Criminal Defense Attorney in Lexington, SC

Offering Premier Legal Services in South Carolina for Over 25 Years

Marion Moses has represented clients in Lexington County courts for over 25 years — first as a prosecutor, now as a defense attorney. That background matters here. Understanding how the 11th Circuit Solicitor's Office builds and presents cases isn't theoretical knowledge; it's the foundation of how this firm approaches defense strategy.

Criminal cases in Lexington County are prosecuted through the 11th Circuit Solicitor's Office and heard at Lexington County General Sessions Court, located at 139 E Main St in Lexington. If you've been arrested or are under investigation, the decisions you make in the first 24 to 48 hours — before charges are even filed — will affect the trajectory of your case.

Call our Lexington criminal defense lawyer at (803) 770-4483 for more information.

Cases Handled in Lexington County

The firm defends clients across the full range of criminal charges heard in Lexington County, including:

• DUI and DUAC charges — including first offense, felony DUI, and cases involving a BAC at or above .15
• Drug crimes — possession, trafficking, and distribution under SC Code § 44-53-370 and § 44-53-375
• Domestic violence and CDV — first, second, and third degree under SC Code § 16-25-20, including CDVHAN charges
• Theft and property offenses — from shoplifting to grand larceny
• Assault and battery — simple, aggravated, and ABHAN charges

What Prosecution in the 11th Circuit Actually Looks Like

Lexington County has a reputation for aggressive prosecution, particularly on DUI and drug cases. The 11th Circuit handles cases across Lexington and Saluda counties, and prosecutors in this circuit are experienced litigators who prepare thoroughly.

A few things that matter before your case reaches trial:

The arrest period is where cases are won and lost. Law enforcement will attempt to gather statements, conduct field sobriety testing, and build a record before you've spoken to anyone. South Carolina's implied consent law (SC Code § 56-5-2950) requires police to advise you of your right to refuse a breathalyzer — but refusal carries its own consequences, including a six-month license suspension for a first offense. Understanding the tradeoffs requires knowing how local prosecutors use refusal evidence at trial.

Arraignment and bond hearings move quickly. In Lexington County, defendants are typically brought before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest. Bail conditions set at this stage can restrict employment, travel, and contact with family members for months before a case resolves. Having an attorney present at the bond hearing — not just at trial — can meaningfully affect those conditions.

Plea offers aren't neutral. The prosecution may extend a plea offer early in the process, sometimes before discovery is complete. Some offers are reasonable; many aren't. Evaluating a plea requires knowing what the state's evidence actually looks like, what defenses are viable under South Carolina law, and what the likely outcome at trial would be. That analysis is specific to each case and each judge's tendencies in Lexington County General Sessions Court.

Legal Counsel You Can Depend On

The Law Offices of Marion M. Moses, LLC has helped countless clients through the criminal justice system. Our attorney has a unique perspective on the justice system as a former prosecutor turned defender. We can create case strategies based on our clients’ best interests and our experience on both sides of the aisle. Our attorney can protect your rights at every stage of the criminal justice system as a fierce defender.

Our services include:

• DUI defense
• Drug offenses
• Traffic violations
• Assault and violent crimes
• Domestic violence
• White collar crimes
• Student criminal defense
• Federal crimes
• Weapon offenses
• Theft and property crimes
• And more

Serving Lexington County

The firm represents clients throughout Lexington County, including Lexington, Cayce, West Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, Gilbert, and Batesburg-Leesville.

When you need trustworthy legal counsel you can depend on, contact The Law Offices of Marion M. Moses, LLC. Our Lexington, SC criminal defense attorney is committed to giving you the individualized attention you deserve. Now offering legal services in Spanish.