A single criminal charge in Cayce can destroy everything you've worked for - your job, your family relationships, your professional license, and your freedom. South Carolina's tough criminal justice system shows no mercy to those who appear without experienced legal representation.
McGuire Law has been Cayce's premier criminal defense law firm since 1993, specializing in aggressive defense strategies, constitutional rights protection, and case dismissals that preserve our clients' futures and keep them out of jail.
Criminal charges in Cayce move quickly through the Lexington County court system. Police investigations, prosecutor plea offers, and court deadlines happen fast, leaving defendants with little time to understand their options or mount an effective defense.
Our Cayce criminal defense attorneys know every prosecutor, every judge, and every law enforcement agency in Lexington County. We have the experience, resources, and courtroom skills to fight your charges aggressively and protect your constitutional rights from arrest through trial.
Call Now: 888-499-5738University of South Carolina students and other college students facing DUI, drug possession, underage drinking, and party-related charges that threaten financial aid and future careers.
Doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, and other licensed professionals whose careers depend on clean criminal records and who face license suspension or revocation with convictions.
Active duty and veteran military members facing civilian criminal charges that could result in military discipline, security clearance loss, and career-ending consequences.
First-time offenders in their teens and twenties who make mistakes that could follow them for life without proper legal representation and alternative sentencing.
Parents and spouses whose families depend on their income and who face job loss, professional licensing issues, and financial devastation from criminal convictions.
Entrepreneurs and business professionals facing white-collar charges, regulatory violations, or personal charges that could destroy their businesses and professional reputations.
Common Charges: DUI, DUAC, reckless driving, driving without a license
Penalties We Fight: License suspension, ignition interlock, jail time, massive fines
Common Charges: Possession, trafficking, manufacturing, distribution
Penalties We Fight: Mandatory minimums, asset forfeiture, federal prosecution
Common Charges: Assault, battery, domestic violence, weapons offenses
Penalties We Fight: Prison sentences, permanent records, restraining orders
Common Charges: Theft, burglary, vandalism, fraud
Penalties We Fight: Restitution orders, felony convictions, jail time
Common Charges: Sexual assault, solicitation, indecent exposure
Penalties We Fight: Sex offender registration, prison, lifetime consequences
Common Charges: Drug trafficking, fraud, weapons violations
Penalties We Fight: Federal prison, asset forfeiture, lengthy sentences
Matthew McGuire has been defending criminal cases in Cayce and throughout Lexington County for over 30 years. Our law firm understands:
We know every judge, prosecutor, and court clerk in Lexington County. Our relationships and reputation help us negotiate better plea deals and achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
After three decades of practice, we know how Cayce Police, Lexington County Sheriff's Office, and SLED conduct investigations and where they make mistakes that benefit our clients.
We know which prosecutors are reasonable, which are aggressive, and how to present cases to maximize the chances of charge reduction or dismissal.
Our extensive trial experience includes understanding Lexington County jury attitudes, cultural factors, and presentation strategies that resonate with local jurors.
We stay current on evolving criminal law, constitutional protections, and appellate decisions that create new opportunities for defense strategies and case dismissals.
We work with forensic experts, medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and other specialists who provide compelling testimony to support our clients' defenses.
We know which judges support drug court, mental health court, veteran's court, and other alternative programs that help clients avoid jail and get treatment instead.
Our experience includes appellate practice and post-conviction relief that gives clients additional opportunities to challenge convictions and reduce sentences.
We challenge illegal searches, coerced confessions, Miranda violations, and other constitutional violations that can result in evidence suppression and case dismissal.
We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence including drugs, weapons, statements, and physical evidence that police obtained through constitutional violations.
Our trial experience includes exposing police officer inconsistencies, witness credibility problems, and prosecution evidence weaknesses through aggressive cross-examination.
We coordinate expert witnesses including forensic scientists, medical professionals, and technical specialists who challenge prosecution evidence and support alternative theories.
We negotiate with prosecutors for charge reduction, sentence mitigation, alternative sentencing, and deferred prosecution agreements that minimize long-term consequences.
When cases go to trial, we present compelling opening statements, examine witnesses effectively, and deliver closing arguments that create reasonable doubt and win acquittals.
We present character evidence, treatment completion, employment history, and family circumstances that persuade judges to impose lighter sentences and alternative punishments.
We pursue expungement, record sealing, and pardon applications that help clients move past criminal charges and rebuild their lives and careers.
"Mr. McGuire got my DUI charges completely dismissed. The prosecutor thought they had a solid case, but he found problems with the traffic stop that saved my license and my job."
-Robert K., Cayce, SC
"I was facing federal drug charges that could have meant decades in prison. McGuire Law negotiated a plea deal that kept me home with my family."
-Michelle T., Lexington County, SC
"The domestic violence charges were false accusations during a bitter divorce. McGuire Law proved my innocence and protected my relationship with my children."
-David M., Cayce, SC
"My medical license was at risk from criminal charges. McGuire Law not only beat the charges but helped me keep my license and continue practicing."
-Dr. Sarah L., Columbia, SC
"The police search of my home was illegal. McGuire Law filed the right motions and got all the evidence thrown out. Case dismissed."
-James R., West Columbia, SC
"I was facing mandatory minimum drug sentences. McGuire Law found problems with the investigation and got me into drug court instead of prison."
-Anthony C., Lexington, SC
"The assault charges could have ended my military career. McGuire Law proved self-defense and I kept my security clearance and commission."
-Captain Lisa M., Fort Jackson, SC
"McGuire Law doesn't just defend cases - they fight for your future. They got my record expunged so I could get a better job and move on with my life."
-Marcus W., Cayce, SC