Charleston Felony Defense Lawyer

Serious charges require serious legal representation.

Felony convictions can affect your freedom, employment opportunities, reputation, and future. Peter David Brown provides experienced criminal defense representation designed to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution's case whenever possible. When the consequences are significant, having the right attorney matters.

Serious Felony Defense Lawyer in Charleston, North Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, Berkeley, Dorchester, and Orangeburg, South Carolina

Defense for Serious Criminal Charges Across the Lowcountry

Being charged with a felony is one of the most serious legal situations you can face. A conviction can result in prison time, significant fines, and long-term consequences that affect more than just your record, but your employment, and future.

At The Law Office of Peter David Brown, we represent individuals facing serious felony charges in Charleston County, Berkeley County, Dorchester County and Orangeburg. We also periodically travel to the Upstate to handle major cases, providing strategic defense and clear guidance at every stage.

Reasonable payment plans are also available.

What Is a Felony in South Carolina?

These cases are typically handled in the general sessions court and often involve more complex procedures than misdemeanor charges. They are prosecuted by assistant solicitors who are well versed in courtroom techniques and tactics.

Felonies are the most serious category of criminal offenses and typically carry:

  • Potential prison sentences and at least probation
  • Significant fines and penalties
  • Long-term or permanent criminal records that cannot be expunged

Types of Felony Charges We Handle in South Carolina

We represent clients facing a wide range of felony charges, including:

  • Violent crimes (assault, armed robbery, etc.)
  • Felony drug charges (distribution, trafficking, PWID)
  • Gun and weapon-related offenses
  • Burglary and property crimes
  • White-collar or financial crimes
  • Serious DUI-related charges involving injury or death
  • Computer sex crimes that are prosecuted by the attorney general’s office

Each case requires a careful review of the facts, evidence, and applicable law.

The Stakes Are High

A felony conviction can impact nearly every aspect of your life, including:

Employment and career opportunities

Professional
licenses

Housing and financial opportunities

Your permanent
criminal record

Firearm rights

Because of these risks, early legal guidance is critical.

Strategic criminal defense approach in South Carolina courts

Building a Strategic Defense

Felony cases often involve extensive investigation and preparation. We take a detailed approach to:

  • Review the evidence and charges by making detailed and comprehensive discovery motions
  • Evaluate how the investigation was initiated, conducted and detailed
  • Identify any possible legal or constitutional issues that would allow us to suppress the evidence
  • Analyze witness statements and reports, looking for motive and/or bias, that would taint the investigation and allow suppression of evidence
  • Determine possible defense strategies applicable and appropriate for that particular defendant- including the ability to testify, based on their criminal record and ability to testify well under pressure.

Our goal is to protect your rights and pursue the most appropriate outcome based on your situation.

What to Expect in a Felony Case in South Carolina

Felony cases may involve multiple stages, including:

Arrest and bond hearing

Preliminary hearing

Grand jury indictment

Pre-trial motions and negotiations

Trial, if necessary

We guide you through each step so you understand what is happening and what to expect.

What to Do If You Are Facing Felony Charges

If you have been arrested or charged:

  • Do not speak with law enforcement without legal guidance, as anything you say or do can be considered evidence. Whether it is treated as a statement, admission, or confession can be a slippery slope when you speak with law enforcement without an attorney to control the use of that information.
  • Do not discuss your case with others
  • Follow all bond conditions carefully
  • Keep all documents and information related to your case, including a detailed log of the number of times you speak with law enforcement and exactly who was present during those conversations. Keep phone numbers and full names of all law enforcement you come in contact with.
  • Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to help you evaluate your situation and determine your needs.

Taking action early can make a significant difference in your case.

Legal team at The Law Office of Peter David Brown in South Carolina

Why Choose The Law Office of Peter David Brown for Your Serious Felony Defense Case?

  • Peter Brown has decades of courtroom experience in South Carolina
  • We prepare a strategic approach tailored to each case
  • Familiarity with local courts, prosecutors, and procedures
  • Direct communication and clear guidance throughout your case
  • Free consultation to discuss your situation

We focus on helping you understand your options and making informed decisions at every step.

Serving Clients Across the South Carolina Lowcountry

We represent clients in the following courts throughout the Lowcountry:

  • Charleston County General Sessions & Magistrates’ Court
  • Berkeley County General Sessions and Magistrates’ Court
  • Dorchester County General Sessions and Magistrates’ Court
  • Orangeburg County General Sessions and Magistrates’ Court
  • City of Charleston Municipal Court
  • Mount Pleasant Municipal Court
  • Goose Creek Municipal Court
  • Summerville Municipal Court
  • Moncks Corner Municipal Court
  • Folly Beach Municipal Court
  • North Charleston Municipal Court
  • Hanahan Municipal Court
  • Santee Municipal Court
  • All other municipal courts and traffic courts throughout the Lowcountry and into the Upstate on demand
Attorney Sarah Kate Crane Tesner at Peter David Brown Law

Get Help Now

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Charleston or the surrounding areas, contact The Law Office of Peter David Brown for a free consultation. No pressure. Just clear answers about your rights and options.

Book Your Free Consultation