Short Answer: Yes, if it is possible to do so safely. Each of us has had to ask this question when we see blue lights ahead when we travel the interstates and state highways of South Carolina: "Do I need to change lanes?" This rule is typically referred to as the...
Allison Blackwelder
Can I get my drinking ticket dropped?
Citations and arrests related to alcohol are unique. While you may be able to have your case dismissed, this circumstance is rare. It is important to discuss your case with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after you have been charged with...
Can I get my traffic or misdemeanor case reopened?
Maybe. Experienced attorneys can examine the circumstances of your case to see if you may benefit from filing post-trial motions. Sometimes the circumstances that lead to convictions in magistrate or municipal are unfair. Post-trial motions (aka Motions to Reopen...
What happens if I missed my court date?
If you miss a court date, you may be convicted of the charges against you or even eligible to be arrested again. If you hired an attorney to represent you, the consequences below are not likely to apply to you. But for those that missed a date in court and wonder what...
Do I need to come back to SC for my traffic court date?
No, but you will be found guilty of the infraction listed on your citation if you do not appear; you need to return to South Carolina or hire an attorney if you are contesting your ticket. If you do not appear in court on the date listed on your ticket, then the court...
Top 5 Tips: How do I hire a South Carolina criminal defense attorney?
Hiring a defense attorney can be intimidating and overwhelming. To ensure that the process is efficient and manageable, keep these five tips in mind. 1. Have your paperwork. Having your charging documents available enables you to tell the attorney exactly what your...
Can I get the fine lowered on my traffic ticket?
Short answer: Maybe. In South Carolina, state statutes provide a range for the monetary penalty of each type of traffic offense. The fine listed on your ticket is the monetary amount within that range that is assigned by the court--after adding administrative court...
I was arrested–what happens now?
Getting arrested can be scary, especially if you have no exposure to the criminal justice system beyond watching Law & Order in your family room. The following numbered items are a very general schedule of what to expect after you are arrested. Arrest: Arrest is a...
Can I do anything to get points off of my license?
It is sometimes possible to have points removed from your South Carolina license, but it is best to take steps to ensure that the points do not end up on your license in the first place. Just because you get points removed, it does not mean you avoid other negative...
What happens if I pay my traffic ticket fine?
If you pay a traffic ticket in South Carolina, you admit guilt and are automatically convicted of the offense charged on the citation. We live in a world where the effects of traffic offenses are minimized. Thus, paying a ticket, particularly when it is inconvenient...