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When a person is convicted of a felony, he or she typically loses the right to serve on a jury, own a gun and obtain certain occupational licenses. In order to restore these rights, a person may receive a pardon. Pardons mean that a person is fully forgiven from the legal consequences of his or...

Individuals who serve their sentences and are released into society face a lot of tough obstacles. Carrying a criminal record may hinder some from finding employment, enrolling in school, finding a place to live, building healthy relationships, and becoming contributing members of society. A Special Report from the U.S. Department of Justice released in May...

Sobriety checkpoints are often set up throughout South Carolina when police believe drunk driving is likely to occur. Unfortunately, those obeying the law sometimes get caught up in these crackdowns. Being stopped at a checkpoint or pulled over while driving can be scary for many us. Understanding how to handle the situation may save you...

You may have heard it on a TV shows or perhaps you’ve heard it personally: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for...

It’s illegal to possess or distribute marijuana in South Carolina. You are, however, allowed to possess or sell a substance that is related to marijuana. That substance is cannabidiol oil, also known as CBD oil, which is derived from hemp plants. While on the surface there appears to be a clear division between a legal...

Being arrested and charged with a DUI can have a serious impact on your life. Not only could you face jail time and have your driving privileges suspended, a DUI can result in higher insurance premiums and can affect your ability to find and keep employment.  If you have been pulled over and suspected of...

South Carolina takes an extremely tough stance against drunk drivers with a variety of regulations and escalating penalties. There are three sets of laws concerning DUI and your penalty can even be affected by your age and profession. Another set of laws apply if you are driving with an unlawful alcohol content (DUAC) that is...

South Carolina criminal defense attorney explains process  If you are convicted of crimes in South Carolina, consequences can follow you long after your sentence is completed. A criminal record means you no longer have all of your rights as a citizen. You are not allowed to serve on a jury, hold most elected offices, or...

Starting in December, a broader range of people with criminal convictions in South Carolina will be eligible to have their records expunged. This dramatic change could go a long way toward helping those charged with a felony put their conviction behind them and move forward with their lives.  The new law, which passed in June and goes into effect at the end of the year, expands...

South Carolina lawmakers recently passed a new law designed to make it easier for people convicted of “low level” crimes to have their criminal record expunged after a period of good behavior, a decision hailed by South Carolina criminal defense lawyer Matt Bodman. “This new law gives people who have earned a second chance an...