Everyone makes mistakes, but those mistakes don’t have to change your life. Many criminal matters, especially traffic infractions and misdemeanors, can be handled outside the courtroom. South Carolina even offers specific pretrial intervention and expungement options to eligible offenders.
Retaining a private Dorchester County criminal defense attorney from Gil Gatch Law is the best way to get positive results in your case. Our Dorchester County criminal defense attorneys help clients pursue the best possible outcomes through pretrial intervention, expungement, or trial defense.
Commonly Charged Criminal Offenses in South Carolina
At Gil Gatch Law, our experienced Summerville criminal defense team commonly defends local clients against the following:
Drug Crimes
Drug offenses are the most overcharged and prosecuted crimes in South Carolina. They include:
- Simple possession
- Drug dealing (possession with intent to distribute)
- Manufacturing and growth
- Trafficking
- Possessing drug paraphernalia
- Fraudulently obtaining prescription drugs
- Unlawfully administering controlled substances
- Writing illegal prescriptions
The penalties associated with drug charges confuse even experienced attorneys, as they heavily depend on how the government categorizes the controlled substances (Schedule I–V) and the total drug weight. Getting illegally seized drug evidence suppressed under the exclusionary rule, even partially, can mean the difference between felony and misdemeanor charges in South Carolina.
Traffic, DUIs, and Reckless Driving Offenses
Most traffic crimes, such as speeding, are only ticketable offenses. Paying a fine can resolve the case without it impacting your criminal record. However, CDL holders or those with points already on their licenses should contact us to prevent license suspension.
DUIs and reckless driving offenses, including vehicular manslaughter cases, are not traffic offenses. They are serious crimes that necessitate an experienced criminal defense attorney (and not just a traffic defense attorney). DUI convictions can stay on your record for life if you don’t work with legal counsel to challenge the stop and potentially inaccurate and illegal blood alcohol testing.
Assault and Battery (Violent Crimes)
Criminal assault can be aggravated or straightforward. It can also involve domestic violence charges with lasting family implications. Defenses to assault charges include self-defense or defense of another person. If you have the right legal advocate on your side, courts also consider who the primary aggressor was.
Property Offenses
Minor crimes against property, such as shoplifting, theft, burglary, and vandalism, may be handled through South Carolina’s pretrial intervention (PTI) program. These laws allow many first-time offenders to complete courses and community service instead of facing trial. Completing these programs can result in local solicitors dismissing your charges or expunging (clearing) your record.
State v. Federal Charges in South Carolina
It’s essential to determine whether you’ve been indicted in state or federal court. Federal indictments in Summerville, SC, originate from the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. At the same time, state charges are handled by the Dorchester County Magistrate and General Sessions courts.
Federal charges are often more serious than state charges, as they typically involve allegations that you’ve violated federal law, committed crimes in multiple states, or participated in a criminal enterprise. Our experienced SC federal criminal defense lawyers provide representation in the following cases:
- White-collar crimes (wire fraud, securities fraud, bank fraud, etc.)
- Identity theft
- Firearms offenses
- Child pornography
- Human trafficking
- Drug trafficking
Contact our federal legal defenders to discuss defeating federal charges or negotiating favorable plea deals with federal prosecutors.
Your Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyers in Summerville, SC
Unlike other law firms, our compassionate criminal defense attorneys offer free initial consultations for criminal law matters. We can help you understand the charges against you, listen to your side, and develop the best strategy in your case. Schedule a completely confidential criminal defense consultation with our experienced Summerville legal team today by calling (843) 800-2020 or connecting with us online.
Dorchester County Criminal Law and Arrest FAQs
Our experienced criminal defense lawyers commonly receive the following questions from concerned defendants throughout South Carolina:
What should I do if I get arrested?
Do not resist. Calmly respect the police, as it may help you during sentencing proceedings. Always trigger your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment and right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment. You should then immediately contact our law firm for a complimentary criminal defense consultation.
How can I stay safe if I get pulled over?
Always keep your hands on the wheel where the officer can see them, and ask if you can reach for any ID or insurance paperwork. Be respectful, but do not admit to any crimes. The police like to ask you if you knew how fast you were going or if you had been drinking. You have the right not to answer.
Why Hire Criminal Defense Lawyer Gil Gatch Law Instead of a Free Public Defender?
While South Carolina state and federal public defenders are experienced and dedicated lawyers, their unmanageable case loads prevent them from spending the time needed to develop strong defense strategies in all but the most serious cases. Private defense counsel can take the time necessary to dig into the facts and challenge every aspect of the investigation and prosecution’s case.