Contact us. The Lawyer Referral Service can help.
The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service assists people throughout the state of South Carolina with criminal law-related legal matters.
The term “Criminal Law” refers to all laws of a city, state or the federal government that are in existence to help prevent illegal crimes or violations of societal rules. “Criminal Law” is also a reference to the legal profession to represent people who are accused or convicted of a crime. Regardless of its name, “Criminal Law” includes cases of criminal and non-criminal laws.
If you are indicted, it may include one or more charges where the severity can vary based on the charge. Furthermore, with Criminal Law cases further charges or an enhancement of existing charges can be added based on the severity of the incident. While charges can often be negotiated, consulting an experienced Criminal Law attorney is highly recommended to protect your rights.
While there are many types of “Criminal Law” cases, one of the more common cases involve drunk driving offenses. If you have been involved in a drunk driving incident or any criminal law matter, you need an experienced attorney to represent you.
A criminal allegation is simply an accusation, not a conviction. When criminal charges accuse a person of violating state or federal laws, and regardless of the evidence, the criminal charges must be proven by a prosecuting attorney in a court of law unless confessed by the defendant.
The Lawyer Referral Service will do its best to help you find a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney in South Carolina who will provide a low-cost, no-obligation consultation with you about your criminal law matter.
What is the Lawyer Referral Service?
The Lawyer Referral Service is a public service of the South Carolina Bar offered by telephone and online. The telephone service operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To reach the telephone service, both in state and out of state, call (800) 868-2284. In Richland and Lexington counties, call 799-7100. The online service is available 24/7.
How does it work?
The services offers a referral to a person by the area or location needed and by the type of law.
Why should you use our service?
Even if you are not sure whether your situation requires a lawyer, in many cases it is useful--and can be less expensive in the end--to obtain the advice of counsel early in your case. The lawyers signed up with our service are all in good standing with the South Carolina Bar. They must also maintain malpractice insurance coverage, which is not a requirement for lawyers licensed to practice in the state of South Carolina. The lawyers also agree to offer a 30-minute consultation for no more than $50. Thereafter, the fees will be the lawyers' normal fees.
What is expected of me?
When you contact the service by telephone or access it online, you are expected to provide the potential client's name and address. You will also be asked how you found out about the Lawyer Referral Service.
If you contact the service by telephone, you will be asked to provide a brief explanation of your possible legal situation. You will also be asked the county in which you are seeking a lawyer. If you access the program online, you will select the county and the type of law, then type a brief explanation of your legal situation.
Whether you use our service by telephone or online, you will be given the name and number of one attorney to contact who fits your situation. If the lawyer is unable to assist you, please either revisit the online referral page or call the Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 868-2284 and explain the situation to the operator, and he or she will try to assist you with another referral.
Once you receive a referral, you will be expected to contact the lawyer by telephone to make an appointment.
Other helpful contacts
If you are indigent and unable to pay for a lawyer's service, you may want to contact LATIS at 1-888-346-5592 to see if you qualify for free or reduced-fee legal services. LATIS will screen you to see if you qualify. If you do not, they may refer you back to the Lawyer Referral Service. To find out more about LATIS, you can visit www.sclegal.org.