Rock Hill Criminal Defense Lawyer

Dedicated and Compassionate Representation. Judgement-Free Advocacy

With over 25 years of professional experience, our Rock Hill criminal defense attorney at Bruce Law Firm has the necessary knowledge and experience to fight for your case. As a former criminal prosecutor and now defense lawyer, he knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system and can effectively craft the defense strategy most likely to succeed. Mr. Bruce takes a personalized approach to all of his cases and he prioritizes clients’ well-being throughout the legal process. 

What Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Do?

Criminal defense lawyers are responsible for defending individuals and organizations facing criminal charges. They work to protect their client’s legal rights, setting forward any evidence that could be beneficial to the case. They assess the strength of the prosecution’s case, build a strong defense strategy, acquire expert witnesses if necessary, negotiate with prosecutors on behalf of their clients, and represent them in court if needed. Criminal defense attorneys also provide emotional support during an incredibly stressful time and ensure their clients understand their legal options.

Defense lawyers can also help their clients navigate the appeals process, negotiate plea deals and even advise on post-conviction remedies, such as sealing criminal records. Because of the intricate nature of criminal law and its complex processes, it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side when facing any legal situation. A skilled defense lawyer will fight for you while protecting your rights and presenting the best possible outcome.


For experienced, personable and dedicated representation, contact us to schedule your free case consultation. 


 

Some of the Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

Drug Crimes

South Carolina categorizes the most typical drug crimes into four basic types of charges, typically determined by the controlled substance involved and the amount or weight of the drug involved. These categories are possession, possession with intent to distribute and trafficking. When there is an allegation that someone sold a controlled substance, the typical charge is distribution. Some of the more common controlled substances involved in criminal drug charges I see in my practice include marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs, methamphetamine, crack cocaine and fentanyl.

Penalties for drug offenses in South Carolina can be harsh, particularly for subsequent drug offenses and trafficking offenses. All trafficking offenses in South Carolina carry mandatory minimum prison sentences.

If charged with a drug offense in South Carolina, it’s important to have a defense attorney that understands the drug laws and how to best advocate for the client and develop the defense strategy most likely to result in the best outcome.

Domestic Violence


In South Carolina, domestic violence involves someone causing harm or injury to a household member or threatening or attempting to cause them harm or injury. Household members include spouses, former spouses, people who have a child together, and people of the opposite sex who live together or have lived together.

The seriousness of the charge and the potential penalties of an incident of domestic violence is determined by various factors that include the extent of injury, whether an order of protection is violated, whether a child observes the incident, whether the victim is pregnant and whether the defendant has any prior convictions for domestic violence.

There are four levels of domestic violence charges. The least serious is Domestic Violence in the third degree, which is a misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $2,500.00 and/or up to 90 days in jail. Domestic Violence of a high and aggravated nature is the most serious domestic violence specific crime in South Carolina, and it is a felony, classified as a violent crime and carries up to twenty years in prison.

Gun rights can be seriously impacted for those committing acts of domestic violence.

If you or a family member has been charged with a domestic violence offense in South Carolina, it’s important to have a defense attorney that has experience handling these types of cases and knows how to best advocate for the client and select the defense strategy most likely to result in the best outcome.

Violent Crimes 


Violent crimes are most often thought of as those that involve acts of real physical violence resulting in serious injury. In South Carolina, violent crimes is a class of crimes that may or may not involve actual violence. For example, drug trafficking can be a violent crime but not involve anything more that possession of a controlled substance over a threshold amount.

Section 16-1-60, SC Code of Laws, lists those crimes defined as “violent crimes”. Under South Carolina law, a “violent crime” are those specific crimes listed in this statute that includes offenses such as murder (Section 16-3-10); attempted murder (Section 16-3-29); voluntary manslaughter (Section 16-3-50); armed robbery (Section 16-11-330(A)); attempted armed robbery (Section 16-11-330(B)); drug trafficking as defined in Section 44-53-370(e) and many others.

If a person is convicted of a "violent crime", this can affect parole eligibility, housing and privileges in the Department of Corrections and have other consequences, such as casing this person to now be subject to a serious gun charge if ever caught possessing a firearm.

Facing Criminal Charges in Rock Hill?

If you or a family member are facing criminal charges in South Carolina, do not hesitate to contact us to talk with an experienced defense lawyer immediately. From drug crimes to violent crimes, our firm can defend you against your criminal charges. It would be Mr. Bruce’s privilege to talk with you about your case at no cost for this initial consultation. Contact our firm for more information.

Call us at (803) 336-7189 or fill out this online form today to arrange a time to discuss your case with us in a free case consultation.

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  • Former Criminal Prosecutor
  • Personalized Strategy for Each Case
  • Over 25 Years of Diverse Professional Experience
Bruce Law Firm Bruce Law Firm
He fought for me all the way through the end of my case and was very responsive when I had inquiries along the way.
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