To Advocate
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
Adults get arrested every day in South Carolina for offenses ranging from drug possession to homicide. In many cases, individuals will face state charges, but not always. Prosecutors will sometimes seek charges under federal law. When you understand the differences...
A typical police lineup usually works by assembling a group of people and having each of them hold up a number. The witness stands behind glass and tells the police if they recognize the suspect. This is part of standard procedure when police are conducting an...