Myrtle Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being accused of a crime and suddenly thrust into the confusing criminal justice system is an overwhelming and intimidating experience. But you should know that you have legal rights that must protect you during an arrest and after you’re charged with a crime. These are crucial to building your defense.

Just because you’ve been arrested doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll ultimately be charged and end up in jail. The time immediately after your arrest is important. This is when the prosecution reviews the case against you to determine the exact charges that will be most appropriate for your case.

Don’t wait until you’ve been charged to discuss your case with the Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyer at The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC. You should have a lawyer protecting your interests when the prosecution is investigating your case and before they file the charges against you. In most cases, involving a lawyer in the investigation process can result in reduced charges or no charges at all.

With over 20 years of experience, attorney Brad C. Richardson can utilize all their skills and resources as a former prosecutor to fight for you.

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 843-839-4322. Schedule A Consultation

What to Expect When You Have Criminal Charges Against You

Once criminal charges are filed against you, you may or may not be arrested immediately. If you are arrested, you will be brought to the local jail for booking. This involves giving the police your personal and biographical information. They will use your information to determine whether you have any criminal history or open warrants and assess whether they can release you from custody and whether you require bail.

In some cases, an offender may be notified that a court appearance is required. Unless the prosecution offers a diversion program or drops the charges, a judge will inform the offender of the criminal charges against them during an arraignment. This first court appearance usually marks the first stage of the criminal court proceedings. It’s also when you must be informed of your right to have a lawyer.

While most criminal cases are resolved at some time following the arraignment and prior to the trial via plea deal, some cases will head to trial.

How Our Myrtle Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer Will Build Your Defense Strategy

At The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC, our Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyer will start working on your case right away. Many things go into building and fortifying a criminal defense strategy. We will start by reviewing the police reports, looking for any discrepancies in the reports, and checking for any breach or violation of protocol by the police.

Aside from reviewing your arrest, we will also evaluate the events and timeline before your arrest because this information may help in having your case dismissed or charges reduced.

Even if you think that the judge will believe that you are innocent, you should never take this chance alone. Having a Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyer at your side will show the judge and prosecution that you’re taking the charges against you seriously and that you’re ready to defend your rights.

Once your lawyer has collected the evidence, they need to support your defense, they will present it to the prosecution, judge, and jury to prove that they should dismiss or reduce the charges against you. Your lawyer will make certain that investigators or police will not violate your rights and ensure that you are protected against mistreatment and injustice.

We fully understand how stressful receiving criminal charges can be and the various challenges that come with fighting these charges. But with our Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyer working on your case, you won’t need to worry about facing your charges alone.

Your lawyer will deal with all communications with the prosecution and investigators. They will also guide you on how to navigate your personal life after getting charged, which is immensely vital to your defense because many people are unaware that even seemingly minor actions can hurt their case.

Do I Need to Talk to The Police Before or After Getting Arrested?

You have the right to stay silent and exercise your Fifth Amendment rights if the police are investigating you for committing a crime. When the police interrogate or detain someone, they are usually trying to lock the person into saying anything that might incriminate themselves or place them at a specific location where the crime happened. If you are ever in this position, respectfully inform the police that you wish to remain silent and that you want to contact your lawyer.

What Should I Do If I Believe That I’m Going to be Arrested or Charged with a Criminal Offense?

Try to remain calm and reach out to a Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyer right away. It is extremely crucial that you act swiftly and have a solid plan in place in the event that you get arrested or charged with a crime, whether you believe it is justified. Don’t leave the state or try to hide from law enforcement, and don’t do anything that may communicate to the prosecution that you are guilty or trying to evade an arrest.

Can I Represent Myself in Court?

While you have the right to represent yourself, you should not. Do not speak to the prosecutor or accept plea deals or other offers from the police before you have spoken to your Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer will thoroughly assess your case to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your specific situation, whether it is getting your charges reduced or dropped altogether.

Reach Out to Our Seasoned Myrtle Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

An experienced Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between your freedom and a lengthy jail sentence, plus all the collateral consequences that come with a criminal conviction. To learn more about your case and what our Myrtle Beach criminal defense lawyer can do for you, please reach us online or call our office to schedule your consultation.