Legal Question in Criminal Law in South Carolina

I am a SC resident on a 3 year probation term for a misdemeanor. I was drug tested, passed, and became eligible for termination as of thursday, april 28th. However they require that a local high school OK my termination (I was not arrested at this high school ,nor was in the vicinity of it, I was around 10 miles away). They said after 10 days of the school not responding I would be terminated, but I also have to appear in court May 19th.

My question is should I bring a lawyer to this court case(as the sheet my PO gave me indicated I can have one present), and would it be advisable to have a state-provided lawyer or my own one; and what exactly goes on at these early term trials? Will witnessed be called, will it last several days, can I go back to jail or receive any fines for anything that happens there?

Basically they have screwed with me before, I am wondering if this is legitimate and what my chances are of being terminated are.


Asked on 4/29/11, 11:42 am

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

Any time that a person has a serious legal matter, they should have a lawyer. Yours is very serioius and has very serious possible reprecussions. I strongly advise you to be represented. As far as having a state-provided lawyer as oppossed to a private attorney, the first thing you need to do is call the Public Defenders office and see if you qualify for one. Most people prefer a private attorney. They feel they get more personal attention that way.

In order to answer your questions about what happens at these hearings, I need more information to answer that. Being able to see your paperwork, including the notice of the hearing would be very helpful.

What county is this case in?

You can call if you'd like and I can fill you in.

Robert J. Johnston

843-946-0099

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Answered on 5/11/11, 9:02 pm


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