Lexington Criminal Defense Attorney

Offering Premier Legal Services in South Carolina for 20 Years

The criminal justice system is complex and without legal representation, you could be treated unfairly. The Law Offices of Marion M. Moses, LLC offers a wide variety of legal services for clients in Lexington, SC and the surrounding areas.

Our attorney works with each client directly from start to finish and we offer clients the individualized attention they deserve. We have successfully handled thousands of cases as defenders and prosecutors. When you need trustworthy legal counsel backed by decades of experience choose The Law Offices of Marion M. Moses, LLC.

Call our Lexington criminal defense lawyer at (803) 771-7011 for more information.

What Happens After an Arrest?

If you are arrested for a crime or facing an investigation you may be feeling apprehensive about what happens next. In general, police must have probable cause to request a warrant and make the arrest. Once an individual is arrested, law enforcement is required to inform the person of their rights.

Police will remove any personal belongings and enter them into an inventory. Once all personal items are inventoried, officers will book the individual and keep them in custody.

Prosecutors are required to file charges in a reasonable period after arrest. Once charges are filed, the arraignment is scheduled. Typically, the defendant will appear in court or virtually and must plead to the charges. The defendant may plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest which means they deny guilt but admit that there is sufficient evidence for a conviction.

After the arraignment, a bail amount may be posted. The accused can pay the amount in exchange for conditional release or remain in custody. Then, the waiting period for trial begins.

In many cases, the period between an arrest and the trial is straightforward, but there are endless opportunities for self-incrimination and other issues that could negatively impact the case. It is crucial that anyone arrested for a crime exercise their right to an attorney.

Why You Need an Attorney

The criminal justice process may seem relatively straightforward on the surface, but there are endless opportunities for complications along the way. An attorney can offer protection and support from arrest to arraignment and the trial.

One of the most important reasons to hire an attorney is self-incrimination. Law enforcement officers will use anything said or done during custody against the defendant and may try to trap the accused through questioning. A lawyer can advise the defendant of their right to remain silent and field leading questions from investigators. The period after an arrest is often where the accused is most vulnerable to self-incrimination.

Another reason to hire an attorney involves plea bargains. In many cases, the prosecution may offer a plea bargain which would require the accused to plead guilty in court in exchange for a lesser sentence. Some plea bargains are unfair or too risky for the accused – a lawyer may negotiate the deal with their client’s best interests in mind.

If you have been arrested for a crime, you should not attempt to defend yourself or respond to police questioning without the counsel of a licensed attorney.

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

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.