Conway Criminal Defense Lawyer

The consequences of a criminal conviction can change your life, but not for the better. You risk a lengthy prison sentence, costly fines, a permanent criminal record, and many more. Before you do something that you’ll regret, such as accepting a deal from the police or a prosecutor, get in touch with the Conway criminal defense lawyer at The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC.

Under the law, everyone is innocent until they have been proven guilty. However, innocent people usually suffer when the police and prosecutors forget that even criminal suspects are legally entitled to a fair trial. We are firmly dedicated to protecting this right, and that’s why we fight aggressively for all our clients.

For more than 20 years, former prosecutor Brad C. Richardson has successfully defended numerous clients in various types of criminal cases, from simple misdemeanors to more complex felonies.

The Right Lawyer. Right Now.
If you are suspected of a crime, talk to an attorney immediately. From our offices in Conway, Myrtle Beach and Marion, we provide hope and options to the accused. Call today at 843-488-4321. Schedule A Consultation

What You Should Know About The Criminal Justice System

To better understand what you are up against if you are arrested or charged with a criminal offense, here’s what you need to know about the criminal justice process:

The Arrest

The police need probable cause to arrest you. That means that they must have investigated the case or have a credible witness against you, or have a valid warrant, whether the allegations against you are true. Once arrested, the police will process, book, and place you in their custody.

The Bail Hearing

After the police have arrested you and the prosecutor has brought charges against you, a bail hearing will be set to determine whether you can be released from custody. If you’re not a flight risk or a danger to other people, the judge will set a bail amount that you must pay for your release. Depending on your specific situation, the judge may release you without paying bail.

The First Appearance or Arraignment

The judge will inform you of the criminal charges against you, the minimum and maximum penalties attached to your charges, and your constitutional rights, such as your right to have a lawyer and fair trial, among others. This stage is also where you enter your plea, so it’s important that you already have a Conway criminal defense lawyer at your side during this stage.

The Preliminary Hearing

During this hearing, the prosecution and the defense team will present their cases to help the judge determine whether there’s sufficient evidence or probable cause to support the charges against you and for the case to proceed.

The Negotiations

Generally, your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor to:

• Establish reduced charges due to the evidence;
• Dismiss the case due to insufficient evidence;
• Make a plea bargain that will benefit your case; or
• Arrange a jury trial.

The Criminal Trial

Your case will proceed to a jury trial if a favorable plea deal can’t be reached or your charges can’t be dismissed. The trial will involve many steps, which include selecting the jury, opening statements, examining and cross-examining evidence and witnesses, jury deliberations, closing statements, and delivery of the verdict.

The Sentencing

During sentencing, the judge will determine your penalties based on your criminal history (if applicable) and the nature and severity of the crime you have been convicted of.

The Appeals Process

You must have solid grounds to appeal your case, such as an error in the imposed sentence, the case, or the trial, which could result in the judge deciding to retry your case or reversing your conviction.

What Our Conway Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do For Your Case

When you leave your case in the capable hands of The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC’s Conway criminal defense lawyer, they will:

Provide The Best Legal Advice Specific to Your Case

Are you aware that you could face up to 30 days in jail and license suspension for six months for a first DUI charge in South Carolina? For many people, losing their ability to drive for six months could mean losing their job and, consequently, their income. Your lawyer will exhaustively evaluate your case to prevent this from happening. Without an experienced lawyer, you will not have crucial information that affects the decisions you need to make and information that will help your case.

Protect Your Legal Rights

No one else will be looking out for your best interests apart from your lawyer. If the prosecutor offers a plea deal, how will you know if you’re getting one that’s beneficial for you? Our Conway criminal defense lawyer, who’s a former prosecutor, will know if an offer is favorable to you and can help secure the best deal considering your specific situation.

Fight For You in Court

Fighting for the rights of the accused is what our Conway criminal defense lawyer does best. They can challenge the prosecution’s evidence by filing motions to suppress based on illegal search and seizure or other valid reasons. They can challenge the character and recollections of witnesses. Additionally, they can challenge and examine the assumptions of the police officers involved in your case and whether they followed the proper procedures for your arrest.

Negotiate The Best Deal For You

Our Conway criminal defense lawyer knows what the judge and the prosecutor are willing to agree to. Depending on your specific circumstances, they can try to work out a deal to reduce your charges in exchange for community service, a drug treatment program, an alcohol treatment program, or whatever option is appropriate. However, if the prosecutor is unwilling to offer an acceptable plea agreement, your lawyer will not hesitate to fight for your rights in court.

Seek Legal Assistance From Our Skilled Conway Criminal Defense Lawyer

Whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges, it is in your best interest to contact a Conway criminal defense lawyer immediately so they can begin collecting evidence to support your case and build the strongest defense strategy possible. You can learn more about the best legal options for you and set up your case review with the Conway criminal defense lawyer at The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC, by filling out our online contact form or calling our office.