Criminal and traffic charges can result in a loss of persona freedom. Therefore, it may be crucial for defendants who are charged with criminal or traffic violations to seek a lawyer's counsel.

In South Carolina, less serious charges are called misdemeanors; more serious charges are felonies. Either can result in a defendant's incarceration. A felony is a serious crime such as murder, burglary, or robbery. Felonies may be punishable by fine, imprisonment or in the case of capital murder, death. A misdemeanor, or any crime not classified as a felony, is punishable by fine or imprisonment. Examples include simple assault, driving under the influence, trespassing or minor drug charges. An infraction is a violation of an ordinance or regulation, such as traffic rules.

At Smith, Watts and Associates, we have more than 26 years of trial experience defending individuals. We handle cases ranging from reckless driving and driving under the influence charges to complex federal criminal charges.