Columbia Criminal Defense Attorney South Carolina Drunk Driving Arrest Lawyer SC DUI Law Firm Randolph Hough

DUI - An arrest is not a conviction - Free initial consultation (803) 771-4119

Sunday, February 5, 2012

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Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense

Q: Do I need a lawyer's help if I am accused of a crime?

A: It is in your best interest to consult a criminal defense lawyer as early as possible if you suspect you will be facing the criminal justice system. Whether or not you believe you have been wrongfully accused, an attorney will fight for your legal and constitutional rights, and monitor the proceedings for legality and fairness. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal counsel.

Q: What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

A: The traditional definition of a felony is a crime that is punishable by a year or more in jail. A misdemeanor is a crime that is punishable by imprisonment of less than one year. Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors. Exact definitions may vary by jurisdiction.

Since 1992, the likelihood of an arrest leading to a conviction has generally risen. Although some defendants think that they can "beat the system" on their own, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is the best way to prevent becoming another statistic.

Columbia Criminal Defense Attorney

“An arrest is NOT a conviction – call us today to protect your legal rights.”

Randolph (“Randy”) Hough is a respected Columbia, South Carolina criminal defense lawyer protecting the rights of clients throughout SC after a felony or misdemeanor criminal arrest, including drunk driving, (DUI), domestic violence and drug crimes. If you have been arrested, your most important call will be to a an experienced criminal defense attorney with a thorough knowledge of South Carolina criminal law and the skills to successfully negotiate or litigate a timely and cost-effective resolution to your case.

CONTACT a Columbia criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of A. Randolph Hough today for a FREE consultation, superior service and successful results after a felony or misdemeanor criminal arrest.

Criminal Defense - An Overview

The criminal justice system can be overwhelming and frightening. The incarceration rate in the United States is much higher than that of many other industrialized countries. Prison sentences are getting longer and more frequent. If you face the possibility of being accused of a crime, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as early in the process as possible, preferably even before questioning or investigation by the police. A criminal defense lawyer can fight to protect your legal and constitutional rights. Don't delay. Call today to schedule a consultation.

Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant

The United States Constitution and its subsequent amendments define the scope of governmental power and reserve certain individual rights to the people. The first ten amendments, also called the Bill of Rights, contain basic, fundamental rights of individuals on which the government may not impinge. Many of these constitutional rights provide protection to criminal defendants in the criminal-justice system. The 14th Amendment extends substantive due-process rights beyond the federal system to criminal defendants in state courts, where the vast majority of criminal trials occur.

Classifications of Crimes

Because the negative behavior regulated by criminal laws varies from relatively minor to devastatingly violent, crimes are classified into levels or degrees. The classification of a crime reflects its seriousness. The actual classification of a particular offense varies depending on the jurisdiction.

The Right to Counsel

The right to legal counsel is a fundamental right of criminal defendants under the U.S. Constitution. Many state constitutions also include this right, and some states provide broader rights to counsel than the federal constitution does. However, state defendants are still entitled to lawyers in certain scenarios, even if their state constitutions do not provide such rights, under the federal constitution via the 14th Amendment.

Criminal Defense Resource Links

Capital Defense Handbook For Defendants and Their Families
"Capital Defense Handbook For Defendants and Their Families" provides information and advice about death-penalty cases from the defense point of view.

ACLU: Prisoners' Rights
Resource provided by the American Civil Liberties Union with information on national and state efforts to recognize and protect prisoner's rights.

Justice Denied
"Justice Denied" is a magazine devoted to helping people who have been wrongly convicted of crime in the U.S. and internationally.

The Sentencing Project
A national leader in the development of alternative sentencing programs and in research and advocacy about criminal justice policy.

Prison Policy Initiative
The Prison Policy Initiative conducts research and advocacy about incarceration and criminal justice policy.

A. Randolph Hough • 1720 Main Street, Suite 105 • Columbia, SC 29201 (Directly across from the Richland County Courthouse)
E-Mail the Firm • (803) 771-4119