On behalf of Monckton Law Firm, P.A. posted in Drunk Driving on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Police call them roadside safety checkpoints. People who now face allegations on a variety of charges as a result of the checkpoints on a recent Friday night probably have other words for them. The most recent operation hosted by the Surfside Beach Police Department and supported by officers from Coastal Carolina University and the Horry County Sheriff's Department reportedly netted nine arrests.
According to a news release from Surfside officials, officers performed the checks and DUI saturation patrols to counter drunk driving between 8:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. April 7. Charges filed against the nine individuals arrested run the gamut from DUI, to driving without a license and failure to appear in court on related previous DUI counts.
On behalf of Monckton Law Firm, P.A. posted in Felonies on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The wheels of justice move at different speeds at different points in the process. The variability is part of what makes the system so difficult to navigate alone. If you are an individual in the Horry County area facing any sort of charge, whether it is an allegation of misdemeanor assault or a felony charge of assault, manslaughter, robbery, illegal weapons possession or other violent offense, you should have an attorney with you every step of the way.
Active legal counsel from the outset provides the greatest possibility of being able to counter instances of overcharging by authorities. It may be beneficial in attempting to get prosecutors to seek lesser charges.
On behalf of Monckton Law Firm, P.A. posted in White Collar Crime on Friday, April 13, 2012
Low country authorities have been on the lookout for a Columbia man since Dec. 9 of last year. Today they say they believe they have the man in custody. He was reportedly arrested yesterday evening at the Wal-Mart in North Charleston, ending a day of all-out police effort.
The man was wanted in connection with bank fraud allegations dating back to June. According to authorities, the day started with suspicions that the man was holed up at the Palms Hotel in Isle of Palms. Police shut down major thoroughfares in the area for hours to get ready and with the assistance of the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, mounted a SWAT raid on the room where they believed the man was. After blasting their way in with stun grenades and tear gas, they found the place was empty.
On behalf of Monckton Law Firm, P.A. posted in Juvenile Offenses on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Violence in sports is getting a lot of attention these days. Questions about whether there are times when the level of violence has gotten out of hand are feeding a growing debate. Included in the discussions here in South Carolina and elsewhere is the issue of whether there are some instances of athletic violence, especially at the juvenile level, that should warrant criminal assault charges.
One particular incident noted in various media outlets and which seems to reflect what we're talking about, comes out of Chester County. It happened last month during a girls' soccer game between Chester County and Lewisville High Schools.
On behalf of Monckton Law Firm, P.A. posted in Violent Crimes on Friday, April 6, 2012
When an individual is faced with serious violent crime charges in South Carolina, the value of an experienced criminal trial lawyer is essential to achieving the most favorable resolution to the case. The speed with which a person in these dire circumstances gets an attorney lined up is also critical. Early engagement allows for greater effectiveness throughout the run of the legal process.
Among the things that an experienced criminal trial lawyer knows to look for are possible indications of overcharging. Authorities look to leverage every ounce of power they think may be available to them. Sometimes they overstep. Whether this is evident in connection with one developing case in Horry County is unclear.
On behalf of Monckton Law Firm, P.A. posted in White Collar Crime on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
A lot of people believe the advent of the Internet has spawned the spread of identity theft. It may have given individuals intent on committing white collar crime an easier way to do their thing, but South Carolina attorneys with experience in criminal law know that identity theft has been around a lot longer than the Internet. The Bible offers at least one example.
The technological developments that contribute to activity that results in identity theft charges do seem to be coming fast and furious, however. The latest warning flag being raised about the issue comes directly from the CIA itself. Director David Patraeus has publicly said that "the rise of 'connected' gadgets controlled by apps will mean that people 'bug' their own homes."
On behalf of Monckton Law Firm, P.A. posted in Drunk Driving on Friday, March 30, 2012
There is a decades old gag that runs, "I don't drink and drive. I do them separately." There may have been a time when that was funny. Not so much anymore. Everyone knows that drinking before or while driving is not only risky, but illegal.
Alcohol or drug impairment in South Carolina can lead to drunk driving charges that may carry harsh civil and criminal penalties. Worse, it can result in life-changing or life-ending accidents. Still, there are people who will make improper choices, especially as we enter annual spring prom time.
On behalf of Monckton Law Firm, P.A. posted in Criminal Defense on Tuesday, March 27, 2012
We humans are emotional creatures. We are also rational beings. South Carolina law tends to put the onus on the individual to make sure that the latter characteristic is the one that holds the former in check. When the balance is believed to have tipped too far in the wrong direction, criminal charges can follow. The legal system is the venue through which efforts are made to restore balance, but it's too complex to risk facing alone. Better to consult an experienced attorney.
The consequences of criminal charges are often felt long before any resolution of a case. Often times the person suspected of a crime finds it impossible to continue their normal course of daily living because of the pall that has been cast over them by the allegations they face. Despite a declared presumption of innocence, the mere leveling of charges can carry its own judgment.
On behalf of Monckton Law Firm, P.A. posted in Felonies on Friday, March 23, 2012
There is an old turn of phrase that goes "Let the punishment fit the crime." Behind the principle is the ethical notion that no penalty meted out for conviction of a crime should exceed the severity of that crime. Considering that in South Carolina it is not unusual for prosecutors to overcharge a case, we wonder if there might there be room for an adage along the lines of, "Let the charges fit the facts."
Whether such guidance would apply in a recent case out of Conway we cannot be sure. But based on what's been reported, it seems apparent that there are unknown details that might mitigate the felony charges that have been filed so far.
On behalf of Monckton Law Firm, P.A. posted in Juvenile Offenses on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The stretch of time between elementary and high school is a tough time for adolescents. The nature of social and developmental changes that students undergo during the period are recognized by education professionals in South Carolina and elsewhere as being so significant that it has led to the creation of the bridging level of education called middle school.
Anyone who has had experience with the middle school environment would likely acknowledge that it is unique. Perhaps it is due to the elevated emotional proclivities of the children brought on by puberty. Regardless, it must never be forgotten that they are children. If they should find themselves facing juvenile charges, whether it be for alleged truancy, alcohol or sexual assault, the primary goal should be constructive help through diversionary programs. To learn one's options, consult an attorney.
