Greenville South Carolina Criminal Defense Blog

What to know about the crime of bank fraud

On behalf of William G. Yarborough Attorney at Law posted in federal crimes on Tuesday, December 11, 2018.

Individuals in South Carolina may commit bank fraud in two different ways. First, this act can be committed by obtaining money or other assets from a financial institution. Alternatively, a person could pose as a financial institution to get money from another person in a fraudulent manner. Bank fraud is different than a bank robbery because an individual is more secretive about the crime.

To commit this offense, a person would have to knowingly and intentionally seek to obtain money or other property using false pretenses. Examples of bank fraud include stealing checks obtained through the mail or other sources. The checks could then be used to create bank or other accounts in another person's name. In some cases, an individual will change the name on a check or change the amount the check is worth before cashing it.

The dangers of computer crime

On behalf of William G. Yarborough Attorney at Law posted in federal crimes on Friday, November 30, 2018.

Computers can be used in South Carolina or any other state to commit a crime. Larceny or harassment are typically illegal no matter where or how these activities are carried out, but computers and the internet have made it easier for individuals to find and attack their victims.

For example, a person could create a fake social media profile in a victim's name. Victims of online harassment could also receive text messages or threats through social media sites. Children could be targeted by adults for the purposes of making them the victim of child pornography. Parents who believe that their children are being targeted online are encouraged to contact the Department of Justice. The federal government also tracks and investigates claims that could be considered hate crimes.

Sharing a prescription drug – is it a crime?

On behalf of William G. Yarborough Attorney at Law on Wednesday, November 21, 2018.

It could happen more easily than you might think – you want to help someone in need, but you don’t realize that your actions are illegal. This is especially true if you plan to share a prescription medication with someone who wasn’t prescribed the drug. You and other South Carolina residents should understand the potential ramifications of sharing a prescription before you find yourself unwittingly charged with a crime.

According to FindLaw, only the person to whom a prescription medication was prescribed has the legal right to take the drug. Like other people, you might think this law is a bit harsh. How harmful can it be, you wonder, to give your mom a few of your anti-anxiety pills for a flight when she is terrified of planes?

Man sentenced in robbery and murder case

On behalf of William G. Yarborough Attorney at Law posted in violent crimes on Friday, November 16, 2018.

On Nov. 8, a 20-year-old man was sentenced in a case connected to the robbery of a KFC in South Carolina. He was facing charges of possession of a stolen gun, first degree burglary, seven counts of possessing a weapon during a violent crime, eight counts of kidnapping, eight counts of armed robbery and murder. He may serve 50 years in prison.

The incident occurred on March 31, 2017. The man, along with another 20-year-old man, reportedly robbed a KFC where several employees were held at gunpoint, and the man shot the manager three times. The man who was sentenced was unable to open the safe and kicked the manager, who later died. His accomplice robbed the manager.

The consequences of violating your probation

On behalf of William G. Yarborough Attorney at Law on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.

If you have received a sentence of probation, it will allow you to be released from custody if you maintain good behavior. During your time on probation, you will remain under supervision to make sure you are following the rules set forth in your probation ruling. You should not consider a probation as something that lets you go free after a conviction.

Probation rules can range from restricting your movements to attending a treatment program for a certain number of hours. You may have to also serve community service hours and regularly check-in with your probation officer.

South Carolina couple faces charges for murder

On behalf of William G. Yarborough Attorney at Law posted in violent crimes on Friday, November 2, 2018.

A married couple living in Kershaw County was taken into custody on Oct. 19 on murder charges. The case involves a 34-year-old man who disappeared in December 2016. The last time the man was seen, he was leaving a friend's house. The victim's disappearance was reported on Jan. 4, 2017, after he failed to go to work.

On March 8, 2017, the sheriff's department received an anonymous letter with GPS coordinates that led them to the man's body. The husband and wife taken into custody were initially identified as people of interest in the case. An extensive investigation led to the authorization of warrants to detain the couple.

Defenses to assault and battery charges

On behalf of William G. Yarborough Attorney at Law on Tuesday, October 23, 2018.

There are many reasons why one may face assault and battery charges. If you are in a situation where you are facing this type of charge, you likely have a lot of questions. The question at the top of your mind might be, “what possible defenses are there?”

South Carolina defines assault and battery as inflicting, or attempting to inflict bodily injury to another person. This post will look at three frequently used defenses to these charges.

Owner of Urban Cookhouse charged with sexual assault

On behalf of William G. Yarborough Attorney at Law posted in violent crimes on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

The owner of a South Carolina restaurant chain has been charged with criminal sexual conduct and assault and battery for allegedly forcing an employee to have sex with him. The incidents reportedly occurred in July 2016 and July 2018.

According to local media reports, the owner of Urban Cookhouse is accused of having unwanted sex with a female employee at the chain's Mt. Pleasant location. At a later date, he also allegedly sexually assaulted the same employee while displaying a small handgun. Police records show the defendant turned himself in to authorities in early October.

Halloween is a spooky time for vandalism charges

On behalf of William G. Yarborough Attorney at Law on Tuesday, October 16, 2018.

October can be one of the most eventful months of the year for many college students. Young adults are ready to throw multiple celebrations as Halloween approaches now that the old and new students have settled in. There are plenty of parties offered on and off campus that everyone dresses up to attend to.

With the increasing chaos around campus, police officers become more active around the closing months of October to observe any suspicious activity from the students. While everyone is aware of the increase in DUI arrests around this holiday, some also forget that property damage drastically increases during the festivities. Insurance claims filed around Halloween can rise up to nearly 20 percent from all of the mischief caused by both children and fellow students. It is important to be aware of potential criminal charges if your friends try to get you involved in one of their schemes.

What you need to know about South Carolina record expungement

On behalf of William G. Yarborough Attorney at Law on Friday, October 12, 2018.

If you have a criminal record, it can be difficult to live a normal lifestyle. Applying for jobs and completing background checks are troublesome and can hinder you from doing what you want. Fortunately, South Carolina courts may be able to offer some relief.

Depending on your crime and your history, you may be able to have your record expunged. Expungement occurs when a court order removes an arrest or offense from your criminal record, which means that future employers or individuals who run background checks will not be able to see the offense that you had expunged.