Probation is a judicially imposed consequence to a criminal conviction that requires supervision of a criminal defendant by agents of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Pardons, and Parole. Probation is a special form of supervision because it can only be...
Allison Blackwelder
What is a living will?
A living will is a document that tells doctors about your healthcare wishes if you are suffering from a terminal illness or are rendered permanently unconscious. "Estate planning" is not just for people with lots of money or assets. Even if you do not believe that...
Can I get my criminal history erased or expunged?
An expungement is a court ordered destruction/sealing of a person's legal records related to an arrest, charges filed, or of eligible convicted crimes. Statutory law governs the circumstances under which offenses may be removed from an individual's criminal history....
What happens to my stuff if I die without a will?
If someone dies without a will in South Carolina, their estate is distributed through a legal process called intestate succession. In South Carolina, the rules of intestacy are laid out in the South Carolina code. If you are curious about what would happen if you or...
Why would I want to have my criminal record expunged?
An expungement is a court ordered destruction/sealing of a person's legal records related to an arrest, charges filed or of eligible convicted crimes. Criminal records can hold you back, personally and professionally. The following areas can be affected if you have a...
Can I do community service to get my criminal charges dismissed?
Short Answer: Maybe. Ask an attorney if you may qualify for a diversion program. Long Answer: Completing community service hours through a formal diversion program or as part of an agreement approved by the prosecuting attorney/officer may allow you have your charges...
Can a South Carolina attorney make my ticket go away?
Despite the words Uniform Traffic ticket at the top of your citation, the potential outcomes for SC traffic cases are anything but uniform. With potential to negatively affect your license, insurance, and employment status, Blackwelder Law strongly encourages you...