Felony Attorney in Lexington

Serious Felony Charges Call For Serious Representation

Being charged with a felony in South Carolina can threaten your freedom, your job, and your future. You may be worried about going to jail, losing contact with your family, or carrying a permanent criminal record. In this moment, you need clear information and a steady legal team of felony attorneys in Lexington that knows how to defend serious criminal cases.

At Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we defend people who are facing felony accusations in South Carolina courts. Our primary office is in Lexington, and we regularly represent clients across the state in both state and federal court. We offer free initial consultations so you can talk with us about what happened and what comes next without any financial obligation at the start.

The goal of our felony criminal defense attorneys in Lexington is to give you straightforward guidance, answer your questions, and begin protecting your rights as early as possible. 

To schedule your free consultation with our felony attorneys in Lexington, call (803) 359-3301 today or contact us online.

Why People Facing Felony Charges Turn To Our Firm

When you search for a felony attorney in Lexington, you are looking for more than a name on a website. You need a defense team that has been through this many times before and understands what is at stake. Our firm has provided representation in over 4,000 legal matters, including many serious criminal cases. This volume of work reflects years of helping people navigate high stakes legal problems.

Our attorneys are licensed to practice in South Carolina state courts and in federal court. This matters because some felony cases, such as certain drug or financial allegations, can involve federal charges or investigations. Having a team that is comfortable in both systems allows us to evaluate where your case fits and how to respond.

Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC is based in Lexington, with an additional office in Columbia. This local presence makes it easier for clients to meet with us, attend strategy sessions, and prepare for court in the region. Our attorneys are active in organizations such as the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, which reflects our commitment to criminal defense practice and to the development of a more just legal system.

We also provide free initial consultations. During this first conversation, we review your charges or investigation, discuss possible concerns about bond or upcoming hearings, and outline potential paths forward. There are no hidden fees at this stage, and you receive an honest discussion of what we see in your situation.

Understanding Felony Charges & Consequences With Our Felony Attorneys in Lexington

If you have been accused of a felony, understanding what that actually means in South Carolina can help you make better decisions. Felonies generally involve more serious conduct than misdemeanors and can carry the potential for longer terms of incarceration, higher fines, and more lasting consequences. Many violent offenses, serious drug charges, and certain property or financial crimes fall into this category.

Felony convictions can affect more than time in jail or prison. They can influence your ability to get or keep a job, maintain professional licenses, secure housing, or possess firearms. Some convictions also carry registration or reporting requirements. These collateral effects are often what worry people the most because they can extend long after the case is closed.

Felony cases in South Carolina typically begin with an arrest or a warrant, followed by a bond hearing and later court dates where the charges are addressed. In Lexington County, many felony matters are handled in the Court of General Sessions at the county judicial center. Which court hears your case usually depends on the type of charge and where the conduct is alleged to have occurred.

The outcome of any felony case depends on many factors. These include the specific statute involved, the evidence collected, your prior record, and how the prosecution and defense approach the case. Our felony attorneys in Lexington work to analyze all of these pieces and to give you realistic information about the range of possibilities without promising any particular result.

What To Do After A Felony Arrest Or Charge

The time right after a felony arrest or when you first learn about a warrant is often confusing and frightening. You may be unsure who to talk to or what to say. Taking a few careful steps can help protect your rights and your future before you meet with a felony defense attorney in Lexington or elsewhere in the state.

Protect Your Rights Immediately

First, be cautious about discussing the facts of your case. Statements you make to law enforcement, potential witnesses, or on recorded phone calls can be used in court. You generally have the right to remain silent and to request a felony attorney in Lexington. Using these rights early can prevent misunderstandings or admissions that might harm your defense.

Follow Court Orders & Stay Organized

Second, pay close attention to bond conditions and court dates. Courts often set rules regarding travel, contact with certain individuals, or drug and alcohol use. Missing a court appearance or violating bond conditions can create additional problems, including the possibility of being taken back into custody. Keeping all paperwork you receive in one place helps you and your lawyer keep track of what is required.

Gather Helpful Information

It can also be helpful to gather information that may matter later. This can include contact information for potential witnesses, documents related to the incident, or records that show employment, medical issues, or other personal circumstances. You do not have to organize everything perfectly before speaking with a lawyer. However, having basic information available can make your first meeting more productive.

Contact A Defense Lawyer Early

Finally, contact a felony lawyer in Lexington as soon as you can. When people reach out to Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we use the free initial consultation to listen to your account, review the charges or investigation, and explain the basic stages that usually follow in South Carolina felony cases. We also discuss immediate concerns such as bond, no contact orders, or job-related issues, so you understand what to focus on right away.

How Our Felony Defense Attorneys Approach Your Case

Facing a felony charge is not just about one court date. It is a process that can unfold over months, with important decisions at each stage. As a felony attorney in Lexington and an option for many clients, we work to make that process as understandable and manageable as possible.

Careful Review Of Charges & Evidence

Our attorneys review the charging documents, the available evidence, and the procedures that law enforcement used. We look for issues such as whether searches were lawful, whether statements were properly obtained, and how the prosecution may try to present the case. We then discuss with you the options that may be available, which can include filing motions, pursuing negotiations, or preparing for trial, depending on the circumstances.

Consistent Communication & Support

Communication is a central part of how we work. Each client is assigned a specific paralegal who helps coordinate information, schedule meetings, and respond to questions. We follow a pre-planned communication system that is designed to keep you informed about upcoming court dates, developments in your case, and decisions that need your input. Our aim is that you always know who to contact and what is happening next.

We also strive to explain legal concepts in everyday language. Many people who come to us have never been involved in the criminal system before and find legal terms confusing. Our felony attorneys in Lexington take the time to walk through what terms like indictment, discovery, or plea hearing mean in your case and what choices may arise at each stage.

Experience In Courts Across South Carolina

Because we represent clients in courts across South Carolina, including in and around Lexington, we are familiar with how felony cases often proceed in different settings. This experience helps us anticipate what may be important for your case and to prepare you for what to expect when you appear in court.

Common Felony Cases We Handle

People come to our firm with many different kinds of felony accusations. Some involve allegations of violence. Others center on drugs, property, or financial conduct. Whatever the specific charge, our focus is on understanding the facts, the applicable law, and your goals.

Types Of Felony Charges

Our work includes defending clients charged with serious drug offenses, such as distribution or trafficking, violent offenses such as certain assaults or robbery, and property or financial crimes that can carry felony level consequences. Our felony attorneys in Lexington also assist individuals accused of sex offenses and other charges that can have particularly long-term effects on reputation and future opportunities.

We represent both first-time accused individuals and those who have prior criminal records. The presence or absence of prior convictions can significantly affect potential sentencing and the way prosecutors view a case. As a felony criminal defense lawyer in Lexington, we take these background factors into account when developing a strategy and advising you on your choices.

State & Federal Felony Matters

Some cases remain in state court, while others may involve federal charges or investigations. Because our attorneys are licensed in state and federal courts, we can evaluate which system is involved and how that might affect penalties, procedures, and timelines. Across these different categories, our experience in thousands of matters has taught us that each case is unique and requires close attention to detail.

Working With A Local Felony Lawyer In Lexington

Choosing a local attorney can make a meaningful difference when you are dealing with a serious criminal case. Working with a felony attorney in Lexington who regularly appears in nearby courts can provide practical and personal benefits during an already stressful time.

Our main office is located in Lexington, which makes it easier for clients and their families to meet with us in person. Many felony hearings in this area take place at the Lexington County Judicial Center. Being close by allows us to meet before and after important court dates and to address issues that may arise quickly.

Local familiarity also helps with understanding how cases typically move through the docket. While every judge and prosecutor has their own style, appearing regularly in the same courthouses gives our attorneys insight into common practices and expectations. We use this knowledge to better prepare you for what you may experience in the courtroom and behind the scenes.

In addition to our Lexington office, we maintain a presence in Columbia, which can be helpful when cases involve courts in that part of the state. This regional reach, combined with our focus on communication, allows us to stay accessible and responsive, whether your case is heard in Lexington County or another South Carolina court.

When you visit us, you meet with a team that is rooted here and that understands what it means to face serious charges in this community. Our goal is to pair legal skill with an approachable, client-centered environment.

Taking action early can give us more time to begin planning your defense and addressing urgent concerns like bond and upcoming hearings. Call us at (803) 359-3301 today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to go to jail for a felony in South Carolina?

Not every felony case results in jail or prison time, but many carry the possibility of incarceration. Whether a court imposes a custodial sentence depends on several factors, including the charge itself, any mandatory minimums set by statute, your prior record, and the specific facts alleged. The position taken by the prosecution and the strength of the evidence can also play important roles.

When you meet with our team, we review the statute you are charged under and any known sentencing ranges. We then discuss how factors such as prior convictions, mitigating circumstances, or alternative programs might influence the potential outcome. Our attorneys work to identify options that may reduce exposure where possible, but we do not promise any specific result in advance.

What should I do right after being charged with a felony?

After being charged with a felony, the most important step is to protect your rights. You generally have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer before answering questions about the incident. Using those rights can prevent statements that might later be used against you.

You should also keep track of your bond conditions and all court dates. Bring any paperwork you receive, such as warrants or tickets, to your consultation with a lawyer. It can be helpful to make a list of potential witnesses or important details while they are fresh in your mind.

If you contact Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we use the free initial consultation to talk through what has happened so far, including any contact with law enforcement and upcoming hearings. We then outline practical steps you can take before your next court date and explain how we may be able to assist you.

How will your firm keep me updated about my felony case?

We place a strong emphasis on communication throughout your case. Each client is assigned a specific paralegal who serves as a consistent point of contact. This person helps coordinate information, schedules, and routine questions so that you always know whom to call.

Our attorneys and staff use a planned communication system that includes updates before key hearings, follow up after important events, and check ins when there are developments in negotiations or motions. We strive to explain what each stage means and what decisions may be coming next. Our goal is that you never feel left in the dark about where your case stands.

How much does it cost to hire a felony attorney?

The cost of hiring a felony attorney depends on factors such as the complexity of the case, the number of charges, and whether the matter is likely to proceed to trial. More involved cases usually require additional time for investigation, motion practice, and preparation.

At Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, the initial consultation is free, so you can speak with us about your situation without paying anything upfront for that first meeting. During the consultation, we discuss how our fee structure would apply to your case and answer questions about costs. We are committed to transparency and do not add hidden fees to the consultation itself.

How long will my felony case take?

The length of a felony case can vary widely. Some matters resolve in a few months, while others take a year or more. Timing often depends on the court schedule, the complexity of the evidence, whether there are co defendants, and whether the case is resolved through negotiations or proceeds to trial.

In Lexington County and other South Carolina courts, felony cases typically move through several stages, such as initial appearances, discovery, motion hearings, and possible plea or trial dates. During your consultation, we discuss how these stages might apply to your case and provide a general sense of possible timeframes based on our experience in the area.

Can you handle felony charges in federal court?

Yes, our attorneys are licensed to practice in federal court as well as South Carolina state courts. This is important because some felony matters, especially those involving certain drug, financial, or firearms allegations, may be brought in federal court.

Federal criminal practice has different rules, procedures, and potential penalties from state courts. When you come to us with charges or an investigation that could involve federal authorities, we evaluate which system is involved and how that affects your options. We then discuss with you how our representation would work in that setting.

Why should I choose a local felony lawyer in Lexington?

Working with a local lawyer offers practical and personal advantages. A felony defense lawyer in Lexington who regularly appears in nearby courts is familiar with local procedures, typical scheduling patterns, and how cases often progress in that setting. This experience can help set realistic expectations for your case.

Local representation also makes in-person meetings easier. You can meet with our attorneys at our Lexington office to prepare for hearings at the Lexington County Judicial Center and to discuss strategy with your family, if appropriate. Choosing a local firm gives you access to a team that is close by throughout the life of your case, which many clients find reassuring.

When you contact us, we take the time to listen, review your situation, and explain how the felony process typically works for cases like yours.