Columbia Misdemeanor Lawyer

Columbia Misdemeanor Attorney

If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor charge in Columbia, South Carolina, it is important that you speak with a Columbia misdemeanor lawyer who has a firm understanding of local laws, court systems, and the judges and prosecutors who are usually involved in these cases. Facing a criminal charge in Columbia can come with serious repercussions, including jail time, high fines, and having your driver’s license suspended. A criminal defense lawyer can fight to protect your rights.

Since 1996, the team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has been fighting to protect clients’ rights, futures, and freedoms, as well as provide them with the legal counsel and representation they deserve.

Whether you have a public ordinance violation charge at the Columbia Municipal Court on Washington Street or a shoplifting charge at the Central Magistrate Court for Richland County on Decker Boulevard, the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III is here to protect your interests.

Common Misdemeanor Charges in Columbia, South Carolina

In Columbia, South Carolina, misdemeanor charges are broken down into three categories or classes. These classes include:

• Class A. These are typically the most serious misdemeanor offenses, which can include first-degree harassment or joyriding.
• Class B. These charges are usually not as serious as Class A crimes, but can still lead to jail time if convicted. Examples of these offenses can include submitting false claims.
• Class C. Even though these charges are considered to be the least serious, they can still lead to facing jail time and other serious penalties. Examples of these offenses can include voting under false pretenses and impersonating a police officer.

South Carolina also sees a number of exempt misdemeanor charges pass through the court system. Though these crimes do not fall under any of the above categories, they do have their own punishments involved and can still lead to jail time, albeit shorter sentences. One example of an exempt misdemeanor charge in Columbia might include the unlawful entry of a premise.

The term “misdemeanor” covers a wide range of offenses. However, some offenses are committed more frequently than others. These can include the following:

• Shoplifting. This crime occurs when an individual allegedly steals an item valued at less than a certain amount. Depending on the exact amount of stolen goods involved in the crime and the prior record of the defendant, the punishments will vary but typically include jail time and fines.
• Reckless driving. This crime can occur when an individual is allegedly driving in a manner that is both dangerous and breaks the law in some form or another. This usually includes driving at excessive speeds over the posted speed limit or running red lights. This form of driving places other lives at risk.
• Vandalism. This crime can occur when an individual allegedly damages the property of another party. This can include spraying graffiti on a public or privately owned building. For first-time offenders, the penalties are typically lighter, especially in situations where the damage is minimal.
• Disorderly conduct. This charge can arise when an individual allegedly behaves in a way that disturbs the peace of the public. This can include being openly or obviously drunk and causing a public disturbance.
• Resisting arrest. When an individual is about to be arrested and takes certain actions to try to avoid arrest, this is considered to be resisting arrest. Actions of this nature can include pulling away from police or trying to run.
• Third-degree assault and battery. This crime is typically the least serious of all assault and battery charges and happens when the alleged victim suffers minor injuries, if any at all. Threats may be involved, but no deadly weapon is.
• Drug possession. From 2022 to 2023, the state of South Carolina saw a 3.2% drop in all drug law violations. These crimes typically include small amounts of low-level drugs, such as prescription medications, that you do not have the correct authorization to possess.
• Third-degree domestic violence. Compared to 2022, domestic violence increased by 71.82% in 2023. These crimes tend to include individuals involved in intimate relationships, such as spouses, common-law spouses, ex-spouses, or those in dating relationships. It can also include parents, stepparents, and grandparents. This kind of domestic violence involves physical altercations, but no severe injuries are caused.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Misdemeanor Laws

What Are the Common Punishments for Misdemeanors in SC?

In Columbia, misdemeanor crimes are usually punished with some combination of probation, fines, and, in certain cases, smaller jail sentences. These jail sentences tend to range from a few days to a year, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense that has allegedly been committed. More petty crimes can include sentences of probation, fines, and community service.

What Are Some Common Defenses for Misdemeanor Charges?

Depending on the nature and circumstances surrounding your misdemeanor charge, your lawyer might be able to use several defenses in your case. These defenses can include that your actions were the result of a mistake or were unintentional, that you have an alibi for the time the crime occurred, that there is a lack of probable cause, or that you only committed the actions out of necessity or because you were under duress.

What Are the Costs and Fees Involved When Hiring a Misdemeanor Lawyer?

It can be difficult to offer an exact number of the costs and fees of hiring a misdemeanor lawyer in South Carolina. This is due to the fact that there are several variables involved in these cases that can impact your lawyer’s final cost analysis. These factors include the complexity and duration of your case and the skill level of your attorney.

How Many Misdemeanor Crimes Happen Every Year in SC?

In recent years, about 87.71% of all crimes committed in South Carolina on an annual basis were considered to be misdemeanors. Of about 14,781 of these cases, 10,509 actually faced a conviction. This is a rather large number, which further demonstrates the need for an attorney who can argue your defense and help seek a lighter sentence or a dismissal of all your charges.

Don’t Let a Misdemeanor Charge Derail Your Life: Contact Our Offices Today

If you or someone you love has been charged with a misdemeanor in Columbia, South Carolina, the team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III is here to help. Contact us today to learn more information and schedule a consultation with our team.