Criminal Defense Attorneys

Hate crimes involve victimizing an individual based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or similar affiliation or status. These crimes can include physical assault, verbal assault, vandalism, harassment and murder, among many others.

Click here to learn how to select the right lawyer.

Hate crimes tend to generate negative publicity and media coverage, making it difficult to have a fair trial. Typically, because of their hostile and violent nature, the consequences for hate crimes could result in the loss of employment and imprisonment.

Consequences

Penalties and punishments for hate crimes are dependent on a variety of factors such as prior convictions, probation, and parole status and media attention. Some consequences may include:

• Prison sentence
• Loss of certain rights
• Fines
• Rehabilitation
• Probation/Parole

If you have been accused of a hate crime, it is important to find a criminal defense attorney that will be aggressive and will work hard to build a strong legal defense for your case. At the Strom Law Firm our lawyers will help to protect your future and your legal rights.

Our lawyers will provide a well planned defense and will fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact us today for your free consultation as our criminal defense lawyers discuss the matters of your case and how we can help.

Locating a Columbia, South Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney

Anyone faced with a legal problem knows the most common question asked, “Who is the best criminal defense attorney in South Carolina.”

To determine who is best suited to represent you, there are several factors that you need to consider:

• The attorney-client relationship is built upon trust. You should select an attorney that you feel comfortable with.
• Your attorney needs to know everything that happened. Don’t be fooled into thinking that your secret won’t get out or that something that happened is not relevant. An attorney cannot prepare an adequate defense without knowing all of the facts related to the case. Early disclosure may prevent a roadblock later in your case which could have been avoided.
• Make sure that you understand what your attorney’s “fee” covers.
• Make sure that your attorney discusses the charge(s) against you, what the prosecutor must prove or establish to find you guilty, and the potential criminal penalties for the particular crime involved.
• Ask your attorney how many cases he or she has tried in the past and whether he or she is willing to try your case before a jury.
• Ask your attorney what types of cases he or she typically handles as well as whether the attorney has defended the charge you have been arrested for.
• Be leery of anyone promises or guarantees you specific results.  While your attorney can give you a good idea of what to expect, what your options are, and possible outcomes, it is unethical and quite frankly impossible to guarantee you a specific result.
• Don’t be afraid to ask your attorney how he or she plans to build the defense of your case.