The police could stop a vehicle for several reasons, including minor traffic law violations. For example, a car traveling on a South Carolina road might have a broken brake light. The police could pull over the vehicle over the safety issue. During the stop, the...
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Criminal Defense
Participating in a violent mob can lead to grave consequences
Protests have become much more frequent and dangerous in the past few years. While Americans have the right to assemble under the First Amendment, that hasn’t stopped demonstrations from becoming violent with injuries on both the protester and law enforcement sides....
Beware of the fine line between bribes and gifts
For centuries, people have given gifts to convey their thanks and affection. Gift-giving is often a sign of goodwill, but when it is done to put pressure on a public official, it can quickly descend into bribery. Even if the recipient declines to accept the bribe,...
Understanding a no-contest vs. Alford plea
Anyone facing a criminal charge must attend an arraignment, where they will hear the charges against them and submit a plea. In cases where the defendant refuses to admit guilt and maintains their innocence despite the court's strong evidence, the defendant may enter...
Can I allow my friend to borrow my firearm?
South Carolina residents can own firearms. As a gun enthusiast, you might feel compelled to lend your firearm to a friend. Fortunately, there are no laws against this act. However, you might bear liability if you permit them to borrow your gun when the state law...
The insanity defense unpacked
Least used, least successful, and yet the most contentious – insanity as a criminal defense strategy triggers complex debates. As it lies in the intersection of law and psychiatry, there are pros and cons under consideration if it presents a viable legal defense. The...
Information about deaths while in custody is scarce
The Death in Custody Reporting Act, which was passed by Congress in 2014, requires law enforcement agencies in South Carolina and around the country to provide firm data about the number of suspects and inmates who die each year while in custody. Despite this law,...
Federal domestic violence laws that can affect you in South Carolina
While it is typical for South Carolina law enforcement to prosecute any domestic violence crimes, there are situations in which federal government agencies can step in. For instance, if domestic violence crosses state lines or involves an offender who has a history of...
What’s post-conviction relief, and how can a lawyer help?
If you went to trial to defend yourself against criminal allegations, you likely hoped to avoid a conviction. However, not everyone is lucky to achieve this. It is common for people to experience anger or despair after being found guilty by a jury, but it's certainly...
Issues with eyewitness evidence
Some may assume that eyewitness testimony would represent solid evidence in a South Carolina courtroom, but that is not always the case. In certain proceedings, eyewitness testimony could be far weaker than believed. When the evidence in a criminal trial is weak, a...
