24/7 Emergency Legal Help Available - Call Now: 888-499-5738

Blythewood Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal charges devastate lives every day across South Carolina, with over 9 million arrests occurring nationwide annually. Blythewood residents facing criminal charges in Fairfield County courts are confronting a justice system that presumes guilt and aggressively prosecutes even minor offenses.

Don't let prosecutors destroy your future and reputation. McGuire Law has been the trusted advocate fighting tirelessly for criminal defendants in Blythewood and Fairfield County since 1993, securing dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges for thousands of clients facing serious criminal allegations.

Our experienced Blythewood criminal defense attorneys understand the sophisticated tactics prosecutors use and know how to challenge evidence, expose police misconduct, and protect your constitutional rights throughout the criminal justice process.

Time is critical - evidence gets destroyed, witnesses disappear, and defense opportunities vanish. Every day of delay gives prosecutors more time to build their case against you. Protect your freedom and future today with aggressive legal representation that gets results.

Call Now

Criminal Defense Legal Representation

Felony Defense

Serious felony charges including drug trafficking, violent crimes, burglary, theft, and weapons violations that carry potential prison sentences and lifetime consequences.

DUI/DWI Defense

Drunk driving charges, breath test refusals, field sobriety test challenges, and license suspension hearings with potential jail time and driving privilege loss.

Drug Crime Defense

Possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking charges involving marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs, and other controlled substances.

Violent Crime Defense

Assault and battery, domestic violence, robbery, armed robbery, and other violent felonies that carry mandatory minimum sentences in South Carolina.

White Collar Crime Defense

Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, computer crimes, and financial crimes that can result in federal charges and professional license revocation.

Traffic Violation Defense

Reckless driving, hit and run, driving under suspension, and serious traffic offenses that threaten driving privileges and insurance rates.

Weapons Charge Defense

Unlawful carrying of firearms, possession by prohibited persons, and federal weapons violations with mandatory federal prison sentences.

Domestic Violence Defense

Criminal domestic violence charges that trigger automatic protective orders, firearm prohibitions, and potential deportation for non-citizens.

Juvenile Defense

Defending minors in Family Court against charges that can impact educational opportunities, college admission, and future employment prospects.

Who Faces Criminal Charges

Criminal charges can affect anyone regardless of background, education, or social status. Common situations that lead to criminal prosecution include:

  • Traffic Stops Gone Wrong - Routine traffic stops that escalate to drug searches, DUI arrests, or weapons charges based on officer suspicion
  • Domestic Disputes - Family arguments that result in criminal domestic violence charges when police are called to the home
  • College Students - Young adults facing drug possession, underage drinking, or assault charges that can destroy educational and career opportunities
  • Professionals - Licensed professionals facing charges that threaten their careers, security clearances, and professional standing
  • First-Time Offenders - People with no criminal history who make mistakes and face prosecution that could result in permanent criminal records

Types of Criminal Charges

Drug Trafficking & Distribution

Possession with intent to distribute, drug trafficking across state lines, manufacturing controlled substances, and federal drug conspiracy charges.

Violent Felonies

Armed robbery, aggravated assault, criminal sexual conduct, murder, and other violent crimes carrying life sentences or death penalty.

Property Crimes

Burglary, grand larceny, auto theft, arson, and vandalism charges that can result in restitution orders and felony convictions.

DUI & Traffic Crimes

Multiple DUI offenses, vehicular homicide, hit and run resulting in death, and felony DUI charges with mandatory prison time.

Federal Crimes

Interstate drug trafficking, federal firearms violations, computer crimes, and other federal offenses prosecuted in federal court.

Sex Crimes

Criminal sexual conduct, child pornography, solicitation, and sex trafficking charges requiring sex offender registration.

Financial Crimes

Identity theft, credit card fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and other white collar crimes with federal prosecution potential.

Weapons Violations

Felon in possession of firearm, carrying weapons into restricted areas, and illegal weapons modifications with federal sentences.

Public Order Crimes

Disorderly conduct, public intoxication, breach of peace, and unlawful assembly charges that can escalate to serious offenses.

Professional License Violations

Healthcare fraud, professional misconduct, and licensing board violations that threaten careers and professional standing.

Warning Signs of Serious Criminal Charges

Recognizing when you're under criminal investigation is crucial for protecting your rights and building an effective defense:

Police Contact & Questioning

Officers asking to speak with you "just to clear things up," requesting voluntary interviews, or showing up at your home or workplace.

Search Warrants Executed

Police searching your home, business, or vehicles with warrants, seizing computers, phones, or other property as evidence.

Financial Account Freezing

Banks notifying you of frozen accounts, suspicious activity reports, or law enforcement inquiries about your financial transactions.

Witness Interviews

Friends, family, or colleagues reporting that police have contacted them asking questions about you or your activities.

Grand Jury Subpoenas

Receiving subpoenas to testify before a grand jury or produce documents, indicating serious felony charges are being considered.

Professional License Inquiries

Licensing boards or professional organizations contacting you about complaints, investigations, or disciplinary proceedings.

Media Attention

News reports mentioning your name in connection with criminal investigations, especially in high-profile or public corruption cases.

Employer Notifications

Your employer receiving law enforcement inquiries, background check issues, or security clearance problems related to criminal investigations.

Blythewood Criminal Defense Experience

Matt McGuire has represented defendants facing criminal charges in Blythewood and Fairfield County since 1993, understanding the complex legal and personal challenges these cases present.

Pre-Trial Investigation

Conducting independent investigations, interviewing witnesses, and hiring expert witnesses to challenge prosecution evidence and develop defense strategies.

Constitutional Challenges

Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenging unlawful searches and seizures, and protecting Fourth Amendment rights.

Plea Negotiation

Negotiating reduced charges, alternative sentencing, diversion programs, and plea agreements that minimize criminal penalties and consequences.

Trial Defense

Providing aggressive courtroom representation, cross-examining prosecution witnesses, and presenting compelling defense evidence to juries.

Sentencing Advocacy

Presenting mitigation evidence, character witnesses, and alternative sentencing options to minimize jail time and criminal penalties.

Appeal Representation

Filing criminal appeals, challenging conviction errors, and pursuing post-conviction relief when trial errors result in wrongful convictions.

Expungement Services

Clearing criminal records, sealing arrest records, and restoring civil rights for clients eligible for record expungement.

Crisis Management

Managing media attention, protecting professional reputation, and coordinating with family during high-profile criminal cases.

Legal Defenses for Criminal Charges

Multiple defense strategies exist to fight criminal charges:

  • Constitutional Violations - Challenge illegal searches, Miranda violations, and due process violations
  • Insufficient Evidence - Force prosecution to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
  • Mistaken Identity - Present alibi evidence and challenge eyewitness identification
  • Self-Defense - Justify use of force to protect yourself or others from imminent harm
  • Entrapment - Prove law enforcement induced you to commit crimes you wouldn't normally commit

South Carolina Criminal Laws & Protections

Protection of Persons & Property Act

South Carolina's "Stand Your Ground" law provides legal protections for using force to defend yourself, others, and property.

Miranda Rights Protections

Constitutional protections against self-incrimination requiring police to inform suspects of their right to remain silent and have an attorney.

Fourth Amendment Protections

Constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants based on probable cause for most searches.

Speedy Trial Rights

Constitutional and statutory rights to a speedy trial, preventing prosecutors from indefinitely delaying criminal prosecutions.

Expungement Statutes

South Carolina laws allowing eligible defendants to clear criminal records, remove arrest records, and restore civil rights.

Youthful Offender Act

Special protections for young adults allowing sealed records and alternative sentencing for defendants under age 25.

Pretrial Intervention Programs

Diversion programs allowing first-time offenders to avoid conviction through community service, treatment, or education programs.

Bond & Bail Protections

Constitutional rights to reasonable bail and pretrial release, preventing excessive detention before trial.

Consequences of Criminal Convictions

  • Prison & Jail Time - Incarceration ranging from days to life sentences depending on charge severity
  • Criminal Fines - Financial penalties up to hundreds of thousands of dollars for serious felonies
  • Permanent Criminal Record - Lifelong consequences affecting employment, housing, and educational opportunities
  • Professional License Loss - Revocation of medical, legal, educational, and other professional licenses
  • Security Clearance Revocation - Loss of federal security clearances and government employment eligibility
  • Immigration Consequences - Deportation, inadmissibility, and loss of citizenship eligibility for non-citizens
  • Firearm Prohibitions - Lifetime ban on firearm ownership and possession for felony convictions
  • Civil Rights Loss - Loss of voting rights, jury service eligibility, and public office eligibility

Protecting Your Rights During Criminal Investigation

Steps to protect yourself during criminal investigations:

  • Exercise Right to Remain Silent - Never answer police questions without an attorney present
  • Request an Attorney Immediately - Invoke your right to counsel and refuse to speak until attorney arrives
  • Do Not Consent to Searches - Clearly state you do not consent to searches of person, vehicle, or property
  • Document Police Contact - Record dates, times, and details of all law enforcement interactions
  • Contact Family Members - Inform trusted family members of your situation and attorney contact information

Protect Your Freedom and Future

Criminal charges can destroy your life, career, and family. Don't let prosecutors railroad you through the justice system. Contact us for experienced legal representation to fight your charges and protect your constitutional rights.

Call Now

What Our Clients Say

"Mr. McGuire and his team got me out of jail, period."

-Becky M., Columbia, SC

"McGuire Law is not like the law firms advertising on TV that run an assembly line. They are available all day, every day, home or office."

-Darrell M., Orangeburg, SC

"Responded not only the same day, but within the hour on a Sunday. Amazing, five stars."

-Jordan D., Spartanburg, SC

"If you need the best criminal defense attorney in South Carolina, you call McGuire Law right now. I talked to an attorney with one call."

-Hilary A., Columbia, South Carolina

"I got a DUI in college and Mr. McGuire fixed it. One thousand stars!"

-Logan R., Lexington, South Carolina

"I have sent Matt more referrals than I can count at this point. Everyone is always astonished at the effort Matt and McGuire Law put into every case."

-Dan V., Sumter, South Carolina

"McGuire law does not play around. Don't think you can handle something like court yourself. You can't, so hire Mr. McGuire."

-Xander H., Spartanburg, S.C.

"Mr. McGuire handled my criminal case with professionalism and got me the outcome I needed. Highly recommend!"

-Sarah T., Charleston, SC

"When my son faced serious felony charges, McGuire Law fought tirelessly and got the charges dismissed. They truly care about their clients."

-Robert K., Blythewood, SC

"Outstanding legal representation in my DUI case. Mr. McGuire's experience and dedication made all the difference."

-Michael P., Greenville, SC

"The team at McGuire Law provided exceptional support during my drug charge case. They secured a dismissal when other lawyers said it was impossible."

-Jennifer L., Rock Hill, SC