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Facing felony or misdemeanor charges in Columbia, SC? Call (803) 590-3917 for a free consultation with an experienced Columbia criminal defense lawyer at Shealey Law Firm.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys in South Carolina
You need an experienced Columbia criminal defense lawyer. At Shealey Law Firm, trust is everything. Our clients count on us for skilled legal representation when they have been charged with a crime.
Contact us today to get legal help.
Protecting Your Rights
When you’re charged with a crime, you have important questions:
- What penalties am I facing?
- How will these charges affect me?
- Can I fight back?
- What’s the best course of action?
- Where do I even begin?
Criminal charges mean that your freedom is in jeopardy. Whether the charges are minor or serious, they have the potential to significantly impact your life.
At Shealey Law Firm, we focus on protecting your rights. That means aggressively fighting the charges against you.
Columbia, SC Criminal Lawyers Who Fight Back
We are Columbia, SC criminal defense lawyers who fight for our clients. You shouldn’t go through the legal process alone. We will:
- Review the case for law enforcement violation of your rights
- Conduct our own investigation
- Assert every preliminary motion and motion to suppress that may be beneficial to you
- Fight the charges in every way possible
- Build your defenses
- Respond to the charges, representing you in court
- Answer your questions and explain what you need to know
Are you ready to fight for your freedom? We’re available for consultations 24/7. Consultations for criminal cases are free. Call or message us now to talk to a lawyer.
We are Trial Lawyers
Shealey Law Firm is a legal team that takes cases to trial. We build your defenses so you can choose the right course of action for you. If you’re ready to go to trial in your case, we’re ready too. We are highly experienced courtroom attorneys, and we can represent you at all stages of your case.
Our Practice Areas: Comprehensive Legal Services
Shealey Law Firm can assist you in whatever criminal matter you’re facing. There is no such thing as a minor criminal charge. Any charge you’re facing has the potential to impact your life.
We handle all types of criminal cases.
Felonies – Serious charges that may result in prison time. In addition to a long prison sentence, a felony conviction can limit employment opportunities, volunteering, standing in the community, firearm rights, immigration, and more. You have the right to a trial and to legal representation at all stages of the case. Our lawyers in Columbia, SC, protect your rights effectively when you’re facing felony charges.
Misdemeanors – You have important rights when you’re facing misdemeanor charges. Misdemeanor charges in Columbia, SC, can be misleading. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to three years in prison. A misdemeanor charge can result in jail time, fines, probation with conditions, community service, restitution, and more. Plus, judges have discretion in sentencing, which makes it important to defend your case at every stage. Get help fighting your misdemeanor from Shealey Law Firm.
Examples of Crimes Our Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle
Drunk Driving Charges, DWI/DUI – Drunk driving charges can hurt your freedom and your reputation. (S.C. Code § 56-5-2930, S.C. Code § 56-5-2945, S.C. Code § 56-5-2933)
Boating Under the Influence – Potential penalties include jail time, fines, and revoked boating privileges. (S.C. Code § 50-21-112)
Domestic Violence – Get aggressive legal representation when you’re facing allegations of domestic violence. (S.C. Code § 16-25-20)
Assault and Battery – Maximum jail time depends on the exact offense charged. (S.C. Code § 16-3-600)
Shoplifting, Retail Fraud – A conviction can hurt your future opportunities and reputation. (S.C. Code § 16-13-110, S.C. Code § 16-13-120)
Larceny, burglary, robbery – Penalties vary depending on whether force, weapons, or entry into a dwelling are involved. (S.C. Code § 16-13-30, S.C. Code § 16-11-311, S.C. Code § 16-11-312, S.C. Code § 16-11-313, S.C. Code § 16-11-325, S.C. Code § 16-11-330)
Computer crimes — Charges may involve fraud, identity theft, or unauthorized access to computer systems. (S.C. Code § 16-16-20)
Prostitution, buggery, indecent exposure, and communicating obscene messages — These charges can involve jail time, fines, and long-lasting impacts on your record. (S.C. Code § 16-15-100, S.C. Code § 16-15-110, S.C. Code § 16-15-120, S.C. Code § 16-15-130, S.C. Code § 16-15-250)
Obscenity, child exploitation, luring a child, criminal solicitation, disseminating, sexual exploitation of a minor, sexual extortion — Convictions carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences and sex offender registration. (S.C. Code § 16-15-305 through S.C. Code § 16-15-430)
Embezzlement – We’ll investigate and tell your side of the story. (S.C. Code § 16-13-210; S.C. Code § 16-13-230)
Homicide, Murder, Attempted Murder – Potential sentences range from decades in prison to life without parole or the death penalty. (S.C. Code § 16-13-10, S.C. Code § 16-13-20, S.C. Code § 16-3-29)
Manslaughter – Penalties depend on whether the charge is voluntary or involuntary, but both carry serious prison time. (S.C. Code § 16-3-50)
Sexual Assault — Allegations may include first, second, or third-degree charges, each with severe sentencing guidelines. (S.C. Code § 16-3-651 through S.C. Code § 16-3-659)
Drug Possession— Penalties vary based on substance, quantity, and prior convictions. (S.C. Code § 44-53-370, S.C. Code § 16-15-100)
Drug Manufacture and Trafficking — Charges can result in lengthy mandatory minimum prison sentences and large fines. (S.C. Code § 44-53-370, S.C. Code § 44-53-375)
Department of Natural Resources Offenses —Violations of DNR law can include unlawful hunting, fishing, or boating, often resulting in fines, license suspensions, or jail time. (Title 50, Chapter 5 – Marine Resources Act, Chapter 13 – Protection of Fish, and other laws in Title 50 – Fish, Game and Watercraft)
Environmental Regulations Offenses — Convictions may result from unlawful dumping, pollution, or destruction of protected land or waters, with both civil and criminal penalties possible. (S.C. Code § 48-39-170)
White Collar Crimes – Our lawyers are experienced in white collar defense. We can represent you in state or federal court. A significant part of any white-collar crime defense, including researching statutes and case interpretations, gathering paperwork, talking to witnesses, and preliminary court hearings, is performed before the trial. We can start working on your case immediately.
Juvenile Offenses – Juvenile charges can impact a young person’s future. These charges are different from adult charges in South Carolina. In Columbia and throughout SC, adult court starts at age 17. Certain cases can be waived to adult court from juvenile court. When a case is in juvenile court, there may be multiple ways to address it. We treat young people with respect, explore all options to fight the charges, and get to know our client to understand their best interests.
College Students – Our law firm helps college students facing charges. Columbia is home to 14 universities, colleges, and technical schools. Hearing that you’re facing criminal charges can be stressful. It can be hard to know what to do, and you may be worried about your career plans. Shealey Law Firm is a team of Columbia, SC, criminal defense lawyers representing college students. We’re here to help you navigate this challenge and move forward in your life.
Criminal Court in Columbia, SC
If you’re charged with a crime in Columbia, SC, the case will likely be heard in one of three courts: Circuit Court, Magistrate Court, or Municipal Court.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court General Sessions Court hears criminal matters in South Carolina. While the Circuit Courts also hear civil cases, these civil cases are heard in a separate Common Pleas division. The Circuit Courts handle the more serious criminal matters in South Carolina.
Circuit Court criminal cases vary in severity. The courts have jurisdiction over cases punishable by more than 30 days in jail or a $500 fine. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get 30 or more days in jail, but merely that the potential penalties must be at least that much for the case to be heard in Circuit Court.
South Carolina has 16 Circuit Courts that are grouped by counties. Columbia, SC, includes parts of Richland, Lexington, and Kershaw Counties. The Circuit Court locations are:
Richland County Courthouse – 5th Circuit (grouped with Kershaw)
1701 Main Street
#205
Columbia, SC 29201
Kershaw County Courthouse – 5th Circuit (grouped with Richland)
1121 Broad Street
Room 313
Camden, SC 29020
Lexington – 11th Circuit (grouped with Saluda, Edgefield, and McCormick Counties)
205 E. Main Street
Lexington, SC 29072
Magistrate Court in Columbia, SC
There are about 300 magistrates in South Carolina. Magistrates are appointed, not elected. There are many magistrate courts in Richland County.
Central Court
2500 Decker Blvd
Columbia, SC 29206
Columbia
3875 Lucius Rd.
Columbia, SC 29201
Olympia
1601 Shop Rd. (Suite B)
Columbia, SC 29201
Upper Township
7615 A Wilson Blvd.
Columbia, SC 29203
Waverly
2712 Middleburg Dr., Ste. 106
Columbia, SC 29204
Dutch Fork
1019 Beatty Rd.
Columbia, SC 29210
Dentsville
2500 Decker Blvd.
Columbia, SC 29206
Magistrate courts hear less serious criminal matters, such as disorderly conduct, petty larceny, simple assault, and first-offense drunk driving. But don’t be fooled—even these criminal convictions can severely impact your life.
In addition, magistrate courts also handle less serious civil matters, such as evictions, disputes not exceeding $7,500, and abandoned property.
Municipal Courts
The Columbia, SC Municipal Court is located at:
811 Washington Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Criminal court is usually held on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Municipal Courts can hear the same criminal matters as Magistrate Courts—offenses with penalties up to 30 days in jail and a fine of $500. Municipal Courts also hear local ordinance violations and code enforcement, which are offenses created by the City of Columbia.
Whether a Municipal Court or Magistrate Court hears the case may depend on whether the offense occurred within the city limits and which police department investigated. The city chooses its own Municipal Court judges for terms up to four years.
What court is hearing my case in Columbia, SC?
When you’re facing criminal charges in Columbia, SC, it’s important to determine whether the case is before the Circuit Court of General Sessions, Magistrate Court, or Municipal Court. The court location should be on the ticket or charging documents. If the court where the charges are issued does not have jurisdiction, you can challenge its authority to hear the case.
Why Clients Trust Shealey Law Firm
The outcome of any criminal case is life changing. You don’t want to wonder if you’re doing the right thing or wish you would have done more. Our Columbia SC criminal defense lawyers think it should be simple to work with a dependable lawyer. That’s why we’ve built our law firm to truly serve the needs of our clients.
Clients trust Shealey Law Firm for one reason – results. We start working the moment you hire us. We fight for the innocence of the people that we represent. With courtroom experience, knowledge of the law, and a passion for justice, we get the results our clients deserve.
Facing Criminal Charges? Here’s How We Can Help
- Immediate Representation
You need help right away. Maybe you’re calling us from jail, awaiting your arraignment, or you have a date for a pre-trial conference. As soon as you hire us, we start representing you.
- Our Investigation
We don’t count on the police report to tell the whole story. We’ll talk to witnesses and question law enforcement activity.
- Legal Strategy
Your success in defending against the charges against you comes down to your legal strategy. We’ll weigh the options and make a plan.
- Your Advocates
As your advocates, we take care of everything. We file preliminary motions. If it’s possible to ask for the charges to be thrown out, we’ll approach the court or the prosecutor. We negotiate plea agreements. We’ll be by your side in court.
- Your Counselors
In any criminal case, you’ll have important decisions to make; we’ll explain what you need to consider.
- Aggressive Representation
When you’re facing criminal charges, it’s time to do everything possible to protect your freedom and your future. Our South Carolina criminal defense attorneys are determined litigators through each stage of your case.
Navigating South Carolina’s Legal System: What You Need to Know
You’re presumed innocent when you’re facing criminal charges, but it doesn’t always feel that way. You may have been arrested; maybe you have burdensome bond conditions. Navigating the South Carolina legal system can be difficult.
- You have the right to a trial in your case. Just because you’re accused of a crime doesn’t mean that they can prove it or that you will be found guilty.
- Despite presumed innocence, you must respond to the charges effectively. A Columbia, SC criminal defense lawyer may mean the difference.
- Each stage of your case may be critical. Get legal representation as soon as possible.
- A lawyer can protect your rights, including the right to remain silent, to avoid self-incrimination, and the right to effective legal counsel.
- Trial preparation should begin long before your day in court.
- It can be hard to know if you’re doing the right thing. From your arraignment to trial and through the last steps in your case, you can have your lawyer.
Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers in Columbia, SC
You have the right to take your criminal charges to trial. The state must prove the charges against you—you don’t have to prove that you’re innocent. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to take your case to the jury to decide.
Shealey Law Firm is a team of aggressive trial lawyers. That doesn’t just mean in the courtroom. As soon as we represent you, we’re investigating, talking to witnesses, conducting tests, or gathering tangible evidence.
At the preliminary stages, we create a personalized defense plan. Preliminary hearings can result in the suppression of evidence. We may motion the court to exclude evidence that was gathered in violation of your rights. We make sure that the jury is fair and impartial. We also represent you in plea negotiations. Plea bargaining is not appropriate in all cases, and we can evaluate your situation and provide legal advice.
At trial, we put our courtroom skills to work, challenging the evidence against you. We make arguments, present your case, and ensure the court’s jury instructions are accurate and fair.
As trial lawyers in Columbia, SC, we look at all the possibilities to fight the charges against you. We’ll get to know you and make sure that we understand your goals. Then, we’ll fight for you throughout the case.
Ways We Fight for Criminal Defendants in Columbia, SC
Going to trial is only one way our Columbia, SC, criminal defense lawyers fight for our clients. There may be multiple “right” ways to approach a criminal charge. The options available to you depend on the type of charge you’re facing. Your options may depend on the strength of the evidence against you and your criminal history.
Drug treatment courts
South Carolina operates a network of drug treatment courts. Non-violent offenders with pending charges may qualify to participate. Participation is voluntary, and a long treatment period is required. But the result can be dismissal of the charges or a reduction in sentence.
Diversion programs
Some Columbia, SC, criminal offenses qualify for diversion or pre-trial intervention programs. Diversion programs are usually for low-level, first-time offenders. There are currently 18 different types of diversion programs in SC, including Veterans Court, Mental Health Court, Domestic Violence Intervention Program, and Pretrial Intervention Program.
Youthful offender
South Carolina has a youthful offender law. The law helps people ages 17-25 get a second chance when they face criminal charges. The youthful offender program is through the adult courts. Qualifying convictions can be expunged.
Plea bargaining
A plea bargain is an agreement to plead guilty in exchange for the dismissal of more serious charges. The state doesn’t have to offer a plea bargain. Getting a favorable plea bargain can be an important part of representation from a criminal defense lawyer. Identifying weak points in the state’s case and the positive reasons that the client deserves a plea bargain can be important ways a lawyer assists you.
The lawyers at Shealey Law Firm make sure you understand the terms and implications of any plea bargain extended to you. We review the positive aspects and potential drawbacks of every course of action.
Attorneys handling expungements
We handle expungements. Get an attorney to handle your case to make sure the paperwork is accurate and complete.
We represent Columbia, SC, residents and visitors
Whether you are a resident of Columbia, SC, or you are charged while visiting the area, our defense attorneys can represent your interests.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Legal Team
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Contact Shealey Law
Call or message us now. We’re available 24/7.
