Legal Question in Criminal Law in South Carolina

PDC-Public Disorderly Conduct

I've talked with you before & I appreciate your answer(s). Next month will be a year & I still haven't went to court. My attorney sent a letter requesting a jury trial. Since then, my attorney has sent two letters to the city hall requesting a court date. The clerk of court said that they only have ''jury trials'' on criminal cases twice a year. I asked my lawyer about dismissing the case on failure to prosecute, but he says he can't request that because of the way my towns' court system is. Within a year I still haven't been to court. I done nothing wrong. I think the reason they keep prolonging it is because they want me to just give up, but I'm not paying for something I didn't do. Another reason they keep prolonging it is because they know when I win, I could file a civil suit against them. As of this month, I've payed over $2,000 to my attorney & still nothing has taken place. If I was to terminate my attorney monday, I'd be in court by friday. My town is crooked, police, officals, etc. I think I'm getting played with (screwd). I need some help! What can I do?


Asked on 6/14/09, 2:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Johnston Law Offices of Robert J. Johnston

Re: PDC-Public Disorderly Conduct

I would like to be able to help you, but I can't. Your lawyer knows that court, the police, the prosecutors, the judge, the clerk, time frames, the docket, etc., better than I do. I know its very frustrating to have a case sitting out there for a year, but that is not unusal in South Carolina. We have some very, very slow and backed up court systems. If your lawyer has sent a couple letters asking for a court date, then that is probably all he can do. Defense lawyers in this system really do not have any authority with calling cases to court. I wish I could have been more help. Good luck

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Answered on 6/15/09, 8:23 pm


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