Introduction to Criminal Defense
Criminal defense is a vital part of the legal system, designed to ensure that every individual accused of a crime is treated fairly and their rights are protected throughout the legal process. In Orangeburg, South Carolina, facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, but having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney by your side can make all the difference. Criminal defense attorneys play a crucial role in defending clients against a wide range of criminal cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies. At the Strom Law Firm, our experienced criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to guiding clients through every stage of their case, from investigation to trial. Our comprehensive legal services include strategic case analysis, aggressive advocacy, and personalized legal assistance tailored to each client’s unique needs. With extensive experience in the law and a deep understanding of the local courts, our firm is committed to providing strong, effective defense for those accused of crimes in Orangeburg County and throughout South Carolina. Our local attorneys have in-depth knowledge of Orangeburg County courts, judges, and opposing counsel, which allows us to better serve and protect our clients’ interests.
Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you are facing criminal charges, the stakes are high and the consequences can be severe. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer offers significant benefits, including protection from jail time, hefty fines, and the long-term impact of a criminal conviction. Our Orangeburg criminal defense attorney services include comprehensive legal support, strategic case analysis, aggressive advocacy, and personalized legal assistance tailored to your specific needs throughout the entire case process. A skilled defense attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, gather and analyze evidence, and develop a strategic approach tailored to your unique circumstances. With experience in handling everything from traffic tickets to serious felonies, our criminal defense lawyers know how to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights at every turn. Having a former prosecutor on your side can also provide valuable insight into how the other side thinks, allowing your defense team to anticipate and counter their strategies. Early intervention by hiring an attorney can also help facilitate a smoother booking process if an arrest occurs. At our law firm, we work tirelessly to defend our clients, minimize the risk of severe consequences, and achieve the best possible outcome in every criminal case.
Types of Cases We Handle
At the Strom Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in a wide variety of cases. We handle DUI defense, domestic violence, drug cases, and other felonies, as well as cases in magistrate and municipal courts, including traffic tickets and misdemeanors. Our law offices are also equipped to take on complex matters such as wrongful death, personal injury, and medical malpractice cases. Whether you are dealing with charges in municipal courts or facing a serious felony in a higher court, our team uses a strategic approach to fight for your rights and protect your future. With a proven track record of successful verdicts and outcomes, the Strom Law Firm is committed to providing the highest level of representation for every client, no matter the legal challenge.
The Value of a Former Prosecutor
One of the unique strengths of the Strom Law Firm is having a former prosecutor on our team. This experience provides our clients with a distinct advantage, as our former prosecutor understands the strategies and tactics used by the prosecution in criminal cases. This insider perspective allows us to anticipate the prosecution’s moves and develop effective countermeasures to protect our clients from severe consequences. Combined with our extensive experience in criminal defense, this background enables us to fight aggressively for our clients’ rights and deliver the best possible defense. Our commitment to justice and our reputation as a leading criminal defense firm in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, are built on our ability to leverage every advantage for our clients.
Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have an Orangeburg County Criminal Defense case, contact an experienced Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney like Bakari Sellars, who can help you protect your rights and navigate your case. It is crucial to seek counsel when facing criminal charges to ensure your legal interests are fully protected.
Any time law enforcement contacts you because they believe you have information about or were involved in a crime, it is imperative that you contact an attorney before answering questions or giving an interview. Mr. Bakari Sellars and our other Orangeburg criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm are experienced in navigating criminal investigations and cases, and will advise you at each step. In addition to criminal defense, our firm is equipped to address a wide range of legal needs for our clients.
THE INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS
Sometimes you may hear through others that an Orangeburg County investigator wants to speak with you about a crime you may or may not have knowledge of, or in which you have been involved. You MUST contact an attorney before engaging in any conversations with a law enforcement officer.
In other instances, law enforcement may contact you by phone or visit your home or place of work to ask you to speak with them. Again, you should not talk to any law enforcement officer without consulting an experienced Orangeburg criminal defense attorney.
COMMON QUESTIONS of an Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney about giving a Statement
Should I give a statement?
You should never give a verbal or written statement to law enforcement without consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney in Orangeburg. Like when dealing with insurance companies after an accident, anything you say can be twisted and used against you. Law enforcement officers are specially trained in pulling information out of you, promising they are there to help you, acting as though they are your friend and want to get to the truth. In reality, they want you to give a statement that could be used to prove you were at the scene, involved in the act, or know pertinent information about the crime.
Law enforcement will use interrogation techniques to attempt to get a confession to use against you in court. Sometimes, law enforcement officers will already have a warrant for your arrest before contacting you. You must contact an attorney before meeting with any law enforcement officers.
How do I avoid giving a statement?
A law enforcement officer may contact you to “talk.” He or she may do this by showing up at your home or office or calling you on the phone to schedule a time to meet. It is important that you not answer any questions or give a statement at that time. You can always tell the officer that the timing is not right for you, and you will call them back with a better date and time to meet. Make sure you obtain the officer’s name and number so you or a lawyer can return their call. At that point, contact Orangeburg criminal defense attorney Bakari Sellars and the Strom Law Firm to walk you through this process.
What can an Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney do if I am being questioned or investigated?
The best lawyers agree that an experienced criminal defense attorney will know how to handle a law enforcement request for contact. The first step is to determine what exactly the officer is investigating and what role he or she believes you played. A defense lawyer will also try to resolve the stage of the investigation — whether law enforcement just wants to ask questions to gather additional information during its investigation or whether there is already a warrant for your arrest.
Law enforcement officers do not have to relay this information to the attorney but will usually provide direction as a courtesy. Once the attorney knows what stage the investigation is in, he or she will be better able to assist you through the investigative process. The attorney will act as a go-between to facilitate the communication between you and law enforcement.
ONCE THE INVESTIGATION IS COMPLETED
When a law enforcement agency has concluded its investigation, there may be a warrant for your arrest. Once an arrest warrant is issued, there is nothing that can be done to recall it. A qualified criminal defense attorney will be able to walk you through the process of turning yourself in, accepting service of the warrant, being booked into the local detention facility, and getting processed. Your Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney can also represent you at your bond hearing.
Do I need an Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney at my Bond Hearing
Once arrested for a crime, you will be booked into the local detention center and formally charged. You will wait for a few hours before you can see the magistrate
state judge at the jail, who will determine if a bond will be set. At the bond hearing, a magistrate does not consider evidence or make any decisions about the case’s merits.
The judge considers two factors: (1) risk of flight and (2) danger to the community. The judge may ask about your education, employment, family, ties to the community, and criminal history to determine whether a bond should be set and, if so, what the amount should be.
The judge can set a Personal Recognizance bond (PR bond), in which you will not have to post money or property to secure your release from jail but will sign yourself out with a promise to appear for all court dates. In other situations, a surety bond may be set, in which a certain amount must be paid before you can be released.
In a few circumstances, a bond may be denied entirely, and you would be required to stay in jail. Bakari Sellers and the Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney at the Strom Law Firm will work diligently to get the best possible bond for you in your case.
Criminal Defense Attorney Advice on Giving a Statement in Orangeburg
After you are formally charged with a crime and have bonded out of jail, you have a pending criminal case against you. You will be given a court date for your case at the bond hearing. You need to always appear for every scheduled court appearance or hearing that you are given. Failure to appear could result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. Representing yourself or appearing before a judge without proper representation can have devastating consequences. You should always have an attorney present when you must appear in court for criminal charges.
TYPES OF COURTS:
Many different courts handle varying levels of crime. As a private practice, our firm provides personalized service and expertise across a wide range of legal matters, including representation for business clients and individuals.
Federal Courts – federal courts handle crimes brought for violations of federal law or charges arising from conduct taking place on a military base. Often, investigations in these cases can span long periods before an arrest is made.
General Sessions Courts – General Sessions County Courts handle crimes brought for felony or misdemeanor violations of state law. General Session Court is where murder cases, serious drug cases, domestic violence, and other felonies and upper-level misdemeanors are heard. We also represent clients in auto accidents and products liability cases in these courts.
Magistrate and Municipal Courts in Orangeburg County—Magistrate and municipal courts handle traffic tickets and lower-level misdemeanors such as DUIs, Shoplifting, Public Disorderly Conduct, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Public Drunkenness, Trespassing, and Simple Possession of Marijuana. Our experience extends to handling legal matters related to business law for both individuals and business entities.
PRELIMINARY HEARINGS
You are entitled to a preliminary hearing for any charges handled in General Sessions Courts. The best criminal defense attorneys agree that the purpose and need of these hearings is to determine whether your charge is supported by probable cause. You cannot present a defense or speak at the preliminary hearing. The investigating officer will testify under oath about what probable cause he or she had to make the arrest and charge.
If your attorney has a motion, the judge will hear that motion and any response from the prosecution. At the close of the hearing, the judge will decide whether to dismiss the charge, remand it to a lower court, reduce the charge, or send it on to General Sessions. The Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorneys at the Strom Law Firm will ask the right questions on cross-examination and present any appropriate motions to the judge at your preliminary hearing.
SENTENCING
Sentencing is handled by the judge, subject to the range set by the legislature in the statute you’re charged with violating. If you plead guilty or you are found guilty at a trial, the verdict will directly impact your sentence, which could include jail or prison time, fines, community service, or probation. The experienced and qualified Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney near me at the Strom Law Firm are excellent at presenting mitigating evidence at your sentencing to assist the judge in making the right sentencing decision.
TRIAL
While many cases are resolved outside of a trial, many proceed to a trial by jury or a judge. Depending on the charge and the court in which it is adjudicated, trials can last a few hours, days, or weeks. Many attorneys may be hesitant to go to trial. At the Strom Law Firm, we do not shy away from trial. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and freedom throughout the trial process. The criminal defense lawyers and DUI Lawyers at the Strom Law Firm have extensive experience practicing law in the courtroom, actively defending clients against the tactics used by prosecutors during court proceedings, and will work tirelessly to provide you with the best possible defense at trial.
Some attorneys market themselves through advertising as the “the best Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney”, “the highest-rated Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney” or “the highest-rated lawyer in Orangeburg. Our Court rules have declared those statements to be unethical. We believe that the consistent results achieved by criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm make our attorneys best positioned to represent you or a family member after a serious case.
Contact Orangeburg Criminal Defense Attorney BAKARI SELLARS AND THE STROM LAW FIRM for a free consultation today
Mr. Bakari Sellars andMr. , and the other criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm understand what it takes to handle a criminal case effectively. Before finding yourself in an unfortunate situation with law enforcement, call the experienced Orangeburg criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803) 252-4800 for a free consultation.
Our attorneys are proud members of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, demonstrating our commitment to criminal defense advocacy in the state.
