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.