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.

• Drunk Driving (DUI) Defense
• Drug Crime Defense
• Domestic Violence Defense
• Expungements / Pardons
• Probation / Parole Violations
• White - Collar Criminal Defense
• Personal Injury

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

Our criminal justice system can be overwhelming and frightening. The incarceration rate in the United States is much higher than that of 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 skilled attorney can fight for your legal and constitutional rights.

Read More

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 10 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 Fourteenth Amendment extends substantive due process rights beyond just the federal system to criminal defendants in state courts where the vast majority of criminal trials occur.

The basic constitutional rights of the criminal defendant permeate every aspect of the criminal justice process. If you have been accused of a crime, whether federal, state or local, a seasoned criminal defense attorney can explain these rights to you and help you to fight for them at every step of the way.

Read More

Classifications of Crimes

Because the negative behavior regulated by the 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. If you are questioned about a crime or are accused of or arrested for a crime, you should consult an experienced attorney as early in the process as possible. A criminal defense lawyer can explain the particular crime involved and its possible ramifications.

Read More

The Right to Counsel

The Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees the right to an attorney to anyone facing federal criminal charges. The 14th Amendment and some state constitutions also afford this right to anyone facing state felony charges. Those who are indigent and cannot afford an attorney have the right to have one appointed to them for free. Most people, however, do not understand what the right to an attorney means, when this right attaches or who qualifies for a court-appointed lawyer.

If you are accused of a serious crime, it is essential that you retain the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer to fight for your legal and constitutional rights throughout the criminal justice process.

Read More