Criminal Defense Attorney inDuncan, SC

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CDH Law Firm: Giving Hope to
Criminal Defense Clients in
Duncan, SC

Getting charged with a crime in Duncan can be a traumatic experience. Even "petty" crimes can cause an individual's life to fall apart professionally and personally. Spending time in jail is bad enough, but the ramifications of a criminal record run deep, resulting in loss of employment, loss of friends, and even family. For many people, having a zealous criminal defense attorney in Duncan, SC, to defend their rights is the only shot they have of living a normal life.

That's why, if you have been charged with a crime, you need the help of a veteran criminal defense lawyer early in the legal process. That's where CDH Law Firm comes in to give you or your loved one hope when you need it the most.

Our criminal defense law firm was founded to help people just like you - hardworking men and women who are looking at diminished employment opportunities and a possible lifetime of embarrassment. But with our team of experts fighting by your side, you have a much better chance of maintaining your freedom and living a normal, productive life. When it comes to criminal law in Duncan, we've seen it all. With decades of combined experience, there is no case too complicated or severe for us to handle, from common DUI charges to complicated cases involving juvenile crimes. Unlike some of our competition, we prioritize personalized service and cutting-edge criminal defense strategies to effectively represent our clients.

Criminal Defense Attorney Duncan, SC

Clients rank Cobb Dill & Hammett, LLC as the top choice for Duncan criminal defense because we provide:

  • One-on-One Counsel
  • Education on the Duncan Legal Process and Its Risks
  • Ardent, Effective Representation
  • Commitment to Our Clients and Defending Their Rights
  • Prompt Inquiry Response
  • Robust Experience with Criminal Law Cases in Duncan
  • Innovative Defense Strategies
  • Effective, Thorough Research and Investigation

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer in Duncan can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal. Our firm has represented thousands of clients in the Lowcountry, and we're ready to defend you too. Some of our specialties include:

 Law Firm Duncan, SC
The-Cobb-Dill-Hammett-Difference

DUI Cases
in Duncan, SC

DUI penalties in Duncan can be very harsh. Many first-time DUI offenders must endure a lifelong criminal record, license suspension, and the possibility of spending time in jail. Officers and judges take DUI very seriously, with 30% of traffic fatalities in South Carolina involving impaired drivers, according to NHTSA. Criminal convictions can have lasting impacts on your life, which is why CDH Law Firm works so hard to get these charges dismissed or negotiated down. In some cases, we help clients avoid jail time altogether.

 Criminal Defense Lawyer Duncan, SC
When you hire our DUI defense firm, our team will always work towards your best interests and will go above and beyond to achieve the best outcome in your case. Depending on the circumstances of your DUI charges, we will investigate whether:
  • Your DUI stop was legal
  • You were administered a field sobriety test correctly
  • The breathalyzer used was calibrated correctly and properly maintained
  • Urine and blood tests were administered and collected properly

The bottom line? Our criminal law defense attorneys will do everything possible to keep you out of jail with a clean permanent record. It all starts with a free consultation, where we will take time to explain the DUI process. We'll also discuss your defense options and speak at length about the differences between going to trial and accepting a plea bargain.

DUI Penalties in Duncan, SC

The consequences of a DUI in Duncan depend on a number of factors, including your blood alcohol level and how many DUIs you have received in the last 10 years. If you're convicted, the DUI charge will remain on your criminal history and can be seen by anyone who runs a background check on you. Sometimes, a judge will require you to enter alcohol treatment or install an interlock device on your automobile.

If you're on the fence about hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Duncan, SC, consider the following DUI consequences:

Criminal Defense Attorney Duncan, SC

First Offense

Offense

48 hours to 90 days

in jail

with fines ranging from

$400 to $1,000

Second Offense

Offense

Five days to three years

in jail

with fines ranging from

$2,100 to $6,500

Third Offense

Offense

60 days to five years

in jail

with fines ranging from

$3,800 to $10,000

Additional consequences can include:

1

Alcohol or Drug Treatment

When convicted of DUI in South Carolina, most offenders must join the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program. This program mandates that offenders complete a drug and alcohol assessment and follow the recommended treatment options.

 Law Firm Duncan, SC

2

Community Service

Some first-time DUI offenders in Duncan may choose to complete community service in lieu of jail time. Community service hours are usually equal to the length of jail time an offender would be required to serve.

 Criminal Defense Lawyer Duncan, SC

Sanctions to Your Driver's License

Typically, when a person is convicted of driving under the influence in Duncan, their driver's license is restricted or suspended. The length of restriction or suspension depends on how many prior DUI convictions an individual has.

First DUI Offense

First-time DUI offenders must endure a six-month license suspension. Drivers convicted with a blood-alcohol level of .15% or more do not qualify for a provisional license. However, sometimes they may still drive using an ignition interlock device.

Second DUI Offense

Offenders convicted of a second DUI charge must use an ignition interlock device (IID) for two years.

Third DUI Offense

Offenders convicted of a third DUI charge must use an ignition interlock device (IID) for three years. That term increases to four years if the driver is convicted of three DUIs in five years.

Immobilized Vehicle

For offenders with two or more convictions, the judge will immobilize their vehicle if it is not equipped with an IID. When a judge immobilizes a vehicle, the owner must turn over their registration and license plate. Clearly, the consequences of receiving a DUI in Duncan can be life-changing, and not in a good way. The good news is that with CDH Law Firm, you have a real chance at beating your charges and avoiding serious fines and jail time. Every case is different, which is why it's so important that you call our office as soon as possible if you are charged with a DUI.

Traffic Violation Cases

Most drivers brush off traffic law violations as minor offenses, but the fact of the matter is they are criminal matters to be taken seriously. Despite popular opinion, Traffic Violation cases in Duncan can carry significant consequences like fines and even incarceration. If you or someone you love has been convicted of several traffic offenses, your license could be suspended, restricting your ability to work and feed your family.

Every driver should take Traffic Violations seriously. If you're charged with a traffic crime, it's time to protect yourself and your family with a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Duncan, SC. Cobb Dill Hammett, LLC is ready to provide the legal guidance and advice you need to beat your traffic charges. We'll research the merits of your case, explain what charges you're facing, discuss your defense options, and strategize an effective defense on your behalf.

Common Duncan
Traffic Violations That CDH Law
Firm Fights

There are dozens and dozens of traffic laws in Duncan, all of which affect drivers in some way. Our Duncan defense attorneys fight a full range of violations, including but not limited to the following:

Criminal Defense Attorney Duncan, SC
  • Driving Under Suspension: If you drive while your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, you could be looking at 30 days in jail and fines up to $300.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated on drugs or alcohol is illegal and often results in jail time and fines.
  • Reckless Driving: You could be ordered to pay up to $200 in fines or jailed for up to 30 days if you drive with wanton disregard for the safety of other people.
  • Racing: You can be cited and fined if you aid or participate in street racing.
  • Hit and Run: When you leave the scene of an accident that involved injury to another party, you can be arrested. This serious charge can lead to up to one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000 for first-time offenders.
  • Disregard Traffic Signals: Drivers must obey all traffic signals and control devices, less they be ticketed and sometimes fined.

As seasoned traffic violation lawyers, we know how frustrating it can be to get charged with a Traffic Violation. While some traffic charges can be minor, others are severe and can affect your life for years to come. Don't leave your fate up to chance call CDH Law Firm today for the highest-quality Traffic Violation representation in Duncan.

Juvenile Crime Cases in
Duncan, SC

At Cobb Dill Hammett, LLC, we understand that children are still growing and learning about the world around them. As such, they may make mistakes that get them into trouble with the law. Children and teens who are arrested in Duncan can face much different futures than other children their age. Some face intensive probation, while others are made to spend time in jail.

This happens most often when a child's parents fail to retain legal counsel for their son or daughter. Cases referred to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice often move quicker than adult cases, so finding a good lawyer is of utmost importance. With that said, a compassionate criminal defense attorney in Duncan, SC, can educate you and your child about their alleged charges. To help prevent your child from going to a detention center, we will devise a strategy to achieve favorable results in their case.

 Law Firm Duncan, SC
 Criminal Defense Lawyer Duncan, SC

Juvenile Detention Hearings

Unlike adults, juveniles don't have a constitutional right to a bond hearing. Instead, once your child is taken into custody a Detention Hearing is conducted within 48 hours. This hearing is similar to a combination of a Bond Hearing and a Preliminary Hearing. Unfortunately, there is little time to prepare for these hearings, which is why you must move quickly and call CDH law firm as soon as possible.

Our team gathers police reports, petitions, interviews your child at the DJJ, speaks with you about the case and talks to the prosecutor to discover if they have plans for detention. In most cases, we strive to avoid detention and seek alternatives like divisionary programs or treatment facilities. This strategy better addresses your child's issues and keeps them out of the juvenile legal system in Duncan. If your child is charged with a crime, and South Carolina decides to prosecute, your child will appear before a family court judge, who will find them delinquent or not delinquent. There are no juries in juvenile cases in South Carolina, which is why it's crucial to have a lawyer present to defend your child if they go in front of a judge.

Common penalties for juveniles charged with crimes in Duncan include:

Criminal Defense Attorney Duncan, SC
  • Probation: Children charged with probation are released to their parents or guardians. Depending on their charges, they must abide by certain stipulations while at home and may be subject to random drug screenings. Violation of probation often results in jail time.
  • 90 Days in Juvenile Detention Center: When probation is not a viable option, prosecutors may push for 90 days of jail time in a juvenile detention facility.
  • Juvenile Detention: Children who commit very serious crimes can be sent to a juvenile detention center for a long time. These sentences can last up to the child's 21st birthday.
  • School Expulsion: When a child is convicted of a crime, their school is notified of the offense. Sometimes, the administration may decide to expel the child from school for the misdemeanors or felonies they commit.

We Fight to Protect
Your Rights So You Can
Provide for Your Family

Whether you are facing a DUI charge or a serious traffic violation, CDH Law Firm is here to fight for your rights so you can continue living life. The future might seem bleak, but our criminal defense lawyers in Duncan, SC, have the tools, experience, and strategy to win your case, as we have with so many others. Don't lose hope call our office today and maintain your freedom tomorrow.

Ask us anything

Call Now 843-936-6680 PH

Latest News in Duncan, SC

Wingstop to open additional location in Spartanburg Co.

(Getty Images)DUNCAN, S.C. (WSPA) – Wingstop is expected open an additional restaurant in Spartanburg County.The new restaurant will be located at 2142 East Main Street in Duncan.It is expected to open in late March or early April.The restaurant will be managed by the same owners as Wingstop located on Eastblackstock Road.Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ...

(Getty Images)

DUNCAN, S.C. (WSPA) – Wingstop is expected open an additional restaurant in Spartanburg County.

The new restaurant will be located at 2142 East Main Street in Duncan.

It is expected to open in late March or early April.

The restaurant will be managed by the same owners as Wingstop located on Eastblackstock Road.

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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President of company AFL, based in South Carolina, has been suspended

DUNCAN, S.C. —The president of AFL, a company based in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, has been suspended.Jody Gallagher was the president and CEO of AFL, a company based in Duncan.The company told WYFF News 4 in an email that Gallagher was suspended pending an internal investigation.The email said Jaxon Lang had been named acting CEO."No other comments are available at this time," the email from AFL said....

DUNCAN, S.C. —

The president of AFL, a company based in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, has been suspended.

Jody Gallagher was the president and CEO of AFL, a company based in Duncan.

The company told WYFF News 4 in an email that Gallagher was suspended pending an internal investigation.

The email said Jaxon Lang had been named acting CEO.

"No other comments are available at this time," the email from AFL said.

The AFL website says Gallagher has served as President and CEO of AFL since 2003.

The website says the company is "an international manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the energy, service provider, enterprise, hyperscale and industrial markets."

The website says the company has 7,000 employees worldwide.

According to the company website, Gallagher has been a member of the board of directors for AFL’s parent company, Fujikura, headquartered in Tokyo.

The website says, "Headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan."

A news release from Fujikura posted on May 26, 2023, said there was an investigation related to "an improper real estate acquisition at a U.S. Subsidiary," after a whistleblowing complaint on May 3, 2023.

The release said in part:

"Based on a whistleblowing complaint made on March 3, 2023, we were made aware of suspicious activities regarding the personal misappropriation of real property owned by one of our US subsidiaries by a director of the Company, who is the CEO of such subsidiary, and launched an internal investigation immediately thereafter. Our investigation is still continuing at this moment, however, to date, it has uncovered that an improper acquisition was made with respect to land purchased in 2020 and a building built in 2022 by such subsidiary (the total value of such land and building at the time of acquisition amounts to approximately 6.5 million US dollars (equivalent to 847 million Japanese yen)). Further, our investigation to date has uncovered that the said officer disguised the purpose for acquiring the land and building to make such subsidiary acquire such property and that said officer used such property for a certain period for its personal purpose. The said officer has been suspended from the US subsidiary and the Company."

The company has not said whether this investigation lead to Gallagher being suspended.

Stoneledge Park: The Park That Should Definitely Be On Your Summer Bucket List In Duncan, SC

Have you visited the water park at Stoneledge Park in Duncan, SC? With a great playground and a water park, this Upstate park is a local favorite. Kidding Around has all the info you need to plan a day at Stoneledge Park and Shipwreck Cove this summer. Stoneledge Park In Duncan, SCStoneledge Park is a local favorite. Situated next to the town water park, it has a great playground with picnic shelters and restrooms. T...

Have you visited the water park at Stoneledge Park in Duncan, SC? With a great playground and a water park, this Upstate park is a local favorite. Kidding Around has all the info you need to plan a day at Stoneledge Park and Shipwreck Cove this summer.

Stoneledge Park In Duncan, SC

Stoneledge Park is a local favorite. Situated next to the town water park, it has a great playground with picnic shelters and restrooms. The park even has a delicate water feature that our family has used as a backdrop for photos.

The town of Duncan regularly utilizes this space for community events and decided to expand the park to include a recreation center, woodland trail, an outdoor amphitheater for movies, and a multipurpose field. In addition to the new features being added, they also plan to upgrade some of the existing things, including a new and improved playground surface.

Stoneledge Park Events Center

The park’s new 3.500 square foot event center is ready to host your event! The rental rate is $100 per hour but includes a free hour before and after your event for set-up and break-down. The rental includes event tables and chairs, which makes this a great deal if you are looking for a venue.

Shipwreck Cove Water Park

Shipwreck Cove recently saw some upgrades too! Adding a bigger slide, an additional pool, and adding an area for toddlers will be added to the park’s existing features. Feedback visitors shared was listened to, and Town Administrator Cam Fant was excited to share the city’s management of the concessions. The hope in doing this is to offer a better quality selection of food for a better value to the park’s visitors. The waterpark hosts special events too.Shipwreck Cove Opens May 27, 2023, and tickets range from $6 – $12

Local mom’s review of Shipwreck Cove in Duncan

Duncanfest

This is an annual spring festival in Duncan that includes rides, live music, and local vendors. The festival also includes a 5K run and golf tournament that are held away from the park.

There are so many exciting things happening for this little corner of Spartanburg! If you haven’t enjoyed these parks, we encourage you to check them out!

Does your family enjoy spending time at Stoneledge Park?

Book removed from South Carolina middle school book fair after parent complaints, district says

DUNCAN, S.C. —An Upstate principal removed a book from the school's book fair after parents complained it was inappropriate, the district confirmed Friday.Melissa Robinette, with Spartanburg School District 5, said the Scholastic Book Fair has been going on all week at Florence Chapel Middle School, on Shoals Road, in Duncan.Several parents expressed concern Wednesday over a book called "Heartstopper Volume 2," citing foul language, graphic content and themes that they felt were not age a...

DUNCAN, S.C. —

An Upstate principal removed a book from the school's book fair after parents complained it was inappropriate, the district confirmed Friday.

Melissa Robinette, with Spartanburg School District 5, said the Scholastic Book Fair has been going on all week at Florence Chapel Middle School, on Shoals Road, in Duncan.

Several parents expressed concern Wednesday over a book called "Heartstopper Volume 2," citing foul language, graphic content and themes that they felt were not age appropriate.

More news: (Story continues after these links)

"Heartstopper Volume 2," by Alice Oseman, is one in a series of four award-winning graphic novel comic books described on the Scholastic website as being for "young adults."

A description on Amazon calls it "an LBGTQ+ graphic novel about life, love and everything that happens in between."

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Robinette said the principal retrieved the book, reviewed it and agreed with the parents, so it was removed from the book fair.

She said the book is not one of the school's library books.

Robinette said District 5 does have a screening process for book fair content but are evaluating it now to determine if it needs to be more stringent.

Scholastic representative Teryl McLane released this statement about the book and its removal:

"We offer the Heartstopper series in our Middle School Book Fairs for teen and young adult readers. It’s a hugely popular, well-reviewed, and award-winning series and has an industry wide recommended reading level of ages 12 and up. The books include many positive messages about friendship, loyalty, and navigating the complexities of adolescence. They also tackle more serious subjects, such as bullying and mental illness, and include some strong, realistic language. I’ve noted some of the series’ awards, Best Book designations, and reviews below.

"We merchandise the series in a special young adult bookcase, and to help parents and readers make an informed choice, we include a mature content note that’s visible to volunteers running the checkout registers to prevent younger students from inadvertently selecting it.

"In deciding which titles to offer, we carefully follow publisher and industry-wide recommendations for each book; lean on requests, appeal, feedback, book recommendations, and guidance from educators, media specialists, publishers, and parents; and group books in our cases by similar age and grade level."

Texas-based Whataburger may open first SC spot in Duncan

DUNCAN — A famous Texas-based burger chain caused a stir earlier this year when it hinted it may set up shop for the first time in South Carolina.Now, Whataburger’s entry to the Palmetto State seems destined for Duncan, a small town along Interstate 85 about halfway between Spartanburg and Greenville.On the evening of Oct. 24, the Duncan Town Council had a special called meeting to host public hearings and vote on multiple annexations. One annexation request was a second reading on the property at 1537 E. Main St., ...

DUNCAN — A famous Texas-based burger chain caused a stir earlier this year when it hinted it may set up shop for the first time in South Carolina.

Now, Whataburger’s entry to the Palmetto State seems destined for Duncan, a small town along Interstate 85 about halfway between Spartanburg and Greenville.

On the evening of Oct. 24, the Duncan Town Council had a special called meeting to host public hearings and vote on multiple annexations. One annexation request was a second reading on the property at 1537 E. Main St., a former Bank of America building next to a Zaxby’s.

Per the agenda, the property is currently unzoned and located in Spartanburg County. The proposal is to establish the zoning classification of General Business District. The head of the Duncan zoning department and Fire Chief Barry Frost described the property as a “little doughnut hole” that was not previously in the town, so this “fills in that little doughnut hole.”

“The property is being negotiated by the owner and Whataburger for a Whataburger site,” Frost said.

He added that the company wanted the property to be brought into the city “before they did anything.”

“My thing is it’s not signed, sealed, delivered until I see a site plan, and then I see dirt being scratched,” Frost said. “Once I see the ground start moving around, then I will be excited.”

The council unanimously passed the annexation.

Town Administrator Cameron Fant confirmed “yes” when asked by The Post and Courier if this was the Texas-based Whataburger and a not a restaurant with a similar name.

In two separate emails to a communications firm representing Whataburger, the newspaper asked for confirmation the East Main Street property was under consideration by the burger chain. The spokesperson declined to provide confirmation or any additional information.

A representative from real estate company Collett, which represents the property, did not respond to an email or call about the potential transaction.

Today you’re holding the latest example of our commitment to delivering local news to Greenville and Spartanburg.

This is the first edition of a new monthly newspaper that we’re publishing in addition to daily coverage we provide at www.postandcourier.com/greenville and www.postandcourier.com/spartanburg. You’ll also find the monthly edition available on our site as an E-Paper, a digital replica of the print version. We’ll publish the edition on the third Thursday of every month.

We’re excited to provide this service. You may recall that The Post and Courier announced in 2020 that we would fill a void as newspapers were closing in South Carolina or drastically reducing coverage. We launched an ambitious expansion across the state. We’ve opened news operations in Greenville and Spartanburg, Rock Hill, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, the Pee Dee, Hilton Head and North Augusta.

Sam R. Hall, a veteran editor who recently moved to Greenville as Upstate and Regional Editor for The Post and Courier, is in charge of coverage in your area. You can reach Sam at shall@postandcourier.com, 864-887-2314 or at our office at 20 Augusta St. in the West End of downtown Greenville.

“The Post and Courier has a tremendous reputation for local journalism, and I’m happy to be a part of this ever-expanding effort,” Hall said. “The commitment to Greenville, Spartanburg and the entire Upstate is evident as we roll out this new product and continue to invest in these communities.”

We hope you’ll support our efforts to continue providing news to you and your communities. Please subscribe at www.postandcourier.com/greenville/subscribe/ or www.postandcourier.com/spartanburg/subscribe/ to support local news in your area.

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This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.