Consider a Domestic Violence Lawyer Who’s Represented Hundreds of People Facing Charges in SC.
He represents people who have been accused of domestic violence or other crimes in Newberry, SC, and the surrounding areas.
Our domestic violence law firm has extensive experience defending people against domestic violence accusations.
We understand what you are up against – law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and possibly jurors who are biased against you based only on the accusation that has been made.
Domestic violence has been a hot-button political issue in South Carolina for some time now – elected legislators race to see who can be the “toughest on crime,” and elected prosecutors try to show their constituents they are tough on domestic abusers.
Some government agencies even receive funding based on how many people are arrested and prosecuted for domestic violence, resulting in some prosecutor’s offices saying they have a “no drop” policy and some police officers saying, “If you call us, someone is going to jail.”
For example, let’s say your neighbor heard an argument, the police were called, and a police officer was annoyed they had to respond to your house.
The result is a wide net that catches not just domestic abusers but countless ordinary people who may not have committed a crime at all, but unfortunately, someone is going to jail!
A Former Prosecutor in Newberry, SC
Kent Collins is a former prosecutor who knows the local courts, the prosecutors, attorneys, and criminal procedures.
This includes how domestic violence cases are handled, from arrest to jury trial, in the domestic violence court, magistrate court, municipal court, and General Sessions Court.
Kent has the experience that you need to conduct an independent investigation of the facts of your case, challenge the state’s evidence, negotiate an out-of-court resolution, or try your case to a jury when necessary.
When you retain our domestic violence attorney to defend you, we will:
- Meet with you to answer your questions and learn about your case,
- Conduct an independent investigation of the facts of your case,
- Locate and interview all potential defense witnesses,
- Gather all evidence from the prosecutor and other sources,
- Help you to locate and retain expert witnesses when appropriate,
- Prepare your case for the possibility of a trial,
- Negotiate with your prosecutor to get your case dismissed or find a favorable resolution, and
- Try your case to a jury when necessary.
As soon as you are arrested, a trained prosecutor works to prepare your case for trial to get a conviction – using evidence gathered by multiple law enforcement and investigative agencies, including police departments, SLED, and the solicitor’s office.
Shouldn’t you also have a trained domestic violence lawyer in Newberry, SC, who has the training and experience it takes to get your case dismissed, negotiate on your behalf, or try your case to a jury?
The Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Newberry, SC
The judge, prosecutor, and police officers involved in your case want you to plead guilty. No one is there to help you, and no one will tell you all your options and the consequences of a guilty plea except your attorney.
Your domestic violence attorney knows the consequences of a domestic violence conviction and the impact it can have on your life.
In addition to the fines and potential for prison time, a domestic violence conviction – even a misdemeanor first offense conviction – will result in the loss of your right to possess a gun or get a concealed weapon permit (CWP).
A domestic violence third-degree conviction – even a misdemeanor first-offense conviction – cannot be expunged until five years have passed, and then only if it is your first conviction.
Your lawyer will advise you based on the facts of your case, and you may have defenses you are unaware of, so do not plead guilty.
As soon as you are arrested or when you know that you are under investigation, call your domestic violence lawyer before talking to the police.
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Get your case evaluated by a real attorney at no cost to you.
CLIENTS HAVE SAID
Questions for Domestic Violence
Attorneys in Newberry
Can you get my charges dismissed?
At Kent Collins’ domestic violence law firm in Newberry, SC, we routinely get DV charges dismissed for our clients.
That doesn’t mean your case will be dismissed. Depending on the facts of your case, the prosecutor assigned to your case, the strength of the state’s case, the results of your attorney’s independent investigation, and many other factors, your case could be dismissed, you may receive a plea offer that you may or may not decide to accept, or your case could go to a jury trial.
What if the victim doesn’t show up?
The alleged victim in your case may not want to prosecute. If that is the case, let your attorney and the prosecutor handle speaking with them. The prosecutor will communicate with them, and if they intend to proceed with your prosecution, the prosecutor will subpoena them to appear in court.
Can I get pre-trial diversion for domestic violence charges?
Domestic violence third-degree, first-offense charges can be sent to pretrial intervention (PTI), although it’s at the prosecutor’s discretion. If the prosecutor agrees and the alleged victim agrees, the case could be dismissed and expunged after completion of community service and the other requirements of the PTI program.
Can I get a domestic violence conviction expunged in SC?
There are two situations when a person can get a domestic violence conviction expunged in South Carolina:
- A domestic violence third-degree conviction can be expunged after five years (most magistrate court misdemeanor offenses other than DV can be expunged after three years) or
- A conviction under the Youthful Offender Act (YOA) can be expunged after five years.
Experience Matters
Kent Collins is a former prosecutor with extensive experience in SC domestic violence law as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer.
Kent’s experience and qualifications include:
- Handling thousands of criminal cases of all types, from speeding tickets, and drug cases to murder charges,
- Years of experience defending people accused of crimes as a Newberry, SC criminal defense lawyer in private practice,
- Experience as a prosecutor in Orangeburg and Lexington, SC,
- He is an active member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (SCACDL), The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), and
- He regularly attends training sessions for criminal defense law and trial practice.
Accused of Domestic Violence in Newberry, SC?
If you’ve been charged with domestic violence or if you think you may be under investigation, you should speak with a domestic violence attorney in Newberry, SC, immediately.
If you’re ready to speak with a DV lawyer in Newberry, SC, please call 803.808.0905 for your free in-person consultation or fill out our online contact form.
READY TO SPEAK WITH AN ATTORNEY?
Get your case evaluated by a real attorney at no cost to you.