Columbia Felony Defense Lawyer

Columbia, SC Felony Defense Attorney

Being accused of any crime can be incredibly stressful. You may worry about what happens if you get convicted and what the rest of your life might look like moving forward. With felony crimes, so much is at stake, and you need experienced, competent legal counsel on your side. If you are facing a felony charge in the Columbia area of South Carolina, you can be proactive about protecting your rights by contacting a seasoned Columbia, SC felony defense lawyer.

About Deas Law Firm

At Deas Law Firm, we understand that our clients look to us for help during some of the most difficult periods in their lives, and we take our responsibilities very seriously. Our attorney, Garryl L. Deas, has been advocating for clients for over 24 years, and he approaches each case with the meticulous care it deserves. Whatever legal trouble you are facing, you can rest assured that the team at Deas Law Firm can work tirelessly for you.

What Kinds of Crimes Are Considered Felonies in South Carolina?

Any criminal charges against you are a big deal. Even convictions for minor crimes can stay on your record forever and show up on background checks run by potential employers or landlords. There can be significant social consequences, and some professionals may lose their licenses, depending on the nature of the crime.

Generally, in the criminal justice system, crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, usually not violent, and they are not punishable by more than a year in prison. Felonies are more serious and are punishable by at least one year in prison. Each state has its own criminal justice system, so felonies are classed differently depending on the state.

In South Carolina, felonies are divided into classes from Class A through Class I, with Class A being the most serious. The following are some examples of felony crimes, along with their classifications, in North Carolina:

• Murder: Both first-degree murder and attempted murder are Class A felonies, as is voluntary manslaughter. In 2024, the Columbia police department reported 14 homicides.
• Kidnapping: Kidnapping is also a Class A felony.
• Carjacking: This is always a felony, but the class depends on whether someone gets hurt or not. If a person is seriously injured in the course of a carjacking, it is charged as a Class A felony. A carjacking in the absence of a serious bodily injury is a Class C felony.
• Burglary: Like carjacking, burglary can be charged differently based on the circumstances of the crime. A violent burglary is a Class D felony, whereas a first-offense third-degree burglary is a Class F felony.
• Drug trafficking: A person can be charged with drug trafficking simply for possessing certain amounts of illegal substances, regardless of whether trafficking was the actual intent. For example, if a person possesses more than 10 grams of cocaine, they can be charged with a Class E felony.

Potential Penalties for Felonies in South Carolina

There is a wide range of potential penalties for felony crimes in North Carolina. The state uses a structured sentencing system that imposes minimum and maximum prison sentences for some serious offenses, as well as fines. In this structured system, judges can impose shorter or longer sentences, within the prescribed range, based on the perpetrator’s prior record. Judges may also consider aggravating or mitigating factors.

Aggravating factors are aspects of a crime that make it more serious, such as the victim being a particularly vulnerable person or a violent crime being entirely unprovoked. On the other hand, mitigating factors are considerations that help explain a perpetrator’s behavior, such as young age or provocation. When a judge imposes a sentence, they look at the chart with the prescribed ranges and take into account mitigating and aggravating factors to make their decision.

Hire a Felony Defense Lawyer

A good lawyer can represent the difference between a conviction and an acquittal when you have been charged with a felony. The first thing you should do, if you even suspect you are being investigated for a crime, is hire a felony defense lawyer. Your Felony Defense Lawyer in Columbia, SC can work with you from the very beginning to begin building a solid defense.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Felony Defense Laws

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Felony Defense Lawyer in Columbia?

The cost to hire a felony defense lawyer in Columbia, South Carolina, varies widely depending on the circumstances of your case. The more serious the crime, the more time your attorney may need to spend working for you. Generally, attorneys ask for an up-front payment called a retainer to begin serving you.

Can You Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor in South Carolina?

Yes, it is possible to go to jail for a misdemeanor crime in North Carolina. Misdemeanors cannot result in a prison sentence of more than a year, but sentences ranging from a few days to a few months are fairly common, especially for more serious misdemeanors or repeat offenses. Some misdemeanor crimes become felonies on the second or third offense.

Is Arson a Felony in South Carolina?

Arson can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor in South Carolina, depending on the circumstances of the crime. For example, first-, second-, and third-degree arson, as well as arson for the purpose of defrauding an insurance company, are felonies. Arson involving burning someone else’s crops is a misdemeanor on the first offense.

Where Are Felony Cases Heard for Crimes Committed in Columbia?

Felony crimes are handled by the South Carolina Circuit Court, which is housed in county courthouses all over the state. Generally, crimes are tried in the county in which they were committed. For crimes committed in Columbia, trials are held at the Richland County Courthouse, located at 1701 South Main Street.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

Facing felony charges can be daunting. When your future is on the line, you need experienced and confident support in your corner. Contact Deas Law Firm today to discuss your needs.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

At Deas Law Firm, we work tirelessly for you to make sure you are fairly compensated on your personal injury case. From slip and fall cases or even catastrophic injury cases, Deas Law Firm is ready to fight for you and your rights. Call us today or fill out the online form to discuss your personal injury case.