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Representing Clients in Cherokee, Chester, Lancaster, and York counties

The criminal justice system isn’t going to do you any favors. They’re not on your side.

When you’re facing charges, under investigation, or there’s a warrant for your arrest, they have you right where they want you—confused, angry, exhausted, and ready to put this all behind you.

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

At Okoye Law, we understand that mistakes happen. We want to help you fight to protect your freedom, restore your reputation, and work to ensure that when this nightmare ends, there’s still light at the end of the tunnel for you and your family.

Don’t be a victim of the system. Call our Rock hill criminal defense attorneys today.

Why Choose Us?

When you’re facing criminal charges—don’t just pick any lawyer. Our team at Okoye Law has been practicing criminal law for years and has handled hundreds of different types of criminal cases.

We know how emotional and complex criminal cases are. We know that people make mistakes. We know you have a family, job, and community reputation you care about. We can help you protect your rights and work to get your charges reduced or dropped so you can get back on your feet.

We understand how important it is for defendants like yourself to be represented by an expert in the area. Contact a criminal defense attorney in Rock Hill, SC, today.

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime, chances are you’ll need a lawyer.

You don’t have to face the justice system alone. An experienced criminal defense attorney can guide you through the legal process, explain your rights and protect your interests.

An experienced defense attorney helps with:

  • Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing
  • Finding and interpreting relevant statutes and cases
  • Making arguments that poke holes in the prosecution’s case that could lead to dismissal or reduction of charges before trial
  • Arguing on behalf of clients at trial, if necessary
  • Assisting with post-conviction appeals or expungements

At Okoye Law, criminal law is in our DNA.

We know how to navigate the criminal justice system and find ways around obstacles like backlogged court calendars, police misconduct, and strict laws that threaten your freedom. And believe us when we say we know our way around a courtroom to help you avoid harsh penalties.

Our Practice Areas

Traffic Violations

Pulled over and slapped with a traffic violation? You’re not the first person to find themselves in this situation. But by attempting to handle your tickets on your own, you could face serious consequences. Paying off your ticket is the equivalent of entering a guilty plea, meaning your insurance rates could go up, and it could affect your employment opportunities. Instead, you should hire traffic lawyers to achieve the most favorable outcome.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered driving under the influence in South Carolina and is subject to harsh penalties. Even first-time offenders face a fine of up $400, 48 hours to 30 days imprisonment, and a six-month driver’s license suspension—not to mention the damage to your reputation and increased insurance rates. When you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you should get a DUI lawyer involved immediately to help you understand your rights and options to make informed decisions about how to proceed with your case.

Domestic Violence

In South Carolina, there are four degrees of domestic violence charges, with High and Aggravated Nature being the most serious offense and one of two degrees classified as a felony charge. Penalties include up to 20 years imprisonment and thousands in fines. South Carolina takes domestic violence charges seriously. If you have been arrested for domestic violence, you need experienced domestic violence attorneys on your side.

Assault and Battery

In addition to Assault and Battery High and Aggravated in Nature, there are three degrees of assault and battery charges in South Carolina, with the first degree being the most serious offense and the only one classified as a felony charge. Penalties include up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,500.

If you’re convicted of a crime involving assault and battery, your reputation could be irreparably damaged, and your career could suffer tremendously. The best way to avoid digging a deeper hole for yourself is by hiring assault and battery lawyers to represent you.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor crimes are ranked from exempt misdemeanors to Class A, B, and C, with Class A being the most serious offense.

Examples of crimes that warrant misdemeanor classification can include:

  • Harassment
  • Participating in a riot
  • Impersonating a police officer
  • Trespassing on another’s land

Though less severe than a felony, misdemeanors can result in up to a three-year prison sentence. To protect your freedom, speak with a misdemeanor defense attorney.

Felonies

Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors and can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years. Felony crimes are ranked from Class A to Class F, with Class A being the most serious offense.

Examples of crimes that warrant felony classification can include:

  • Attempted murder
  • Carjacking
  • First-degree sexual misconduct
  • Stalking

A felony conviction could result in losing your right to vote, bear arms, and your ability to seek gainful employment. Don’t fall victim to the criminal justice system—contact a South Carolina felony defense lawyer today.

Drug Charges

Drug crimes are crimes against the state and, as such, are punished harshly. South Carolina is zero-tolerance when it comes to drug use and possession. Common charges handed down include possession with intent to distribute, drug trafficking, and manufacturing or cultivation. Cases can be held in federal or state courts, and to protect yourself, you should enlist the help of experienced drug charge lawyers.

Weapons Charges

Weapons charges are among the most serious criminal allegations a person can face. Even if you were simply carrying a weapon for personal protection, you could be facing felony charges. In South Carolina, unlawful possession of a weapon is punishable by up to 1 year in prison and up to a $2,000 fine. Charges and penalties can be enhanced based on the nature of the possession and use of the weapon.

The best way to avoid these consequences is through legal representation from a skilled weapons charges lawyer in Rock Hill, SC.

Theft and Property Crimes

Shoplifting, grand theft auto, and burglary all have one thing in common—taking something that isn’t yours. Whether tangible or intangible, South Carolina views all theft charges seriously, and proving your innocence and getting your theft crime dismissed will be incredibly difficult. That’s why you need Rock Hill theft lawyers backing you in your case.

Expungements

After a criminal conviction, you may be eligible to expunge your criminal record. An expungement is not the same as a pardon or dismissal of charges; instead it is the physical destruction of criminal records and is only available for minors or adults with first-time offenses. An expungement attorney can help you clean up your criminal record so you can put your best foot forward.

What Should I Do if I’m Arrested for a Crime in Rock Hill?

If you’ve been arrested or accused of a crime, it’s critical that you call a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately. Whether you have one too many traffic violations or a felony case, an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and find the best path forward.

Don’t talk to the police without talking to us first. The police may try to trick or pressure you into making statements that will hurt your case—don’t fall for it.

Stay calm, ask what you’re being charged with, ask for your lawyer, and then invoke your fifth amendment right to silence. We’ll take it from here.

Arrested or Under Investigation in Rock Hill or York County? Call Okoye Law.

If you are facing criminal charges in Rock Hill, South Carolina, choosing a firm that has successfully defended clients for many years is important. The criminal defense lawyers at Okoye Law have experience in all types of criminal cases, from DUI/DWI to drug and weapons charges, and have a track record of success representing clients in South Carolina.

Don’t entrust your freedom to just anyone. Contact Okoye Law today.

WHY US?

Peace of mind

You will stress less and sleep better knowing we’ve got everything under control.

Quality legal help

We raise the bar by providing detail-oriented legal assistance that zeroes in on the client experience.

Tailored solutions

Every case we take begins and ends with your unique situation in our hearts and on our minds.

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Personal Injury
  • Car Accidents
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Slip & Fall

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FAQ: Rock Hill Criminal Defense

Q
What are some common defenses to criminal charges in Rock Hill, SC?
A

Common defense to criminal charges in South Carolina include:

  • Innocence
  • Self-defense
  • Defense of others
  • Violation of constitutional rights
  • Alibi
  • Insanity
Q
What happens if the alleged victim wants to drop the charges?
A

If the alleged victim wants to drop the charges against you, it will be up to the prosecution whether to do so. In the criminal justice system, the state brings charges, not the victim. Therefore, they’re the only entity that can decide to drop charges—a commonly misunderstood fact about criminal law.

However, our criminal defense law firm may be able to use this information to your benefit in your criminal case.

Q
There's a warrant for my arrest. Should I turn myself in?
A

It is certainly better to surrender yourself voluntarily into police custody rather than to be involuntarily arrested. Before doing so, take precautions like hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent you.

Q
What are the main steps in the criminal process?
A

The overall criminal court process will include the following:

  • Arrest
  • Bond hearing
  • Appearances
  • Preliminary Hearing
  • Negotiations
  • Criminal trial
  • Sentencing