RESOURCES

When someone understands right from wrong but can’t control their actions because of mental illness, South Carolina law allows for a Guilty, But Mentally Ill verdict. In Part 3 of our series, learn what that means and how it impacts sentencing and treatment.

Preliminary hearings and initial appearances sound similar, but they serve very different purposes in a South Carolina criminal case. Learn what each step means, what to expect, and why having an attorney early on matters.

Criminal responsibility asks what was happening in a person’s mind at the time of a crime. Part 2 of our series, this post explains how South Carolina evaluates the insanity defense, how forensic exams work, and what an NGRI finding really means.

After an arrest in South Carolina, you’ll be given court dates for an Initial Appearance and a Bond Return. This post breaks down what those steps actually mean, how the process varies by county, and what it looks like here in Georgetown.

Before the insanity defense comes into play, a defendant must first be found competent to stand trial. This post breaks down how South Carolina determines competency, how evaluations work, and why experience matters in these cases.

Treatment Court offers structure, accountability, and a real second chance — but it’s not for everyone. Georgetown attorney Erin Bailey breaks down how it works in South Carolina and who it’s right for.

If PTI isn’t available or didn’t work out, you may still have options. Georgetown attorney Erin Bailey explains how Conditional Discharge works in South Carolina — and when it can potentially help protect your record.

PTI, or Pretrial Intervention, can offer a true second chance for first-time offenders in South Carolina. In this post, Georgetown attorney Erin Bailey breaks down how the program works, who qualifies, and when it might not be the right fit.

South Carolina’s new hands-free driving law is now in effect. From Georgetown to Charleston and beyond, drivers can no longer hold phones or other devices behind the wheel. Learn what’s allowed, what’s not, the penalties for violations, and how this law will impact everyday commutes across the Lowcountry.

Missed a court date in South Carolina? You may have a bench warrant for your arrest. This blog explains what a bench warrant is, what happens once it’s issued, and how an attorney can help you get it lifted.

Bond can be taken away if you violate the conditions of your release. This blog explains what bond revocation means in SC, why it happens, and what to expect if you're facing a hearing in Georgetown, Horry, or Charleston County.

Charged with a serious crime and not given bond? We explain why that happens, how long you might wait for a hearing, and what steps to take next. If you or someone you love is being held without bond in Georgetown, Horry, or Charleston County, here’s what you need to know.

Arrested in SC? Start here. This blog breaks down the basics of bond in South Carolina — what it is, how to post it, and what happens if you miss court. A must-read if you or someone you love is facing charges in Georgetown, Horry, or Charleston County.

AI-generated images and deepfakes are now part of South Carolina’s child exploitation laws. Criminal defense lawyer Erin Bailey explains the major updates - and what they could mean for future investigations and prosecutions.

South Carolina now considers it a felony to distribute fentanyl that leads to someone’s death. Criminal defense lawyer Erin Bailey breaks down what the new law covers, how it could be applied, and why proving guilt won’t be so straightforward.

Each year, South Carolina’s legislative session brings legal changes that affect everyday people across the state. In this ongoing...

South Carolina has increased the penalties for failure to stop for law enforcement. Learn what’s changing, what counts as a high-speed pursuit, and how this law could turn a small mistake into a serious felony.

Holding your phone while driving will soon be illegal in South Carolina. Get the facts on what’s allowed, what’s not, how the law affects enforcement, and when citations begin under the state’s new distracted driving law.

South Carolina is cracking down on coordinated theft with a new Organized Retail Crime law. Find out what counts as a “smash and grab,” how charges are prosecuted, and what penalties offenders now face.

For the first time, South Carolina has officially criminalized the act of sharing intimate images without consent - including those created using artificial intelligence.