What to Know About Wetmore Law Firm's Criminal Defense Practice

Wetmore Law Firm handles criminal defense cases across South Carolina

Wetmore Law Firm is a criminal defense practice based in South Carolina that represents clients facing state and federal charges. The firm works with individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process—from arrest through trial and appeal. Their practice covers felonies, misdemeanors, and other criminal matters.

If you are facing criminal charges, understanding what a criminal defense firm does and how to evaluate one is an important first step. This guide explains how Wetmore Law Firm operates, what services they offer, and how to think about choosing a criminal defense attorney for your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Wetmore Law Firm represents clients in criminal cases at the state and federal level across South Carolina.
• Criminal defense attorneys work to protect your rights from the moment of arrest through trial, sentencing, and appeal.
• The firm handles both felony and misdemeanor charges, meaning they work with cases ranging in severity.
• When choosing a criminal defense attorney, consider their experience with cases similar to yours and their track record in your local court system.
• Initial consultations with a criminal defense firm often cover the charges you face, possible outcomes, and next steps in your case.

What criminal defense attorneys do

A criminal defense attorney's role is to protect your constitutional rights and build the strongest possible defense to the charges against you. This includes reviewing police reports and evidence, identifying procedural errors, negotiating with prosecutors, and representing you in court. The attorney works on your behalf regardless of whether you intend to go to trial or pursue a plea agreement.

Criminal defense work involves several distinct phases. Early on, an attorney reviews the arrest circumstances, bail conditions, and initial charges. They may file motions to suppress evidence, challenge search procedures, or request bail reduction. As the case moves forward, they investigate the prosecution's case, interview witnesses, and explore settlement options. If the case goes to trial, the attorney presents your defense and cross-examines prosecution witnesses.

Types of cases Wetmore Law Firm handles

Wetmore Law Firm works with both felony and misdemeanor charges. Felonies are the more serious category—crimes like assault, robbery, drug trafficking, or sexual offenses that carry potential prison sentences of more than one year. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses such as simple assault, DUI, or theft under a certain dollar amount, typically punishable by up to one year in jail.

The firm also handles federal criminal cases, which involve violations of federal law and are prosecuted in federal court rather than state court. Federal cases often involve crimes like fraud, drug trafficking across state lines, or firearms offenses. Federal cases follow different procedures and sentencing guidelines than state cases, so experience in federal court matters significantly.

How to prepare for an initial consultation

Before meeting with an attorney at Wetmore Law Firm or any criminal defense firm, gather documents related to your case. Bring any arrest paperwork, court notices, police reports you have received, and bail or bond paperwork. Write down a timeline of events as you remember them, including when you were arrested and what happened before and after.

During the consultation, be honest and complete in describing your situation. Everything you tell a criminal defense attorney is protected by attorney-client privilege, meaning they cannot share it with prosecutors or others without your permission. This protection exists so you can speak freely and your attorney can give you accurate advice about your options and the likely outcomes in your case.

Prepare questions about the attorney's experience with cases like yours, their approach to your specific charges, and what they see as the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution's case. Ask about fees, payment plans, and what happens next if you decide to work together.

Understanding criminal court procedures in South Carolina

South Carolina criminal cases follow a specific sequence. After arrest, you appear before a magistrate or judge for an initial appearance, usually within 24 hours. At this hearing, bail or bond conditions are set. You then have the right to a preliminary hearing, where the prosecution must show probable cause that you committed the crime. If probable cause is found, the case moves to circuit court for felonies or remains in magistrate or district court for misdemeanors.

Discovery is the phase where both sides exchange evidence. The prosecution must provide you with police reports, witness statements, lab results, and other evidence they plan to use. Your attorney reviews this material and may request additional information. Plea negotiations often happen during this phase, with prosecutors offering deals in exchange for guilty pleas.

If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. At trial, the prosecution presents its case first, followed by the defense. The judge or jury then decides guilt or innocence. If you are found guilty, a separate sentencing hearing determines the penalty.

What affects the cost of criminal defense

Criminal defense fees vary based on the complexity of your case, the charges you face, and whether the case goes to trial. Misdemeanor cases are typically less expensive than felony cases because they involve fewer court appearances and less investigation. Cases that settle through plea agreements cost less than cases that go to trial, since trial preparation and trial itself require significantly more attorney time.

Federal cases and cases involving multiple charges or co-defendants are generally more expensive. Some firms charge a flat fee for specific services, while others bill hourly. Ask about the firm's fee structure during your consultation, including whether they offer payment plans or accept payment in installments.

Questions to ask before hiring a criminal defense attorney

Beyond experience and fees, ask your potential attorney how they typically communicate with clients and how often you can expect updates. Ask whether they handle their own cases or work with a team, and who you will be working with directly. Find out their policy on plea offers—whether they push clients toward settlement or are comfortable taking cases to trial.

Ask about their familiarity with the specific court where your case will be heard and the judges or prosecutors you will face. Local knowledge matters; an attorney who regularly appears in your courthouse knows the local procedures, judges' tendencies, and how prosecutors in that office typically handle cases like yours. Ask for references from past clients if possible, though many attorneys cannot share client names due to confidentiality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a public defender and a private criminal defense attorney?

Public defenders are attorneys employed by the state to represent people who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. Private criminal defense attorneys work independently or in firms and are paid by their clients. Both are bound by the same ethical rules and have the same duty to defend their clients. The main practical difference is that public defenders often carry larger caseloads, while private attorneys typically take on fewer cases.

Can I change attorneys if I am not satisfied with mine?

Yes, you can request a different attorney. If you have a public defender, you can ask the court to appoint a different one, though the court may deny the request if it finds no good reason. If you have hired a private attorney, you can terminate the relationship and hire someone else, though you may lose fees already paid depending on your agreement with the firm.

What happens if I cannot afford a criminal defense attorney?

If you cannot afford to pay for an attorney, you can request a public defender at your initial court appearance. The court will ask about your income and assets to determine whether you may have access to. If approved, a public defender will be assigned to your case at no cost to you.

Should I talk to police before speaking with an attorney?

No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise both. Anything you say to police can be used against you in court, even if you think you are explaining your innocence. Once you ask for an attorney, police must stop questioning you. Let your attorney handle all communication with law enforcement.

How long does a criminal case typically take?

Timeline varies widely depending on the charges, court backlog, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Misdemeanor cases may resolve in weeks or months. Felony cases often take several months to over a year from arrest to resolution. Federal cases frequently take longer. Your attorney can give you a more specific estimate based on your local court's typical pace and your case's complexity.