Frequently Asked Questions

If I received a telephone call or a letter from a police officer which in any way concerns me, what should I do?

Does talking to the police increase or decrease my chances of being arrested?

If I have a question regarding a criminal matter who should I talk to?

Are the police required to read me what is know as my Miranda rights?

If I give an oral statement can that hurt me?

How do I know whether or not the attorney I am speaking with has experience in the area of criminal law?

When is the best time to contact a criminal attorney?

If I received a telephone call or a letter from a police officer which in any way concerns me, what should I do?

ANSWER: You should immediately contact a lawyer. You may very well give out information which may either incriminate you or appears like it would incriminate you and having a lawyer's advice before responding is absolutely crucial.

Does talking to the police increase or decrease my chances of being arrested?

ANSWER: That is a difficult question. We believe that our clients should first look at the affect on their overall lives of giving information to the police or any third party about any potential crime whether they are guilty or not. For that reason, contact this law firm or some other competent law firm which handles criminal matters before having any contact with the police.

If I have a question regarding a criminal matter who should I talk to?

ANSWER: Criminal law within the past several years has become a very sophisticated specialty. While we feel that we are the best people in our community to assist you, it is crucial that you find someone who has extensive experience in the area of criminal law as it is a changing specialty.

Are the police required to read me what is know as my Miranda rights?

ANSWER: Not always, and this is one of the most vulnerable areas for citizens. Unless you are in custody or one of another narrow areas as defined by our courts, the reading of Miranda rights are not necessarily required and the police very often can get information which may be incriminating against you by having just a general conversation with you.

If I give an oral statement can that hurt me?

ANSWER: In South Carolina and in almost all jurisdictions an oral statement is admissible in court against a criminal defendant and can often be as damaging as a written statement. Again, before any statement is given to any law enforcement officer, a competent criminal attorney should be contacted.

How do I know whether or not the attorney I am speaking with has experience in the area of criminal law?

ANSWER: Don't be bashful. Ask the attorney what his background is; how many cases he has tried in this particular area; for a breakdown about what percent of his practice involves criminal law; and other questions that you would ask before entering into a business arrangement with anyone.

When is the best time to contact a criminal attorney?

ANSWER: As soon as you have reason to believe that either you may have done something that is illegal or inappropriate or someone, whether it be the police or some third-party, feels that you may have done something that is illegal or inappropriate.

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