Criminal Defense Attorney in Summerville
Get a Free Consultation with a Leading Criminal Defense Lawyer in Summerville
At Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A., we are committed to delivering exceptional criminal defense services in Summerville, SC. Our team of 13 experienced attorneys, led by founders Paul Thurmond, Jesse Kirchner, and Michael Timbes, dedicates itself to upholding our core values of excellence and respect. By prioritizing transparent communication, our team ensure our clients feel informed and confident throughout their legal journey.
We stand beside you through every step of the legal process, providing more than just representation. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions about your future. In Summerville’s distinct legal environment, understanding the nuances of local statutes is crucial. That's where our knowledgeable attorneys step in, offering personalized legal strategies tailored specifically to you.
Facing serious criminal charges in Summerville, SC? Our committed criminal defense lawyer offers compassionate and effective legal support. Reach out at (843) 790-0083 or fill out our online form.
We Are Here to Help
Areas of Practice
Common Criminal Charges We Defend
Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A. provides comprehensive defense for a wide range of criminal charges in South Carolina, including but not limited to:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including repeat offenses and felony DUIs.
- Drug Crimes: Simple Possession, Possession with Intent to Distribute (PWID), Manufacturing, and Drug Trafficking (all schedules and quantities).
- Theft Crimes: Petit Larceny (petty theft), Grand Larceny, Shoplifting, Burglary (all degrees), and Robbery (armed and strong-arm).
- Assault and Battery: Assault and Battery 3rd Degree (simple), Assault and Battery 2nd Degree, Assault and Battery 1st Degree, Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature (ABHAN).
- Domestic Violence: All degrees of Criminal Domestic Violence (CDV), CDV of a High and Aggravated Nature (CDVHAN).
- Violent Crimes: Murder, Manslaughter, Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, Arson.
- White Collar Crimes: All forms of Fraud (e.g., Insurance, Bank, Financial Identity Fraud), Embezzlement, Money Laundering.
- Juvenile Crimes: Offenses committed by individuals under 17 years of age.
No matter the nature of the accusation, a criminal defense attorney in Summerville from Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A.
We Give Our Clients Peace & Hope
At Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Qualified Attorney With High Character and Integrity"Chris Romeo (and his team) exceeded my expectations when handling an auto accident case for me.- J.W.
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"Masterful Results"No one thinks of litigation as fun, however, in my own complicated case, I can tell you Jesse Kirchner not only made it "fun" but actually, interesting.- L.H.
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"They Work Hard & Get The Job Done For You!"We are very pleased with Christopher Romeo and his Paralegal April Warford. They work hard to get the job done for you.- A.E.
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"I Was Never Once Judged"Mr. Thurman and his staff were very professional and efficient. They worked hard to get my case dismissed.- C.P.
Understanding Criminal Charge Classifications in South Carolina
Misdemeanors:
Misdemeanors are generally considered less serious crimes than felonies but still carry the potential for jail time (in a county or local facility) and significant fines. South Carolina broadly categorizes misdemeanors into three classes, though many specific offenses are "exempt" with their penalties defined within their own statutes.
Class C Misdemeanors:
- Maximum Penalties: Up to thirty (30) days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
- Examples: Disorderly Conduct, Trespassing, Minor traffic offenses (many are infractions but some can be Class C misdemeanors).
Class B Misdemeanors:
- Maximum Penalties: Up to ninety (90) days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Examples: Impersonating a Police Officer, specific levels of Ticket Fraud.
Class A Misdemeanors:
- Maximum Penalties: Up to three (3) years in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
- Examples: Simple Possession of Schedule I-V Controlled Substances (certain quantities), First-Offense Shoplifting (value less than $2,000), First-Offense Driving Under Suspension, Third-Degree Assault and Battery (simple assault causing minor or no physical injury), First-Offense Domestic Violence 3rd Degree.
Exempt Misdemeanors: Many common charges like DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or Simple Possession of Marijuana (1 ounce or less) are misdemeanors but have specific penalty ranges defined in their statutes, not by the A/B/C classification. For example, a first offense DUI, while a misdemeanor, has mandatory minimum jail time and license suspension.
Felonies:
Felonies are the most serious crimes, generally punishable by more than one year in state prison and substantial fines. South Carolina categorizes felonies into six classes, with escalating penalties:
Class F Felonies:
- Maximum Penalties: Up to five (5) years in state prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
- Examples: Voyeurism, Stalking, Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent (value $2,000 to $10,000), some lower-level drug distribution charges, Third-Degree Burglary (first offense without aggravating factors).
Class E Felonies:
- Maximum Penalties: Up to ten (10) years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Examples: Grand Larceny (theft over $10,000 value), certain drug distribution charges, Strong-Arm Robbery (no weapon).
Class D Felonies:
- Maximum Penalties: Up to fifteen (15) years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Examples: Second-Degree Assault and Battery, Felony DUI resulting in Great Bodily Injury, Involuntary Manslaughter (certain types), some higher-level drug distribution/trafficking.
Class C Felonies:
- Maximum Penalties: Up to twenty (20) years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Examples: Armed Robbery, Attempted Murder, First-Degree Assault and Battery, Kidnapping.
Class B Felonies:
- Maximum Penalties: Up to twenty-five (25) years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Examples: Second-Degree Burglary, Arson, some high-level drug trafficking offenses.
Class A Felonies:
- Maximum Penalties: Up to thirty (30) years in state prison. Some specific Class A felonies (e.g., Murder, Criminal Sexual Conduct) can carry sentences of life imprisonment or, in capital cases, the death penalty.
- Examples: Murder, First-Degree Burglary, Trafficking large quantities of drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin).
The specific nuances of each felony charge, including aggravating factors like the use of a weapon, serious injury to a victim, or prior criminal history, can significantly impact the severity level and potential sentence. Navigating these distinctions requires the focused attention of a seasoned Summerville criminal defense lawyer.
Awards & Professional Affiliations
Respected By Our Clients & Peers
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Why Choose Our Summerville Criminal Defense Attorneys
When facing criminal charges in Summerville, selecting the right legal representation is paramount. At Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A., we believe our commitment to excellence, professionalism, and public service makes us the ideal choice for individuals navigating the complexities of the South Carolina criminal justice system. Our firm, established in 2005, has cultivated a reputation for delivering sound legal guidance with a compassionate approach, ensuring that every client feels heard and supported.
Here's why you should choose our team as your criminal defense attorney in Summerville:
- Seasoned Legal Professionals: Our firm is composed of 13 experienced lawyers, each possessing a broad base of knowledge in critical areas of law, including criminal defense. This collective background ensures we bring a wealth of insight to your case.
- Free Consultations: We offer complimentary initial consultations, allowing you to discuss your criminal charges in Summerville, SC, without financial obligation and understand your options.
- Compassionate & Effective Advocacy: We are dedicated to providing not just legal representation, but truly compassionate and effective services, understanding the personal toll that criminal accusations can take.
- Client-Centered Approach: The cornerstone of our success lies in the quality relationships and open communication we maintain with our clients. We keep you informed and involved at every stage of your defense.
- Deep Local Knowledge: With our office in Charleston and serving Summerville, we possess an intimate understanding of the local courts, prosecutors, and legal nuances that can impact your case in the Summerville area.
- Comprehensive Defense Strategies: Whether it involves challenging evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, or representing you vigorously at trial, our Summerville criminal defense lawyer team develops tailored strategies to protect your rights.
- Commitment to Your Future: We work tirelessly to mitigate the impact of criminal charges in Summerville, SC, on your life, striving for outcomes that preserve your freedom, reputation, and opportunities.
Choosing Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A. means partnering with a dedicated criminal defense attorney in Summerville who will stand by you every step of the way, fighting for the justice you deserve.
Working With Our Firm on Your Case
When you are charged with a crime in the Summerville area, you may not know what will happen next, how quickly you must act, or what information your lawyer needs from you. We walk you through an initial consultation where we listen to your concerns, review paperwork from the Summerville Municipal Court or Dorchester County courts, and discuss any upcoming deadlines or court dates. By explaining how investigations, plea negotiations, and possible trial settings typically unfold in South Carolina criminal courts, we help reduce uncertainty and give you a clearer picture of the road ahead with a committed defense attorney Summerville residents can rely on.
During the life of your case, we stay in close contact to answer questions, prepare you for important events such as bond hearings or preliminary hearings, and gather records or witness information that may be important to your defense. We also discuss practical issues like how to handle your job, family obligations, or travel plans while your case is pending so you can plan realistically. Our goal is to work as a team with you, making sure you understand your choices at each stage and feel supported by a steady and experienced guide.
Your Next Step Towards Legal Confidence
If you’re facing legal challenges in Summerville, reach out to Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A. today. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation and provide legal guidance at no initial cost. Our commitment to open communication and respect ensures your voice is heard and valued. Our team is dedicated to alleviating concerns and assisting you through the complexities of criminal charges.
When you reach out to our firm, you can expect the following steps:
- Initial conversation: We start by learning about your charges, your background, and any prior contact you have had with the criminal justice system in Dorchester County or Charleston County.
- Case document review: We carefully review tickets, warrants, incident reports, and court notices so you understand what has been filed and what the next deadlines are.
- Discussion of goals: We talk through your concerns about jail exposure, your record, and personal priorities so we can begin shaping a defense strategy that aligns with your objectives.
- Planning your next steps: We explain what to expect at upcoming hearings in Summerville Municipal Court or Dorchester County courts and outline what we will do before those dates to protect your interests.
When you contact us, we take time to learn about your background, the charges you are facing, and any prior involvement you may have had with the criminal courts in Dorchester County or nearby Charleston County. We then walk you through the typical stages of a case in the Summerville Municipal Court or the Dorchester County courts so you know what to expect at each appearance. By outlining potential collateral consequences, such as effects on employment, housing, or professional licensing, we help you make informed decisions and work with you to plan for both the immediate case and your long-term goals with a trusted criminal attorney.
Contact us at (843) 790-0083 or reach out online to begin crafting your defense strategy that addresses your unique needs and prospects.
Why Choose us?
Knowledge. Experience. Results.
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12 Attorneys on Staff
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We Educate Our Clients on the Legal Process With Its Inherent Risks & Rewards
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Our Firm Develops a Unique Strategy for Each Case
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We Are Boutique Firm With Large Firm Experience & Reputation
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Each Client Receives Transparent Communication & Personalized Attention
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Your Initial Consultation Is Free & Confidential