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Formidable Fort Mill and Rock Hill Murder and Homicide Attorney

Fort Mill and Rock Hill Murder and Homicide Attorney

Fearlessly defending the accused in York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties

Homicide is the most serious criminal charge you can face because it could literally put your life at stake. You need a criminal defense attorney who will fight to provide you the best chance of a favorable outcome. As a former prosecutor, I understand the gravity of the situation you have found yourself in, and the fear that you are feeling with your future being held in the balance. If you're facing murder or homicide charges, contact Holland Law in Fort Mill or Rock Hill as soon as you can.

Why you need an experienced homicide defense attorney

The difference between your freedom and spending decades in prison largely depends on the experience and knowledge of the attorney representing you. At Holland Law, you can expect that I put my all into making sure you receive a fair trial. Any evidence and witness testimony that can be challenged will be vigorously attacked to bolster your defense.

I provide legal representation for all South Carolina homicide crimes, including:

  • Murder. Killing of any person with malice aforethought, either express or implied is a felony that carries a penalty of 30 years to life in prison, or death, upon conviction or a guilty plea.
  • Attempted Murder. Attempt to kill another person with malice aforethought, either expressed or implied. This felony carries a potential 30-year prison sentence upon conviction.
  • Manslaughter. Unlawful killing of another without malice, express or implied. Upon conviction, you face 2 - 30 years in prison.
  • Involuntary manslaughter. Death from criminal negligence comprised of reckless disregard of the safety of others. Conviction can result in imprisonment for up to 5 years.
  • Administering or attempting to administer poison with intent to kill. Upon conviction of this felony charge, you may serve up to 20 years in prison.
  • Assault and battery by mob in the first degree. This is a lynching crime resulting in violence inflicted by a mob of two or more people upon the body of another person ending in that person's death. Upon conviction of this felony crime, you face a prison sentence of at least 30 years.
  • Homicide by child abuse. Depending upon the form of abuse, upon conviction of a felony under this crime, you face being sentenced to prison for at least 10 years up to life.

Even when someone who has been convicted of murder or another homicide offense isn't sentenced to life in prison, there are rights that he or she stand to lose. The ability to hold a driver's license, or even certain professional licenses or employment positions, can be lost. Damage to your reputation on top of social stigma comes with having a homicide conviction on your criminal record. Being able to move past these hurdles to get on with your life can prove to be difficult.

The death penalty still exists for special circumstances

South Carolina is one of 30 states that still imposes the death penalty. Although there has not been an execution since 2011, there are currently 40 inmates sitting on death row in our state. When you face the ultimate consequence for a crime you are charged with, you need a criminal defense attorney with the knowledge that will give you an advantage in tipping the scales of justice in your favor.

Aggravating circumstances under South Carolina Code § 16-3-20 considered in a death penalty sentence includes murder being committed during the commission of:

  • Criminal sexual conduct in any degree
  • Kidnapping
  • Trafficking in persons
  • Burglary in any degree
  • Robbery while armed with a deadly weapon
  • Larceny with use of a deadly weapon
  • Killing by poison
  • Drug trafficking
  • Physical torture
  • Dismemberment of a person
  • Arson in the first degree

Additional circumstances that can lead to a death sentence include:

  • Murder committed by a person with a prior murder conviction.
  • By committing a murder in public using a means that would knowingly create a risk that would be hazardous to multiple lives.
  • Committing murder for financial gain.
  • Murder of a current or former judicial officer, current or former solicitor, or other officer of the court during or because of the exercise of his/her official duty.
  • Causing or directing another to commit murder.
  • Murder of a current or former federal, state, local law enforcement officer, or fireman during or because of the performance of his/her official duties.
  • Murder of a family member of an official with the intent to impede or retaliate against the
  • Two or more persons were murdered by the defendant by one act or pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct.
  • Murder of a child eleven years of age or under.
  • Murder of a witness or potential witness for the purpose of impeding or deterring prosecution.
  • Murder was committed by a person deemed a sexually violent predator.

Holland Law will fight like your life depends on it, because it may. Prosecutors come at defendants in homicide cases with the full force of the state behind them. South Carolina has seen an alarming increase in violent crime, particularly murder. Murder committed by juveniles has become an increasing concern. If you're a young adult with a murder charge hanging over your head, you risk facing literally your entire life in prison before you've even really begun one.

I know how to prosecute a murder, so I know how to anticipate the challenges and arguments that may arise if you are charged with homicide. As Sun Tzu said, “move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.” If your charges can be dropped, I will fight to get it done. If evidence was illegally obtained, I will fight to suppress it. If your charge can be reduced, I will negotiate. If a trial is unavoidable, I will put my trial experience to work for you to obtain an acquittal or a not-guilty verdict.

A battle-tested approach to homicide defense in Fort Mill, Rock Hill, and throughout the state

You deserve a powerful defense approached with the same zeal to protect your rights. As a former prosecutor in both the 16th and 6th circuits, SAUSA, and General Counsel for the Lancaster County Sherriff's office, I have special insight into the strength or weakness of the state's case against you.

I investigate all evidence on both sides of the case to determine how to limit what can be used against you. Additionally, evidence favoring your defense will be assessed to see how it can best serve to position your defense for success based on the arguments crafted specifically for you.

At first sign that you are a suspect, you need to enlist the help of a legal professional who will not just properly advise you, but will be with you throughout the process to protect your rights.

A conviction doesn't necessarily mean it's over

If you have been convicted of a murder or homicide charge, don't lose hope. You can always appeal the decision. Grounds may exist beginning before your arrest so it's important to lay out all of the details to me, so that I can formulate the best strategy to give you the best chance for success.

Preserving every possible ground for an appeal can mean the difference between spending life in prison or coming home.

Charged with homicide? Contact Holland Law LLC today

When your life is on the line, you need an attorney you can be confident will argue the strongest defense on your behalf. Holland Law believes that an attorney-client relationship forms a working partnership with respect to handling your defense. I am committed to advocating for York, Lancaster, and Chester County clients charged with murder or homicide. To schedule a consultation with me in either my Fort Mill office on Gold Hill Road, or in my Rock Hill office on Oakland Avenue, please call 803-590-6692, or reach out to me through my contact page.

Contact Me Today

Holland Law LLC is committed to answering your questions about Divorce and Family Law, DUI, Criminal Defense, and Personal Injury law issues in South Carolina. I'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact me today to schedule an appointment.

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