Criminal Defense

Columbia, South Carolina Criminal Defense Attorneys 

Located on Beltline Boulevard in Columbia, South Carolina, our skilled criminal defense lawyers include a former United States Attorney, a former public defender, a former Assistant Attorney General and Richland County Assistant Solicitor, as well as a tax lawyer familiar with IRS criminal investigations.  The criminal defense attorneys at Strom Law Firm, L.L.C. will aggressively defend both individuals and corporations on all criminal charges in all State and Federal Courts in South Carolina as well as the Federal Courts in Georgia.

Being investigated and/or arrested for a crime can lead to serious consequences. What it does not mean is that you are guilty or that you do not have any rights. For experienced criminal defense attorneys who will fight for you whether you have been accused of a crime such as armed robbery, arson, assault and battery, bank fraud, breach of trust, burglary, child pornography, a computer crime, conspiracy, criminal domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct, criminal sexual conduct with a minor, criminal solicitation of a minor, disorderly conduct, disturbing a school, drug charges including drug possession, DUI/driving under the influence, DUS/driving under suspension, embezzlement, a false statement under Section 1001, forgery, violating the FTC, identify fraud, an internet crime, involuntary manslaughter, kidnapping, larceny, mail fraud, manslaughter, money laundering, murder, perjury, possession of a firearm, prostitution, a RICO violation (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act violation) , securities fraud, an SEC violation, sexual exploitation of a minor, stalking, tax evasion, a white collar crime, wire fraud and/or any other type of crime in State or Federal Court, need assistance with a criminal appeal, need post conviction relief (pcr), would like to make a motion under section 2255, move to vacate a conviction or sentence, would like to file a writ of habeus corpus, or are looking to obtain a criminal records expungement or a pardon, our combination of awareness and experience will provide you with an aggressive, effective criminal defense in any court. 

Our familiarity with prosecutorial techniques and knowledge of criminal law ensures that you will receive a vigorous, well-planned criminal defense. 

Even minor charges can lead to major consequences

Driving under the influence, commonly known as DUI, and other traffic offenses can lead to major life altering consequences beyond the mere fine imposed for such a violation including loss or impairment of one's driver's license and increased insurance rates.

A conviction or bond forfeiture for simple possession of marijuana creates a criminal record, which requires an automatic driver's license suspension and can lead to loss of job opportunities, educational opportunities, military opportunities, and beyond.

A simple criminal domestic violence conviction is a criminal offense in South Carolina and, under current federal law, would destroy the right of the accused person to own or possess a firearm.

A conviction for a minor's possession of alcohol or a false I.D. results in an automatic driver's license suspension.

The Strom Law Firm encourages all individuals who receive a traffic citations or warrant for what seems to be minor traffic or criminal offenses to seek a free consultation with an attorney before giving up valuable rights such as the right to contest the charge by jury trial or otherwise. The criminal defense lawyers with Strom Law Firm provide a free consultation for these matters and have the experience you need to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

What to look for when choosing an experienced attorney

The initial interview with a prospective lawyer is very important. Your first meeting with a criminal defense attorney should establish your basis for trusting the attorney.  During this meeting, the attorney will obtain the necessary information regarding the facts of your case, explain the fees and expenses involved in the criminal representation, and the terms under which the attorney will work.

Early in the attorney-client relationship, an experienced attorney should stress the importance of the accused's honesty and cooperation with the attorney in preparing the criminal defense and that the accused must inform the lawyer of all the relevant facts involved. The attorney-client privilege should be discussed with the client in order to encourage honesty and openness in the relationship. Counsel should also advise the defendant not to discuss the case with anyone other than his or her attorney or one of his or her representatives. This is particularly important if the defendant is in the detention center. An incarcerated defendant should never discuss the case with other inmates or visitors. Similarly, the defendant should be advised that all personal mail will be censored, and the defendant should assume that anything contained in a personal letter is being read by the jail authorities. Theoretically, this procedure does not apply to attorney-client correspondence, but it is advisable to proceed on the assumption that this correspondence is also being censored. Similarly, those accused of a crime should assume that all phone conversations from the jail are being monitored. Finally, the accused should be advised never to agree to any conversation or activity with police authorities without requesting the presence of counsel. Everyone accused of a crime in South Carolina has a right to an attorney.

During the first interview with a defendant, the criminal attorney may wish to discuss the charge(s) against the defendant, what the prosecutor must prove or establish, and the potential criminal penalties for the particular crime involved. It is also advisable to discuss how the attorney, as well as the prosecution, typically handles the type of criminal case under consideration. However, a law firm must be careful not to make any specific promises or guarantees as to the result of his or her representation.

Depending on the client and the criminal attorney's personal preference, the attorney may want to discuss and settle the fee agreement and terms of employment before spending any great length of time investigating the facts of the case. In any event, the attorney will find it helpful to get the facts from the client as soon as possible. It may be helpful if counsel obtains a written copy of the defendant's criminal discovery, which includes the defendant's statement of the facts of the case and relevant background information or a recording of the necessary factual and background information.

Protecting the Attorney/Client Privilege

As a general rule, third persons should not be present during the attorney's interview with the defendant, particularly if the defendant will be discussing the facts concerning his or her alleged involvement in the offense. The presence of others may cause the defendant to feel ill at ease and be reluctant to honestly and openly discuss the case. More importantly, the presence of persons other than counsel and those persons engaged by counsel to aid in the defense may prevent the substance of communications made during the interview from being protected by the attorney-client privilege.

When your freedom, personal and family stability, economic survival, and reputation are at stake — you need a lawyer who understands that and who will fight to protect your interests.

Strom Law Firm is a place you can find that kind of lawyer. Call or contact us in Columbia, South Carolina, today.

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