Being accused of a crime you didn’t commit can be terrifying, confusing, and life-changing. Whether it stems from mistaken identity, false allegations, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, a wrongful accusation can put your job, your reputation, and your freedom at risk.
At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we represent clients in Lexington and Columbia, South Carolina, who are facing criminal charges they did not deserve. If this is happening to you or someone you love, here’s what you need to know—and how we can help fight back.
False Charges Are More Common Than You Think
Many people assume the legal system will sort everything out once the truth comes to light. But that’s not always how it works. In South Carolina, people are charged with crimes every day based on flawed investigations, false statements, or assumptions made by police or prosecutors.
We regularly see clients wrongly accused of crimes such as domestic violence, drug possession, assault, theft, or internet crimes. Sometimes, it's the result of a heated dispute. Other times, it’s caused by misidentification, errors in police reports, or false witness statements. Unfortunately, once you’re charged, the case begins moving forward—and the burden is now on you to defend yourself.
If you've been charged, you may want to read more about the types of criminal cases we handle, and how our firm builds effective defenses for clients across the Midlands.
Don’t Wait and Hope It Will Go Away
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make when falsely accused is assuming the charges will simply be dropped once someone "realizes the mistake." The truth is, once law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office initiate criminal charges, the process becomes formal—and without a strong legal defense, it’s entirely possible to be convicted for something you didn’t do.
You may even be pressured into taking a plea deal, just to avoid jail or public embarrassment, even if you are completely innocent. This is why it's critical to speak to a Lexington, SC criminal defense attorney as soon as you suspect you may be under investigation or after an arrest.
How Our Law Firm Defends Clients Who Are Innocent
When we represent someone who has been falsely accused, we take immediate steps to protect their rights and challenge the prosecution’s case. We begin by launching an independent investigation to uncover facts that may have been missed or misrepresented by law enforcement. We speak directly with witnesses who can support your version of events and review all physical and digital evidence, such as surveillance footage, body cam recordings, and communication records.
We carefully examine the conduct of law enforcement officers to determine whether there were any constitutional violations or procedural errors that could invalidate the evidence. If needed, we consult with experts to refute forensic findings or technical claims presented by the prosecution.
We also identify legal grounds to file motions to dismiss charges that lack merit or are based on unreliable evidence. Our legal strategy always includes preparing to go to trial, if necessary, to make sure your side of the story is presented clearly to a judge or jury. Throughout this process, we negotiate from a position of strength—because we know that you didn’t do what you're accused of, and we're ready to prove it.
Every case is different, and we tailor our approach to the unique facts of your situation. If you're facing a misdemeanor or felony in South Carolina, our criminal law team is here to help.
Your Rights Matter—Let Us Help You Defend Them
Being accused of a crime you didn’t commit is one of the most overwhelming experiences anyone can face. But with the right legal representation, you can take back control of the situation and protect your future.
At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we’ve been defending clients in Lexington, Columbia, and across South Carolina for over 20 years. We know how to expose false allegations, suppress improper evidence, and get charges reduced or dismissed.
If you’ve been falsely accused of a crime, don’t wait. The sooner you get legal help, the better your outcome can be.
Call us today at (803) 359-3301 to schedule your free consultation.
We’re ready to listen, investigate, and defend your rights.