Probation Violation Lawyers in Charleston
If you have been charged with a crime, you owe it to yourself to secure quality legal representation. The prosecutors and police investigators will try to find any way they can to make you appear as guilty as possible. You’ll need aggressive probation violation defense lawyers in Summerville to protect your rights, guard you from making mistakes, and handle various criminal charges.
Our team is ready to fight for your defense, regardless of whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience that we can use to help you build a case. We will aggressively argue against the revocation of your probation and do everything in our power to prevent you from serving jail time.
The sooner you contact our Charleston criminal defense lawyers, the sooner we can help you. At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we will fight to protect your rights and your future. Contact our Summerville probation violation defense lawyers today for a free initial consultation.
Do You Need a Probation Violations Lawyer?
Generally, probation will follow after a person pleads guilty or if the person was found guilty of a criminal offense by either a judge or jury. A probation violation may be found based on a person committing a new criminal law violation, non-payment of court costs/restitution, non-compliance with treatment, or any other condition the court ordered.
Our firm has extensive experience handling various criminal law cases and understands the importance of obtaining legal representation promptly. If you face accusations of violating probation, a lot is at stake, including the threat of a potential prison term. It can help to have a probation violation lawyer on your side. Our probation violation defense attorneys in Summerville can help you understand what to expect when facing a probation violation and combat the charges against you.
What Happens at a Probation Hearing?
When the court receives information about an alleged violation, the court would require the person to appear in court. At the hearing, the probation officer will outline the probation violation, and you will have a chance to respond to the allegations. You can admit to the violation and argue there were mitigating circumstances or deny it and support the denial with evidence. If found guilty of a violation, a person may face additional jail time, fines, and other conditions the court deems appropriate.
In a criminal trial, the prosecution has the burden of proof to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, making skilled legal representation crucial during the hearing.
Depending on the circumstances of your case and the criminal offense, penalties the court may impose include:
Full Revocation
You serve the entirety of your original sentence. After you serve, your probation is over.
Partial Revocation with Termination
You will serve a portion of your original sentence. Once finished, your probation ends.
Partial Revocation with Continued Probation
You serve a portion of your sentence, and the court holds the remainder of your prison term over your head. After you serve, your probation continues.
The court can also decide to continue your probation without ordering jail time or, in lieu of imprisonment, mandate that you attend a court-ordered drug or alcohol rehabilitation program.
What Can Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Do for You?
A Charleston criminal defense lawyer with our firm can represent you during your probation violation hearing. Choosing the right Summerville probation violation defense lawyer is crucial for probation violation cases, as it can significantly impact the outcome. Our Summerville probation violation defense attorney can:
- Review your probation conditions and determine if a violation occurred
- Attempt to help you remedy the violation if possible
- Help you take steps to prove your commitment to reforming to the court (such as enrolling in anger management or rehab)
- Review the charges of your violation and develop a defense strategy for the hearing based on the evidence
- Help you prove mitigating circumstances
- Demonstrate you are taking steps to improve your life and positively contribute to society
- Obtain quality character references and find witnesses to testify on your behalf
- Aggressively argue to keep your probation active to avoid serving all or part of your sentence
- Answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide you with frequent and timely case updates
Why Select Murphy Crantford Meehan for Your Probation Violation Case?
Murphy Crantford Meehan is a leading South Carolina criminal defense firm. Attorneys William C. Crantford and Jerry A. Meehan, Jr., lead our defense team. In cooperation with our experienced lawyers and compassionate staff, they have handled thousands of criminal cases for individuals charged with misdemeanors and serious crimes and felonies.
A criminal record can have serious consequences, negatively impacting your employment and personal relationships. Seeking legal representation is crucial to mitigate these effects and navigate the criminal justice system effectively.
We take the time to get to know our clients so we can address every legal issue with a personalized strategy. Our lawyers are trial-tested and have the knowledge and resources needed to defend your rights. We know a probation violation can upend your life, so we will do everything in our power to protect your freedom.
Our attorneys rate highly for client satisfaction, as evidenced by our many five-star Google reviews and positive testimonials, like the following:
“I highly recommend [Murphy] Crantford Meehan! I worked with Jerry at a time in my life where I needed trusted guidance. Jerry spent the time to listen to my case and guide in the best decision with his experience and knowledge. He will not lead you astray and always has his client’s best interest at heart.” – Breanne Shumaker
Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle
Our defense team can handle probation violation cases and charges involving various criminal offenses, including:
- Drug possession
- Drug possession with intent to distribute (PWID)
- Drug trafficking
- DUI
- BUI
- Theft
- Burglary
- Assault
- Weapons charges
- Fraud
- Traffic crimes
- Violent crimes
- White collar crimes
Our team also assists with appealing criminal convictions. We deal with state and federal charges.
What Are the Terms of Probation in South Carolina?
According to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, the standard South Carolina probation guidelines mandate that those on probation shall:
- Report to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services' office on the day of sentencing or release and make a truthful report to the probation agent
- Pay supervision fees or any other fees required by the department
- Obey all the conditions of their parole, including paying fines and restitution
- Work diligently to find lawful employment
- Follow the advice and instructions of their parole agent
- Allow their agent to visit them at home, work, or elsewhere at any time
- Submit to search and seizure based on reasonable suspicion (without a warrant) if on probation for crimes more serious than a Class C misdemeanor
- Not change residences or employment without notifying their parole agent
- Not use or possess controlled substances
- Not possess firearms or dangerous weapons
- Not violate state, federal, or local law
- Not leave South Carolina without permission
Failing to adhere to any of these general terms or terms specific to your probation amounts to a probation violation. If you have committed an act that may violate your probation, it is best to be proactive. Consider contacting a probation violation defense lawyer immediately.
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