If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation in Greenville or anywhere in the Upstate of South Carolina, the decisions you make right now can have a lasting impact on your future. At Smith Jordan Law, we represent individuals facing criminal charges throughout Greenville, Easley, and surrounding communities, providing focused, strategic defense at every stage of the case.
Our team understands how Greenville courts and prosecutors handle criminal matters, and we use that insight to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and pursue the best possible outcome in your case. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor charges or more serious felony allegations, we’re prepared to step in immediately and guide you through the process.
Call (864) 343-2222 today for a free consultation and let us start building your defense.
The criminal justice system is complex and confusing. Without proper representation, charges can become a conviction and then negatively impact your future. A criminal defense attorney can assist you in contesting your charges and ensuring you are not taken advantage of in “the system.”
Criminal Defense lawyers understand how to navigate the law and work within the state court system to make sure you have the best outcome possible in your case. These skills include being a shield for you from the prosecutor’s office while your case is pending and presenting your case in the best possible light to a judge or jury.
Handling a case yourself could mean that you are at the mercy of the prosecutor’s office, hoping for a good outcome. The problem is that the state is not on your side if you’ve been charged with a crime. If you try to handle your case without a good criminal defense attorney, you may not get the results you wanted.
★★★★★ “The entire process with Smith Jordan Law Firm was smooth and easy. They were all very friendly and knowledgeable. Any questions I had were handled promptly and professionally. Graham was awesome to work with, always being sharp dressed and confident. I would recommend The Smith Jordan Firm for any issue you may have that is related to their business model”
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★★★★★ “Awesome team, with very professional services. Graham is a great guy! Would definitely recommend it!”
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★★★★★ “Graham and Penny were great. They kept me informed of any changes and worked diligently ton my case. I recommend them to everyone.”
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Our attorneys can help you navigate any criminal matter you are facing. Below are just some of the types of cases we handle.
Driving under the influence carries numerous penalties in South Carolina, including fines and potential jail time. Our attorneys will develop a defense and refute charges against you or work to lower your risks of facing the worst outcome.
With even more serious penalties and jail time risks, a felony DUI is one that you should have a criminal defense attorney for, and you should choose that provider to ensure you are confident in their ability to help you. Our highly experienced felony DUI defense attorneys will work aggressively to protect your rights throughout this case.
Drug charges in South Carolina may include the use of illegal substances as well as charges for possession or selling. No matter if these charges are true, you have the right to an attorney who can work diligently to minimize your risk of facing the worst outcome.
Assault and battery are intentional acts in which the objective is to harm or otherwise offend another person. It is often the fear of imminent harm that a person has. However, there is a lot of speculation in these cases, and it can be hard to define that risk clearly.
Domestic violence incorporates any instance in which a person living within your home feels threatened or has suffered injuries brought on by another party living in that home. If you have been charged with domestic violence, understanding your rights, including your ability to continue living in your home, can be challenging.
In South Carolina, a violent crime could be any incident in which a person is harmed or they are threatened with violence. This could include robbery, assault, murder, rape, or sexual assault. Our violent crimes defense attorney will work with you to ensure your rights are met consistently if you are facing these charges.
A white-collar crime occurs when a financial or business transaction occurs illegally. These are typically non-violent crimes, but they could have a significant impact on many people. Some examples include public corruption, mortgage fraud, securities fraud, Medicare or Medicaid fraud, and health care fraud.
A charge of resisting arrest may stem from a misunderstanding or even fear. If you are charged with this type of action, we strongly encourage you to work closely with our legal team to get immediate help navigating the situation.
Traffic offenses are serious crimes in many situations, especially when you are charged with injuring another person or causing damage to their property. Traffic offenses can carry long-term consequences, including jail time and fines in some cases.
Kidnapping convictions can carry a lifetime of complications. If you are charged with abducting a person and holding them against their will, that could put you at risk for serious legal consequences.
Arson charges may occur if you have been accused of setting a fire that caused damage to a person’s property or person. Typically, it relates specifically to deliberate actions that result in this type of loss.
A burglary charge could be a felony charge in which you are faced with prison time and fines. If you are charged with stealing anything or attempting to do so, you need a well-qualified attorney by your side to help you navigate the legal process.
A breach of trust occurs in situations where a person breaks the rules related to the trust that a person has given you. For example, if someone was given the trust to park a car as a valet but then drove recklessly in doing so, that puts you at risk of a criminal charge.
Following the rules set by a probation officer is critical but often can be confusing. Probation violations may result in a wide range of mistakes, and in some cases, it is a criminal act punishable by fines and jail time.
South Carolina crimes primarily fall into one of two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are largely regarded as the lesser of the two types of crimes, but don’t let that convince you to be complacent. Both misdemeanors and felonies can carry significant penalties.
In South Carolina, misdemeanors are categorized as Class A, B, or C. Class A misdemeanors are the most severe and may result in up to three years of jail time.
Felonies hold similar classifications, ranging from Class A to Class F. While Class F felonies max out at five years in jail, Class A crimes often result in sentences spanning multiple decades.
Being arrested can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if it’s your first experience with the criminal justice system. Here’s a general overview of what typically happens next:
Every criminal case is different, which means the defense strategy has to be tailored to the facts, the evidence, and the local courts. In Greenville, we use proven approaches to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights.
If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a traffic stop, search, or arrest, we can move to suppress evidence that was improperly obtained.
We carefully examine police reports, bodycam footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to identify inconsistencies, gaps, or errors that weaken the prosecution’s case.
In many cases, we work directly with the solicitor’s office to reduce charges, minimize penalties, or resolve cases through favorable plea agreements when it makes sense for the client.
The state must prove every element of a charge beyond a reasonable doubt. We look for weaknesses in intent, identification, or other required legal elements.
When appropriate, we present mitigating factors such as employment history, character references, treatment efforts, or lack of prior record to reduce potential penalties.
If a fair resolution isn’t offered, we are prepared to take your case to trial and challenge the prosecution’s evidence in front of a judge or jury in Greenville courts.
Being questioned by police can be stressful, even if you believe you haven’t done anything wrong. What you say in these moments can have serious consequences later, so it’s important to be careful and intentional.
Stay calm and respectful throughout the interaction. You do not need to argue, resist, or escalate the situation, even if you feel the stop is unfair or unnecessary.
You have the right to remain silent. In most situations, you are not required to answer questions about where you were, what you were doing, or other details that could later be used against you. You can clearly state that you are choosing to remain silent. If you are not under arrest, you can ask whether you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, you should leave calmly and without further discussion.
You are generally not required to consent to searches of your person, vehicle, or belongings. If you do not want to consent, you can clearly say so.
Avoid trying to “talk your way out” of the situation or offering explanations on the spot. Even innocent statements can be misunderstood or taken out of context later.
If you are arrested or taken into custody, clearly ask for an attorney and stop answering questions. Once you request a lawyer, questioning should stop.
The penalties for criminal charges in Greenville, South Carolina depend on the specific offense, your prior record, and the circumstances of the case. Even a first-time charge can carry serious consequences that affect your freedom, finances, and future.
The timeline for a criminal case in Greenville varies widely depending on the type and severity of the charge, the complexity of the evidence, the court’s schedule, and whether the case is resolved through a plea agreement or proceeds to trial. Misdemeanor cases may sometimes resolve in a few weeks or months, while felony cases often take several months to a year or longer, especially if there are motions, contested evidence, or trial preparation involved. Factors like ongoing investigations, discovery disputes, and continuances can also extend the process, making it important to have a defense strategy in place from the beginning.
If you’ve been arrested or are facing criminal charges in Greenville or anywhere in the Upstate, you don’t have to navigate the system alone. The sooner you have a defense attorney involved, the better your chances of protecting your rights and building a strong case strategy.
Call us today at (864) 343-2222 to schedule a free consultation, or reach out through our online contact form to get started. We’re ready to listen, explain your options, and take immediate steps to defend you.
No—you generally should not answer questions after an arrest. You have the right to remain silent and should ask for a lawyer as soon as possible.
Yes. Police can submit a case to the prosecutor, who can file charges even if you were never taken into custody.
Missing court can lead to a bench warrant for your arrest and additional charges, so it’s important to address it immediately with an attorney.
You’ll typically receive a summons, citation, warrant, or be formally arrested and informed of the charges against you.
Yes, in some cases charges can be dismissed or reduced before court through lack of evidence, negotiations, or legal motions.
Bail is set based on the charge, criminal history, and flight risk, but a judge can reduce it during a bond hearing.
Weak or insufficient evidence can lead to reduced charges or dismissal, especially when properly challenged by a defense attorney.
Yes, certain charges may be eligible for expungement or sealing depending on the outcome of the case and your record.
Costs vary depending on the case, but many attorneys offer a free consultation and payment plans or flat fees depending on the charge.
Speak with Our Skilled Legal Team About Your Case
How you react could determine a lot about your future, so proceeding with caution is essential. Guidance from an expert criminal attorney is essential, especially given the high stakes of your current situation.
When you work with Smith Jordan Attorneys at Law, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands. Contact us online or call (864) 343-2222 now.