Charleston Criminal Lawyer

The stakes are incredibly high when you have been arrested or are under investigation for a crime. In this situation, you need an experienced attorney who knows exactly what to do and how to help. A committed legal professional from Geel & Gentry, LLC could ensure law enforcement personnel respect your rights and that you do not inadvertently weaken your defense with anything you say or do.

You do not need to face legal action alone. A Charleston criminal lawyer is here to guide you throughout the legal process and help develop the most effective defense possible. With years of courtroom experience, we are prepared to make a prosecutor prove their case before a jury.

Types of Criminal Matters We Handle

At Geel and Gentry, LLC, our team of litigators has extensive experience in state and federal courts defending people accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. We are comfortable challenging complex evidence including the latest DNA identification techniques.

We also represent people in their criminal appeals after they are convicted at trial. Criminal appeals require specific skills that not every attorney in the Charleston area can offer: If you are dissatisfied with the verdict you received at trial, our team could evaluate the record and skillfully prepare your appeal.

Protecting Your Rights Against Overzealous Law Enforcement

One of the most important tasks for a criminal attorney is ensuring law enforcement respects your constitutional rights. Unfortunately, in the heat of the moment, police or federal agents sometimes abuse their authority. In other cases, their biases may control their behavior.

An attorney serving Charleston could scrutinize the investigation and arrest reports and flag any concerning information. They could speak with you and get your side of the story. The legal professional could help establish whether involved law enforcement officers:

• Had reasonable suspicion to stop or speak with the accused
• Had probable cause to conduct a search
• Obtained and executed valid warrants
• Informed the accused of their right to remain silent
• Allowed the accused access to an attorney before questioning them
• Did not use excessive force

If police are found to have violated any of these rights, the court could dismiss any evidence obtained improperly.

Furthermore, prosecutors often decide not to move forward when faced with evidence of police misconduct. Should they proceed with charges, an attorney from our firm might still persuade the officer to admit their wrongdoing on the witness stand, reducing their credibility with the jury.

Tailoring a Defense to the Circumstances

Every crime has specific components or elements that must be true for someone to be convicted. When a prosecutor tries to establish someone’s guilt, they must prove each element of the crime charged.

For example, under South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-2930, when someone faces a DUI charge, the prosecutor must prove:

• The accused was driving the vehicle
• The accused had consumed alcohol, drugs, or another substance
• The alcohol, drug, or other substance interfered with the accused’s ability to operate the vehicle safely

If the prosecutor cannot prove each element to the jury’s unanimous satisfaction, the jury will not find the accused guilty.

Our Charleston attorneys could challenge the prosecutor’s proof, casting doubt on their version of events and preventing them from proving the elements of the crime.

Rely on a Charleston Criminal Attorney Today

Do not wait to engage an attorney when law enforcement officials have arrested you or want to question you. Protect your rights by working with a Charleston criminal attorney from Geel & Gentry, LLC.

With the help of an aggressive legal advocate, you could achieve the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances. Call our firm today to schedule your complimentary consultation.