Criminal Defense

At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, we understand the serious nature of being charged with a criminal offense, and we know what families go through during the process. Our job is to not only help you build the best defense possible, but to lessen the impact of an accusation, let alone a conviction, can have on your personal and professional life. We understand anyone can make an error in judgment and believe in everyone getting a second chance.

Facing Criminal Charges

Depending on the nature of the crime, you may find yourself charged with either a felony or a misdemeanor offense. A felony charge indicates a more serious crime than a misdemeanor, and usually carries stiffer penalties. Both can involve a combination of punishments, including jail time, probation, counseling, community service, fines, financial restitution, and travel and driving restrictions. First time offenders may face less serious repercussions than repeat offenders.

You are innocent until proven guilty, and the burden of proof lies with the prosecution and the accuser. Without evidence that convinces a jury beyond a reasonable doubt, it is unlikely that the prosecution can turn a charge into a conviction.

The criminal defense attorneys at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates will aggressively defend you against any criminal charge and push for probation or for the prosecution to drop the charges when possible. We will never settle when your future is on the line.

Who We Represent

Our experienced South Carolina criminal defense firm represents clients accused of minor misdemeanors as well as serious felonies. We understand how a criminal charge can impact your life and your reputation, and we’ll do everything in our power to prevent negative consequences. We will work hard to protect your reputation, your family, your career, and your livelihood through every step of the process.

We defend client accused of different criminal charges including:

• Drug charges
• DUI
• Driving with a suspended license
• Violent crimes including rape, murder, assault, kidnapping, and sexual assault
• Fraud and other white collar crimes
• Theft and shoplifting
• Juvenile crimes
• Manslaughter
• Parole violation
• Identity theft

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in the Columbia, Lexington, Orangeburg, Sumter, Camden, Aiken, Newberry, or anywhere else in the state of South Carolina, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A. for a free initial case consultation.