Felony Crime Lawyer In Columbia, SC

Aggressive Defense for Serious Charges

Being charged with a felony is a serious matter. If you are convicted, you will face severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record. You will also lose certain civil rights, such as the right to vote and the right to own a firearm. If you are facing felony charges, it is crucial that you take immediate action to protect your rights and future.

At the Law Office of Sharpe & Leventis, LLC, we understand the gravity of the situation you are in. Our Columbia felony crime defense lawyer is prepared to fight tirelessly for you. We will work to have your charges reduced or dismissed, and we will not hesitate to take your case to trial if necessary.

Call (803) 830-6296 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our firm.

Understanding Felony Charges in South Carolina

In South Carolina, felonies are the most serious type of criminal offense. They are punishable by at least one year in prison and, in some cases, life imprisonment or the death penalty. If you are facing felony charges, you will be prosecuted by the state, not the city or county. This means that you will be up against a team of experienced prosecutors who are dedicated to securing a conviction.

Some common examples of felony crimes in South Carolina include:

• Aggravated assault
• Armed robbery
• Burglary
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Drug crimes
• Grand theft
• Homicide
• Manslaughter
• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Weapons charges

It is important to note that some crimes can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances. For example, simple assault is a misdemeanor, but if the assault is committed against a police officer, it can be charged as a felony. Similarly, theft is typically a misdemeanor, but if the value of the stolen property exceeds a certain amount, it can be charged as a felony.

What Are My Legal Rights in a Felony Case?

When you are facing felony charges, you have certain legal rights. It is important that you understand these rights and how to protect them.

Some of the most important legal rights in a felony case include:

• The right to remain silent: You have the right to refuse to answer any questions from law enforcement or prosecutors. You should exercise this right and avoid making any statements until you have an attorney present.
• The right to an attorney: You have the right to have an attorney represent you throughout the legal process. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you.
• The right to a fair trial: You have the right to a fair and impartial trial. This means that the jury must be made up of your peers and that the judge must be unbiased.
• The right to confront witnesses: You have the right to cross-examine any witnesses who testify against you. This is an important right that can be used to challenge the credibility of the prosecution’s case.
• The right to present evidence: You have the right to present evidence in your defense. This can include witness testimony, expert testimony, and physical evidence.

It is important to note that you must assert your legal rights in order to protect them. If you do not, you may lose them. For example, if you do not tell the police that you want an attorney, they may continue to question you without one. If you do not object to the admission of certain evidence at trial, it may be used against you.

How Can I Defend Against Felony Charges?

Being charged with a felony does not mean that you will be convicted. There are many defenses that can be used to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights.

Some common defenses to felony charges include:

• Insufficient evidence: The prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is not enough evidence to meet this burden, your charges may be reduced or dismissed.
• Illegal search and seizure: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police violated your constitutional rights, any evidence they obtained may be inadmissible in court.
• Self-defense: You have the right to use reasonable force to protect yourself from harm. If you were acting in self-defense, you may be able to have your charges reduced or dismissed.
• Alibi: If you can prove that you were somewhere else at the time the crime was committed, you cannot be guilty of the crime.

It is important to note that the specific defenses that may be available in your case will depend on the circumstances. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review your case and help you understand your legal options.

What Are the Consequences of a Felony Conviction?

If you are convicted of a felony, you will face severe penalties. These penalties can have a lasting impact on your life.

Some of the most common consequences of a felony conviction include:

• Imprisonment: Felonies are punishable by at least one year in prison. Depending on the circumstances, you may be sentenced to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• Fines: Felonies are also punishable by substantial fines. The amount of the fine will depend on the specific crime.
• Probation: If you are convicted of a felony, you may be sentenced to probation. This is a period of supervision that allows you to remain in the community, but you must comply with certain conditions. If you violate the terms of your probation, you may be sent to prison.
• Restitution: If you are convicted of a felony, you may be ordered to pay restitution to the victim. This is money that is intended to compensate the victim for any losses they suffered as a result of the crime.
• Loss of civil rights: If you are convicted of a felony, you will lose certain civil rights. For example, you will lose the right to vote and the right to own a firearm.
• Permanent criminal record: If you are convicted of a felony, you will have a permanent criminal record. This can make it difficult to find employment, secure housing, or obtain a loan.

It is important to note that the specific penalties you face will depend on the crime you are convicted of and your criminal history. An experienced Columbia felony criminal defense attorney can help you understand the potential consequences of a conviction in your case.

Get the Legal Advice You Need

If you are facing felony charges, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and future. Our Columbia felony crime defense lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for you every step of the way. We will work to have your charges reduced or dismissed, and we will not hesitate to take your case to trial if necessary.

Call (803) 830-6296 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our firm.