In South Carolina, you have a right to go about your business without being harassed or intimidated. However, there are occasions when a person may have civil or criminal charges brought against him or her for just that reason. Malicious prosecution occurs when...
Understanding marijuana laws in West Virginia
The legal status of cannabis has been thrown in and out of limbo, having been legalized in numerous states while remaining federally illegal. If you're traveling out of state, it's important to know which regulations to follow to stay on the right side of the law. For...
Your 3 most important rights in the criminal justice system
One of the most distinguishing features of our American government is the rights of our citizens. Perhaps more than any other nation, our constitutional system protects us against violations by our government of our basic human rights. Nowhere are these right more...
Why the Miranda warning still matters
If you have ever watched a crime movie or TV show, you have heard it. If you have ever been arrested in Greenville, the officer said it to you -- or else they should have. It's the Miranda warning. Though the exact wording differs from state to state, it always...
What is federal health care fraud?
Fraud of any kind on the federal level is a serious crime that has severe consequences for those who get entangled in it. South Carolina residents who have been accused of fraud in the health care sector need to know the laws surrounding this offense. With federal...
The four basic grounds for appeal
If you were falsely convicted of a crime in South Carolina, you probably want to appeal your case. Before you can have your case heard by an appellate court, you will have to prove that there was an error made in your trial. Here are the four basic errors that can be...
What factors go into a conspiracy case?
When most people hear the term "conspiracy," they think of men in sunglasses that are covertly committing a variety of nefarious crimes. However, the truth is far more mundane: Conspiracy is a real crime, and there are a number of factors that go into a conspiracy...
Is there a difference among fraud, embezzlement, and theft?
"Taking money without permission" might serve as a general description of various criminal activities. Theft might be the South Carolina crime that comes to people's minds first when discussing "stealing money," but embezzlement involves taking the same illegal...
“Overt act” conspiracy charges
In the eyes of South Carolina law, an overt act is an action or behavior linked to a crime. The act can be seemingly innocent but part of the preparation or active furtherance of criminality. Prosecutors can present the act in court as evidence of a defendant's...
A basis for criminal appeals is ineffective assistance of counsel
Your criminal case did not work out in your favor. A South Carolina jury declared you guilty. However, you don’t think you got a fair chance. You might have grounds for criminal appeals if your attorney’s assistance wasn’t up to par. The court decides if you can claim...
