garner?

If a suspect run on foot while armed or pretending to be armed? Would the presence of the firearm alone justify deadly force under TN vs Garner? Would the suspect need to point or present the firearm at Law Enforcement or a citizen for deadly force to be justified? Please let me know any relevant... View More

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answered on Jan 2, 2024

In the context of Tennessee v. Garner, the situation where a suspect is fleeing while armed or appears to be armed is complex. Tennessee v. Garner established that the use of deadly force to prevent the escape of a fleeing suspect is constitutionally permissible only if the officer has probable... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Federal Crimes and Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: I was charged for lottery fraud. What are the chances of me not going to jail
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answered on Dec 27, 2023

If you've been charged with lottery fraud in South Carolina, the likelihood of avoiding jail time depends on various factors, including the specific details of your case, evidence, and the strength of your defense. Lottery fraud is a serious offense, and penalties can range from fines to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Federal Crimes and Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: I was charged for lottery fraud. What are the chances of me not going to jail
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

The likelihood of you not going to jail for a charge of lottery fraud in South Carolina depends on various factors, including the specific details of your case, the strength of the evidence against you, and the effectiveness of your legal defense.

It's important to consult with an...
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Q: Is South Carolina state statute 16-11-620 appealable?

I was issued a trespass after notice form, even though I have not been on the properties in question for years (ome is a busimess we own 10% of, isnt this a civil rights issue to not allow me i.to a public place since I have never caused any type of trouble, etc?) and never did anything at their... View More

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answered on Dec 24, 2023

South Carolina State Statute 16-11-620, which pertains to trespassing after notice, can be subject to appeal under certain circumstances. If you believe the trespass notice was issued wrongly or violates your rights, particularly if it involves a property in which you have a legal interest, you may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for South Carolina on
Q: In South Carolina, what is the usual sentence for a conviction of throwing of bodily fluids?

A 25yo white male pulled over for wreckless driving, refuses a breath test and is arrested for DUI... Said offender spits on the officer during the arrest and is charged with 24-13-470 -throwing bodily fluids, 56-05-2930 - dui 1st refuse test, 44-53-0370 - possession of marijuana, and... View More

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answered on Dec 12, 2023

Throwing bodily fluids is a felony with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. DUI 1st offense refusal is a misdemeanor with potential penalties including a fine up to $400, imprisonment up to 30 days, and a one-year driver's license suspension.

Possession of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Family Law for South Carolina on
Q: An ex of my husbands made a false CPS claim

When CPS arrived to my home they opened up the folder I saw the persons name twice who reported and the report

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answered on Nov 18, 2023

If you believe a false CPS (Child Protective Services) claim was made against you, there are steps you can take to address the situation. First, cooperate fully with the CPS investigation. It's important to demonstrate your willingness to ensure the safety and well-being of your children,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for South Carolina on
Q: Can a deputy sheriff in SC conduct a vehicle search on a non-county maintained (private/blue street sign) road?

Search was conducted during a routine traffic stop for a broken taillight observed on main highway but not stopped until on the private dirt road. K-9 unit was brought on scene and "alerted" as their reasoning for conducting the search. But were they legally even allowed to bring in the... View More

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answered on Nov 18, 2023

In South Carolina, the authority of a deputy sheriff to conduct a vehicle search does not necessarily change based on whether the road is county-maintained or private. The legality of the search typically hinges on whether the officer had probable cause or the driver's consent, rather than the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: Does a warrant have to be served once you are in police custody or are they allowed to release you and serve it later.

City Police enter my apartment with a key provided by my landlord, came into my apartment and placed me under arrest and refused to tell me what for for over an hour. Took me to an interrogation room and interrogated me for hours then released me. Picked me up again the next day and interrogated me... View More

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answered on Nov 17, 2023

In South Carolina, police are not required to serve an arrest warrant immediately upon taking someone into custody. They may release the individual and serve the warrant at a later time. However, if you are arrested, the police should inform you of the charges against you as soon as possible. In... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for South Carolina on
Q: My girlfriend and her ex husband live together with their 3 kids in SC. She told him she was seeing someone.

He came home and saw us in bed together and it's his house. He has multiple cdv charges but somehow took full custody of her kids when He had her put in jail He told her she had to leave and couldn't take all her belongings. what are her rights and possible issues that could happen.

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answered on Nov 13, 2023

In South Carolina, if your girlfriend's ex-husband has full custody of their children and she was told to leave the house, her rights and the potential issues depend on various factors including the custody arrangement and the nature of their living situation. If there's a formal custody... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Tax Law for South Carolina on
Q: 401k hardship withdrawal

I am looking to do a hardship withdrawal from my 401k. I am unsure how much i need. The IRS page states "qualified disaster distributions are permitted without regard to your need or the actual amount of your economic loss." Could I face legal action if I take out more than I need for repairs

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answered on Oct 9, 2024

When considering a 401(k) hardship withdrawal, it’s important to understand the specific requirements and guidelines set by the IRS. Qualified disaster distributions allow you to access funds without strictly needing to match your exact economic loss. This flexibility is designed to help you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for South Carolina on
Q: My daughter is 17 and she will be getting charged with unlawful position of a firearm. Never any trouble with the law

What should I do first? She gave a firearm to a 14 year old boy and he fired it in the air. She took the gun without my knowledge from my truck console. The said she will be getting charged now. What do I do?

Casey Brown
Casey Brown
answered on Sep 30, 2024

An experienced criminal defense attorney should be able to help resolve the matter while keeping her rights intact. There may be defenses and mitigation unknown to the solicitor and law enforcement that would be very helpful for her case.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: What can I do about SCDOT taking my Great Pyrenees. They loaded him up in their work trucks and left with him. SCDOT cam
Roy Willey
Roy Willey
answered on Sep 7, 2024

Call the local district office and tell them you want your dog back. Also check local shelters, perhaps they thought he was lost.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Civil Litigation and Federal Crimes for South Carolina on
Q: Is it normal for you wife to demand a divorce after you ask to get a dna test for your 3 children?

After the democrat trash plandemic, a bunch of trash government and minority officials stalked and harassed me telling me my children aren't mine and insinuate my wife is a paid prostitute and they were here to accept protection and hush money payments. Does any of this sound like women or... View More

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answered on Sep 7, 2024

It’s understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed and confused in such a difficult situation. If your wife is reacting strongly to your request for a DNA test, it could be for various reasons, such as feeling mistrusted or hurt by the implication that there might be infidelity. While... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for South Carolina on
Q: If i had a warrant for a crime i didnt commit and have not been convicted but was arrested and bonded out can I sue?

I am being charged for possession of a stolen fire arm but I didnt commit the crime and have proof I was wrongfully accused.

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answered on Aug 31, 2024

You may have grounds to sue, but it depends on several factors. First, you must focus on proving your innocence in the criminal case. The most important thing is to gather and present your evidence to show that you were wrongfully accused.

If the charges are dropped or you are acquitted,...
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