Plea Bargains and Dismissals
Most criminal cases are resolved with plea bargains. A criminal conviction can result in prison sentencing, jail time, hefty fines, and a criminal record, which can have devastating consequences for your future.
Facing arrest and criminal charges is not something you should do alone. You need a knowledgeable, experienced criminal defense attorney who understands your situation and cares about the outcome of your case. We believe everyone deserves a strong and robust defense and that no person is guilty unless proven otherwise. Having a lawyer you trust on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Hiring an experienced defense attorney who understands how to negotiate plea bargains or the dismissal of your case can mean the difference between being sent to prison and walking away with your freedom.
Criminal charges can be resolved in one of four ways:
Dismissal
Dismissal by the prosecutor can occur if the prosecution determines that there is insufficient evidence to proceed with the case. A clear demonstration to ensure the lack of evidence for a criminal charge must be put forward by the accused of the prosecution to consider dismissal. Otherwise, the prosecution will follow through with the case.
Diversion Programs
- Pre-trial intervention, PTI, is a diversion program for first-time offenders. This program typically consists of 30-50 hours of community service, counseling, passing drug screenings, and written assignments. The main goal of PTI is to provide intervention services to hopefully deter future criminal activity and provide first-time offenders a second chance through rehabilitative services.
- The Traffic Education Program, TEP, was created by the State of South Carolina to educate drivers with minor traffic offenses and use it as a tool to dismiss minor traffic offenses, thereby keeping their driving records clean.
- Any person aged 17-20 years old who is charged with an alcohol-related offense may qualify for the Alcohol Education Program (AEP). This program offers an alternative to pleading guilty or having a trial before a Judge in court and helps combat the problems associated with underage drinking.
- A person with a history of drug use and convictions for drug crimes or drug-related crimes may be eligible for Drug Court. During the supervised twelve months outpatient drug treatment program, the criminal justice and public health systems unite together to meaningfully treat chemically dependent offenders, thereby reducing drug use, increasing public safety, and improving the quality of life for the community.
- A Conditional Discharge is available for defendants charged with a drug crime who have no prior drug convictions. The sentencing and proceedings are deferred while the accused agrees to be placed on probation and participate in a treatment and rehabilitation program. If the terms of the probationary period set by the court are met, the charges are dismissed.
Plea Bargain/Guilty Plea
In some cases, an experienced criminal attorney can negotiate plea bargains with the state, in which the accused pleads guilty to a lesser offense or has a portion of the charges dropped.
Trial
When cases are not disposed of through dismissal, a diversion program, or a plea, they are taken to trial. A prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the charges in order to be convicted. An experienced Columbia criminal attorney is crucial to your defense to ensure you are properly represented during this stage and your rights are protected.
Experienced South Carolina Criminal Defense Attorneys for Plea Bargains
All cases are complicated, and having a knowledgeable attorney by your side may be beneficial in securing better plea bargains or dismissal for you. Contact the criminal defense attorneys at Strom Law Firm, LLC for a free consultation today.
