Hilton Head Criminal Defense Lawyer
For Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, & Beaufort South Carolina (SC) Area

Kiker Law Firm has conducted a multitude of felony trials with much success.  Two high-profile murder cases in recent years both resulted in an acquittal on the murder charge for each defendant.  One was acquitted at trial, and the other had his murder conviction overturned on appeal to both the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court.

As your attorney, we will thoroughly investigate all of the facts surrounding the case - thoroughly explaining your options and the likely outcome of each. Our focus is to achieve the best possible outcome in your case - via a dismissal of your charges, a fair plea agreement through negotiations, or a favorable verdict at trial. We will assist you making highly informed decisions about the direction of your defense - providing you the best defense possible under the law.

Dedicated to the Client and their Defense:
We offer a free consultation and evaluation of your case. Simply call us at (843) 842-7300 or complete a free consultation form online. We'd be happy to talk with you and assist in making an informed decision regarding your accident and injury claim.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CRIMINAL DEFENSE IN THE HILTON HEAD ISLAND AREA

Being accused of a crime means there is a possibility fines and incarceration.  Criminal law is the body of statutes which provide the punishments for legal offenses.  It is imperative to understand the judicial system and the processes.  

Once arrested, a person charged with a crime is entitled to post a bond to effectuate his/her release from custody pending the outcome of the trial or other disposition.  The bond amount varies wildly, dependent on the character and community ties of the person accused, along with the nature and severity of the charges.  The bond posted merely secures the presence of the defendant at trial.  Win or lose, the bond is returned at the conclusion of the criminal proceeding.

Before any trial, a criminal defendant has a right to request a preliminary hearing.  The purpose of this hearing is for the prosecuting authority to prove, if it can, that there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed the crime charged.  At the hearing, the the judge will evaluate 1) if there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed and 2) if there is probable cause to believe the person in front of the court is the one who committed the crime.

The jury trial is the fact-finding stage of the case and is the in-court assessment and outcome of the case.  A judgment will be determined regarding the innocence or guilt of the defendant.

A judge will then establish the type of punishment and the length of that punishment at a sentencing hearing. 

The appeal process may be utilized.  When a defendant has been found guilty by a jury trial, the defense attorney may ask a higher court to examine specified flaws in the court procedure in the hopes of altering the lower court’s judgment.

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The Kiker Law Firm has extensive experience in criminal defense cases in the Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (SC) area - including death penalty and SC Supreme Court cases.

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Crimes that are included under the criminal law statutes: White Collar Crime, Bribery, Counterfeiting / Forgery, Embezzlement, Fraud, Healthcare Fraud, Government Fraud, Murder / Homicide, Tax Evasion, Violent Crime, Theft / Property Crime, Drug Crime, Juvenile Crime, Child Abuse Crime

The following crimes are indicative of some domestic violence criminal offenses: Murder, Negligent homicide, Justifiable homicide, Kidnapping, sexual assault, rape, robber, assault & battery, child abuse, property destruction, harassment, reckless endangerment, & stalking.

Drug related crimes named by the federal government include but are not limited to:

•  violent crime triggered by the effects of drugs
•  violence prompted by drug related conflict
•  theft committed to get money to obtain drugs.

Incomplete or Inchoate Crimes:
These crimes are referred to as incomplete crimes, where the acts include the penchant to commit or there was indirect participation in a criminal offense such as:

• Attempt
• Conspiracy
• Solicitation
• Being an accessory
• Being an accomplice 

Crimes involving automobiles include:

• Joyriding
• Carjacking
• Suspended license
• Traffic violation
• Vehicular manslaughter

Property crimes include:

• Property Crimes
• Carjacking
• Arson
• Larceny
• Receiving stolen property
• Identity theft
• Fraud
• Concealing stolen property

The following represent examples of sex crimes:

• rape
• sexual assault
• prostitution
• indecent exposure
• child molestation

 Examples of violent crimes include:

• murder
• rape or other sexual assault
• robbery
• aggravated assault
• and simple assault

 Examples of white collar crimes include:

• fraud
• securities fraud
• internet fraud
• tax fraud
• mail fraud
• counterfeiting
• perjury
• forgery
• computer hacking
• ticket scalping

You are Always Innocent Until Proven Guilty

The following statements are essential to a criminal defense case:

• The accused have a right to remain silent until he/she has had the opportunity to confer with legal counsel.
• There are many circumstances where law enforcement must obtain a search warrant before searching private property for people or evidence. To ensure that this right is upheld, a judge must not allow any evidence gathered unlawfully to be admitted in court.
• The accused has the right to adequate legal representation. In the event that he/she cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court must provide legal counsel at no charge.
• The accused has the right to know what the charges are and to confront witness testifying against him/her. The defendant also has the right to gather his/her own evidence and witnesses.
• Those charged with serious crimes must be indicted by a grand jury.
• The defendant has the right to a public and speedy trial by jury if desired.
• The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused did commit the crimes that he/she has been charged with.
• The accused are protected from self-incrimination.An individual cannot be tried for the same crime twice.

Consider hiring an experienced attorney.                                                                                                        
Criminal charges are serious and it is critical to consult an attorney immediately.  You can expect your attorney from Kiker Law Firm to:

• Create sentencing programs tailored to a client's specific needs
• Provide defendants with an experienced and objective perspective and what is to be expected if the case goes to trial. 
• Be familiar with important legal rules.  There are many criminal law edicts that are concealed in court analyses, as well as in federal and state constitutions.
• Be familiar with local court customs and procedures.
• Spend the necessary time on your case.
• Collect all information from prosecution witnesses.
• Hire and supervise investigators.
• Prepare for, and try your case effectively.

For comprehensive legal representation and personal client service in criminal defense cases, you can rely on the Kiker Law Firm.  Making the decision of who should represent you is one of the most significant decisions that you may ever make and the Kiker Law Firm have skilled attorneys who will assist you through every step providing a clear explanation of your rights and help you make the best decisions regarding your case.

Dedicated to the Client
Criminal defense cases are highly technical and specialized fields.  The attorneys at Kiker Law Firm have extensive experience in pursuing these cases.  Whenever you are charged with a crime, it is important to speak with a criminal defense lawyer at Kiker Law Firm who can inform you of your rights.

We offer a free consultation and evaluation of your case. Simply complete a free consultation form online or call us at 843-842-7300. We'd be happy to meet with you and help you make an informed decision regarding your circumstances.

Criminal Defense Q&A
Q: What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
A:  Generally, a misdemeanor crime is punishable by up to one year in county jail. Misdemeanor trials are held in the state's lower court.  A felony crime is punishable by one year or more in state prison or a penitentiary.

Q:  When should an insanity defense be considered?
A:  The insanity defense is based on the belief that it is inherently unfair to punish people for their criminal acts if they’re not mentally responsible for those acts.  In other words, whenever one commits a crime that he or she did not truly understand that they were committing due to diagnosable mental infirmity, the insanity defense should be explored and used if appropriate. 

Q: What is a capital offense?
A: A crime for which the death penalty may be imposed.

Q: What is the Miranda rule?
A: The doctrine that a criminal suspect in police custody must be informed of certain constitutional rights before being interrogated.

Q: Will I be able to get a bond?
A: Getting a bond in a State or Federal case depends on the nature of the charges, as well as his/her criminal history and ties to the community.