White collar crime involves non-violent acts committed for financial gain by government or business professionals in a position of authority. Usually called fraud or embezzlement, these crimes also include insider trading, tax evasion, trade secret theft, and public corruption. Lawyers often call them “paper” cases due to the overwhelming amount of complex transactions involved. And, you could...
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Criminal Defense Attorney Columbia, South Carolina
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What to Do if a Family Member or Loved One is Arrested in South Carolina
If you, a family member, or a loved one has been arrested, it is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately. The sooner a Columbia criminal defense attorney becomes involved in your case, the better he or she will be able to protect your constitutional rights. Understanding the arrest process, and knowing what...
Read More »Columbia DUI Enforcement Increased During the Holidays
The holiday season can be stressful. With decorations, parties, gifts, visitors, and meals, many Columbia residents may be tempted to relax by drinking. Unfortunately, this contributes to an increase in drunk drivers during the holiday season. South Carolina law enforcement agencies know this, and combat the trend with increased DUI enforcement during the holiday season....
Read More »How South Carolina Drivers Can Protect Their Legal Rights at DUI Checkpoints
Checkpoints for impaired driving are a common sight on the roads of South Carolina. Unfortunately, even this simple inspection can infringe upon a driver's constitutional rights against self-incrimination. Protections against search and seizure can also be violated during these brief stops. Learn more about what South Carolina drivers can do at DUI checkpoints to protect...
Read More »The Consequences of an Underage DUI in South Carolina
An arrest is a stressful event for an adult who understands and is prepared for the process. To an inexperienced teenager, however, it can be utterly traumatizing. The mental and practical consequences can last a long time, as teens are more likely than adults to inadvertently waive important constitutional rights than they do not know...
Read More »Consequences of a First Time Drug Possession Charge in South Carolina
For defendants in South Carolina, the sentencing provisions of drug possession laws may come as an unpleasant surprise. The penalties for drug possession can be severe - even for a first offense. Defendants need an experienced Columbia criminal defense attorney to protect their legal rights at all stages of criminal proceedings. South Carolina Sentencing for Drug...
Read More »The Consequences of a First Time DUI in South Carolina
It a lesson that many criminal defendants learn the hard way: even the first DUI offense can carry costly, time-consuming consequences which plague the defendant's life for years to come. Mandatory Sentencing for a DUI Conviction The South Carolina Code of Laws sets sentencing guidelines for defendants who are convicted of a DUI for the...
Read More »Drug Offenders Could Face Higher Penalties Under New Guidelines
Those at risk of federal drug charges could find themselves more at risk of prosecution and higher penalties, under a new directive from U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Sessions. NPR reports that the Department of Justice has rolled back the instructions handed down by his predecessor, who asked prosecutors not to file charges that imposed minimum...
Read More »Millions of DUIs Thwarted by Ignition Interlock Devices
Millions of potential DUI arrests and accidents were thwarted by ignition interlock devices, according to advocacy group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The report offers analysis 10 years after the devices became a standard in DUI convictions in South Carolina and across the country. They report that of data collected from 11 manufacturers in 50...
Read More »Defending Yourself Against DUI Charges Based on Benzodiazepines
According to National Institute of Health, "Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressant drugs often detected in biological samples from driving under the influence (DUI) offenders. They are associated with marked psychomotor impairment." Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, valium and a wide variety of other drugs are all considered benzodiazepines. They are commonly prescribed by physicians, and many...
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