Lake Wylie Criminal Defense Lawyer

Lake Wylie Criminal Defense Attorney

Individuals who are arrested and booked on criminal charges could be facing significant changes in their lifestyle. Depending on the charges, they could be going to jail or even prison. This is why it’s essential to employ a Lake Wylie criminal defense lawyer. They can build a successful defense strategy for your case. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you, your chances of a potentially less severe sentence or outcome significantly improve.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Christopher A. Wellborn, P.A., a private criminal defense law firm, defends criminal charges for misdemeanors and felonies. Our 30 years of legal experience in the field of criminal law put us at the top of our game. Our attorney has achieved favorable outcomes consistently, and he can do the same for you. We take an aggressive and active approach to fighting for the rights of our clients. As a result, our firm is widely known and well-respected in the local judicial circuits.

Penalties for Criminal Convictions in South Carolina

Different crimes carry varying degrees of sentences that range from paying a fine to life in prison or the death penalty. When someone is charged with a crime, there is usually an opportunity to negotiate it to a lower offense and thus lessen the severity of the penalties with a conviction. This is called a plea deal, and these types of deals are made with the prosecution in exchange for an admission of guilt.

In many cases, a plea deal is the only choice defendants have. For an idea of the penalties handed down in SC criminal courts, the list below includes a sample of SC criminal charges and the associated penalties, according to SC criminal defense laws.

• A first-offense DUI is a misdemeanor with a BAC less than 0.10% and carries from 48 hours up to 30 days in jail, $992 in fines and assessment costs, and a six-month suspension of driving privileges.
• A DUI causing injury is a Class D felony and carries up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and revocation of the driver’s license.
• A first offense for trafficking between 10 and 100 pounds of marijuana is a Class E felony and can result in a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment.
• A third or subsequent offense for trafficking between 10 and 100 pounds of marijuana is a Class B felony, which ups the maximum imprisonment to 25 years.
• Assault with a concealed weapon is a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year of incarceration. In 2023, 96% of crimes committed in York County against a person were assault charges.
• A first-degree assault and battery charge is a Class E felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
• Attempted murder carries up to 30 years in prison as a Class A felony. A murder charge can carry up to life in prison or the death penalty.

These examples show how widely punishments vary for crimes. The more severe a crime, the harder the penalties. The multiple levels of conviction and penalties are often used by prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys when negotiating guilty plea deals for defendants. A good criminal defense attorney knows and understands criminal defense penalties and can ultimately improve the chances of your case ending more favorably.

Criminal Defense Strategies

A seasoned Lake Wylie criminal defense lawyer knows what criminal defense strategies work and how to use them to help clients get a better outcome in their case. What’s more is that lawyers who have been around for a long time in the same area know what strategies, attitudes, and temperaments local courts appreciate most. Below are examples of some of the most used defense strategies.

• Establish an alibi for the defendant.
• Plead mental incapacity or insanity under valid grounds
• It was a mistaken crime in which the intention to commit a crime was lacking
• Prove the defendant was practicing self-defense or was defending others
• Convince the court that the defendant was coerced or under duress
• Prove entrapment on behalf of the defendant
• Show evidence of an unlawful search and seizure of the defendant by law enforcement.
• Present evidence of police misconduct, such as errors in administering BAC tests or a lack of probable cause to initiate a search
• Find human error in policy and procedure in arrest or booking.

A Lake Wylie criminal defense attorney who knows South Carolina criminal defense laws can identify an ideal defense strategy quickly. They can also provide quick and knowledge-based responses in discussions with the prosecution. This is what can ultimately alter the intended fate of a defendant.

It is also helpful to have an attorney who is familiar with local courts, including the York County Circuit Court, located at 1675 York Highway, York, South Carolina, where felony offenses and more severe misdemeanor offenses are handled.

Why Choose Us?

Whether you need a fierce advocate to help you mitigate charges or you’re simply innocent, we are the Lake Wylie criminal defense law firm that can meet your legal issues head-on. It is very important that criminally charged individuals seek out a lawyer who has successfully represented criminal defense cases. Christopher A. Wellborn, P.A., has that experience and the resources necessary to support you.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Have a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

The cost of a criminal defense lawyer is directly related to a few different things. One of the most impactful factors in the cost of a criminal defense lawyer is the level of complexity of the case. Other factors that can impact legal costs include the experience level and success rate of the lawyer. To get a better idea of the cost of a criminal defense lawyer for your case, schedule a consultation with a reputable attorney in your area.

What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Lawyer and a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

The difference between a criminal lawyer and a criminal defense lawyer is what side of the courtroom they are on. A criminal lawyer can be either a prosecutor or a defender. A criminal defense lawyer, on the other hand, works only on the side of the defense. A criminal defense lawyer represents the defendant in a criminal case, while a criminal lawyer may represent the defendant or could be the lawyer prosecuting the defendant.

Who Pays Criminal Defense Lawyers?

A criminal defense lawyer is paid by the client they represent. Criminal defense lawyers typically represent defendants charged with criminal offenses. It’s up to the client to pay their lawyer to receive legal services. Lawyers sometimes take payment arrangements, but typically, they require an upfront retainer. As a case requires more work on their part, they may require their client to pay more. Other lawyers charge an hourly rate. Regardless, the client pays for their own criminal defense lawyer.

Can a Lawyer Get You Out of a Felony?

Whether a lawyer can get their client out of a felony charge depends on what the felony charge is. In less severe felony cases, a skilled attorney who is experienced in criminal defense cases can oftentimes get a client’s felony charges reduced to a misdemeanor charge. This is especially true for first-time offenders. Most courts are not sympathetic to repeat offenders who have a history of violent crime convictions, though.

Lake Wylie Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing criminal charges in Lake Wylie, Christopher A. Wellborn, P.A., is a well-respected and highly qualified criminal defense lawyer. Contact our office to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.