At the David W. Martin Law Group, our criminal defense lawyers in Hilton Head, South Carolina understand that while our city has 2.5 million visitors coming and going each year, enjoying our island’s golf, beaches, and entertainment, our nearly 40,000 residents live here permanently, and have real-life struggles that require the help of our experienced defense attorneys.
Our Beaufort County criminal defense attorneys are here to provide the knowledge each of our client’s needs to pursue the best outcome for their legal trouble, no matter what types of charges they are facing.
We can help you face the solicitor’s office with confidence, too, starting with a consultation that will allow you to understand each of your charges, the evidence behind your arrest, and the penalties associated with a conviction, so we can build your defense for success.
David W. Martin Law Group Hilton Head Criminal Defense Attorneys
Developing a successful criminal defense begins with understanding the charges that are brought against you, and how they affect your unique circumstances, including whether this is your first offense, or if you have a criminal history that affects your current charges.
Our Hilton Head criminal defense lawyers represent clients who have been investigated, arrested, or charged with the following crimes:
- Sex Crimes
- Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
- Shoplifting
- Drug Crimes
- DUAC
- DUI
- Traffic Violations
- Gun Crimes
- Murder/Attempted Murder
If you are facing criminal charges, do not speak to the solicitor’s office alone, or entertain any type of “deal” they offer without speaking to an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Hilton Head today. We can help you understand the charges and whether the circumstances of your case warrant the penalties the solicitor’s office is threatening you with, so you can make informed decisions about your future.
What Are My Rights If I Am Arrested in Hilton Head, South Carolina?
If you are arrested for any reason in Hilton Head, you have the right to be told why, and for what charge.
You also have the right to remain silent and to speak with a criminal defense attorney before giving a statement to the police.
You have the right to contact a responsible person, to tell them you have been arrested and for what charges.
You have the right to have your attorney present at any identification procedure — including a line-up, when applicable — in which you are viewed by possible eyewitnesses to a crime.
You have the right to reasonable bail or bond unless you are charged with a capital crime.
You have the right to appear during a preliminary hearing to understand and/or challenge the probable cause that led to your arrest.
You have the right to a jury trial to determine your guilt or innocence.
Partnering with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Hilton Head will allow you to understand each of your rights, so you are not steamrolled into incriminating yourself by the police or the solicitor’s office.
We can help provide the protection you need to pursue the best outcome for your criminal case.
What Should I Do If I Am Arrested In Hilton Head, South Carolina?
Do not try to talk your way out of being investigated, arrested, or charged with a crime. Even if you are certain you are not guilty, the arresting officers typically hear the same reaction from everyone and are not going to entertain your story or set you free because you provide a good explanation.
Instead, focus on how the arrest occurs, and take mental notes on how you were treated and/or how your property was searched. The details — or lack of Constitutional rights afforded by the arresting officers — will make a difference in how we defend your case.
Pay attention and contact us as soon as you can contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Hilton Head, South Carolina at (803) 548-2468.
Do I Have to Answer the Police or Detective’s Questions?
No. You do not have to say a word without an attorney present.
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our criminal defense lawyers in Hilton Head request that our clients cooperate with an investigation, but never provide a statement or answer any questions that may lead to self-incrimination.
If you are unsure of where to draw the line, contact us before making a statement.
What Happens if the Arresting Offices Did Not Read Me My Rights?
If you have been arrested for a crime in Hilton Head, the officers do not have to read your Miranda Rights before they arrest you.
Your rights are only applicable after the arrest, and before you are questioned.
If they fail to provide a Miranda warning before you are questioned, your statement cannot be used against you. That does not mean, however, that the charges are automatically dropped.
Our Hilton Head criminal defense attorneys will review your investigation, arrest, or charges and how they happened to outline any violations that may have occurred, which will help boost our case.
What Happens After I Am Arrested in Hilton Head?
When you are arrested in Hilton Head, South Carolina, you will be fingerprinted and jailed before you appear in bond court during a video conference with the judge to determine if you are entitled to bond.
You have the right to have your criminal defense attorney with you during a bond hearing.
Depending on the charges, your criminal history, and your risk to the community, you may be released without bail. If not, you must post the required amount via cash or bond to be released.
Next, you will be required to appear in court during a preliminary hearing where the judge will learn there was probable cause to arrest you.
If we can prove there was not enough cause for your arrest, then your charge may be dismissed.
If your case proceeds and the judge finds there was probable cause for your arrest, we will move forward with the discovery phase of your case.
That includes reviewing the information and evidence the prosecution intends to use against you, including witness statements, photographs, and other documents we can scrutinize to build your case.
Should your case go to trial, the solicitor’s office has the burden of proof, which means they must show that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to get a conviction.
When our criminal defense lawyers in Hilton Head can refute the evidence against you, we may ask the court to dismiss your charges outright, petition the state to lessen the charges or build a strong case that leaves the court no choice but to find you not guilty, so together we can pursue the best outcome available for your unique legal circumstances.
Contact Our Serious Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hilton Head, South Carolina to Schedule a Consultation Today
When you are facing criminal charges, they are all you can think about.
Many of our clients struggle with the idea of going to jail or having a conviction on their record, and we completely understand. Whether you were arrested for drug charges or a DUI, shoplifting or gun crimes, the solicitor’s office is going to do everything they can to increase their conviction rate, even if that means getting you to plead guilty by making a “deal” with you.
Do not talk to the solicitor’s office without an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Hilton Head by your side. We will provide a realistic approach to producing the best outcome for your unique case, starting with a consultation by calling (803) 548-2468 today.
