Criminal Defense Attorney in Charleston, South Carolina
What is a Criminal Attorney?
This is a law professional who focuses on defending individuals, organizations, or entities charged with crimes, and they represent defendants in state, federal and appellate courts – also known as a criminal defense lawyer. Due to the broad nature of the profession, and the vastness of this area of law, there is no specific outline for the role of criminal attorney.
If someone is suspected or charged with a crime, this lawyer will ensure that they are given a fair trial and their legal rights are upheld. They will fight to ensure that innocent people don’t go to jail for crimes they didn’t commit and that guilty clients don’t get unduly harsh sentences dictated by passion or discrimination, and where possible, they also help to achieve the best quality of life they can post-trial.
Television suggests that they spend most of their time going to court and arguing passionately to juries and judges. This is only a small fraction of what they do. Much of the work is unseen, and often the most successful cases never actually go to court.
Also an attorney might choose to focus on specific types of crimes, involving drugs, domestic violence, or sex crimes. However, a lawyer with the right experience can advise clients in various legal matters. From first degree murder to minor offenses, they should be qualified to deal with all kinds of crimes.
Criminal Defense Lawyer FAQs
Criminal Defense Law
What is Criminal Law?
This defines criminal offenses and the rules and procedures that apply when the offenses are committed.
The Criminal Justice system has a dual focus, because it includes the punishment and rehabilitation of those who violate the laws. First, it tries to control the actions of its citizens, and also to help people understand the repercussions of their actions.
Criminal legislation forbids behavior which is immoral and poses a threat to the welfare of the public and its property. This includes everything from murder, theft and arson to motor crime, money laundering and terrorism.
Some examples of these crimes are (not limited to):
- Misdemeanors:
- Petty theft
- Public intoxication
- Disorderly conduct
- Trespass
- (certain types of) Assault
- Vandalism
- Reckless driving
- (certain types of) Drug possession
- Felonies
- Murder
- Rape
- Kidnapping
- Treason
- Aggravated assault and/or battery
- Arson
- Robbery/Burglary
- Various forms of fraud
- Intent to distribute of certain types and/or quantities of illegal drugs
- Possession of certain types of illegal drugs
- Grand larceny or grand theft
How Does Criminal Law Affect You?
What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?
There are many roles involved in representing defendants in all areas of a criminal prosecution, from police investigation to presentation in court. Here are some of the tasks performed:
- Interviewing clients and witnesses via telephone and in person, to gather facts and give advice.
- Researching, planning and investigating to set up a defense and a case theory.
- Reviewing documents,including witness statements, police reports, forensic reports, medical records, etc.
- Gathering support evidence and analyzing the evidence presented against the client.
- Visiting police stations and prisons to liaise with defendants.
- Drafting legal documents.
- Establishing an accurate, complete and compelling defense.
- Recruiting expert witnesses to testify in court.
- Negotiating a potential plea bargain with the prosecution.
In most cases, the job starts with a meeting with the client. They review the charges and evidence, and give clients an opportunity to share their side of the story.
- Good lawyers have excellent listening skills and will be expert at:
- Asking good questions
- Communicating clearly
- Paying attention to details
They must be honest with clients about their options and be clear about expectations. Once priorities, concerns, and preferences have been established, attorneys get to work building a defense.
Can People Represent Themselves in Court?
In many states, up to 90 percent of people represent themselves in court. In all cases, the results they get are dramatically worse than parties represented by legal counsel. Statistics show that having an attorney can double an individual’s likelihood of a positive outcome. These improved odds of success are most crucial when someone is accused of a crime.
You have a right to defend yourself if you are charged with a crime, and a lawyer can help you navigate through the criminal justice system, prepare and assert your legal defense, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. However, being questioned by police, a judge, or a prosecutor on your own can be intimidating.
Fortunately, criminal defense attorneys handle these interactions daily. They communicate with police, prosecutors, and judges on a regular basis, and these professional relationships can help you to create your legal defense, navigate jury selection, negotiate a plea bargain, and be an advocate for you at trial or during sentencing.
Meet Price Sigal, your Criminal Attorney in Charleston SC
Price Sigal was educated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill(2006) and went on to attend University of South Carolina School of Law (2010). She was admitted to practice by both the South Carolina Bar and the North Carolina Bar. She is a well-respected, experienced criminal attorney who works for local people.
Sigal prosecuted over 30 general sessions court and magistrate court cases before a jury in Charleston, Berkeley, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, Allendale, and Jasper counties in her ten years as a criminal prosecutor.
Having seen the other side of the criminal justice system in prosecution, Price is excited to use her expertise and pivot to criminal defense with us. Her level-headed approach combined with her experience makes her a highly valued team member.
Legal trouble can feel scary. I view it as my job to take on that burden so that my clients can focus on their lives and their family. They can rely on me to do the heavy lifting when it comes to their charges.
Contact Price Sigal here – (843) 212-3188
