What is Manslaughter?
In South Carolina, manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of another person without malice aforethought. There are two primary categories: voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. They are both very serious criminal offenses that are classified as felonies and that carry the potential for a long prison sentence. Here, our Columbia...
What Should I Do if I am Arrested?
There are few things more stressful than being arrested. It is imperative you take immediate action to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. At the Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey, we want to make sure that you have the knowledge, tools, and resources to navigate any situation....
What Should I Do if I Am Charged with a Crime?
If you are charged with a crime in South Carolina – regardless of the kind of charge you face – there are certain steps you should take in order to help protect your rights from the start and to help ensure that your case is resolved favorably. While the case...
Can You Inadvertently Tamper with Evidence?
It is illegal to tamper with evidence that could potentially be used in a legal proceeding, but for the charge of evidence tampering to apply, you must have intended to diminish the integrity of the evidence or to make it less available. In other words, accidentally or inadvertently tampering with...
What Makes Driving Reckless?
When someone drives in a manner that shows a blatant disregard for the safety of other road users and traffic rules, that’s reckless driving. Contrary to what many people think, being charged with reckless driving is more than just getting a traffic ticket. It is considered a criminal offense in...
Steps to Take if You Are Charged with Conspiracy
Criminal conspiracy in South Carolina relates to coming together with one or more others in order to either engage in an unlawful practice or to employ unlawful means to engage in something lawful, and the legal consequences can be dire. If you are facing a conspiracy charge, one of the...
What Proof Do You Need for a Restraining Order?
Restraining orders in South Carolina are used to help protect those being harassed or stalked by others. These orders prohibit those accused from engaging in specific actions and activities, and they are generally issued by the state’s magistrate courts or, in some situations, by the state’s family courts. If you’re...
What Is a Felony BUI?
While boating is a form of recreation, that doesn’t mean that strict laws don’t apply. When the person manning a boat is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can face a charge of boating under the influence (BUI), which can be elevated to a felony if they cause...
What Are the Consequences for Driving with a Suspended License?
To drive in South Carolina – and every other state in the nation – you need a driver’s license. If you’re pulled over and your license has been suspended, you can face the charge of driving under a suspended license, which comes with serious consequences of its own that vary...
Consequences of Public Intoxication in South Carolina
The consequences of public intoxication in South Carolina can be serious and costly. These consequences can have long-lasting effects on individuals’ personal and professional lives. If you are facing charges of public intoxication, immediately consult with an experienced Columbia criminal defense attorney who can assess your best defense options. Understanding...
What Happens When Your License is Taken Away?
Losing your driver’s license can have severe consequences for your daily life and overall mobility. Whether it’s due to a traffic violation, a DUI charge, or accumulating too many points on your license, the loss of this privilege can significantly impact your ability to work, run errands, or even visit...
What is Extortion?
Extortion is a serious criminal offense that involves using intimidation, threats, or coercion to obtain property, money, or services from another person. If you’ve been accused of extortion, you face significant legal challenges that require a clear understanding of the charges and your defense options. Columbia, SC, criminal defense attorney...
3 common types of federal offenses
Some criminal acts are so serious that they require federal prosecution. Federal crimes are generally worse and come with harsher punishments than state crimes. But what exactly are federal offenses? There are many types of unlawful acts that are subject to federal prosecution. Here are some of the more common...