Violent crimes in South Carolina are often reported in the news. Is the cause of such frequent activity due to a poor economy, befriending the wrong people, feeling a lack of available options or simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time? It is hard to know exactly why some people find themselves in these situations, but regardless of the reasoning, the right to a criminal defense is critical. With police cracking down on violent crimes of all types, those accused of such crimes may face felony charges which carry harsh penalties should a conviction ultimately be obtained.
Recently, three men in their early 20s were arrested for their supposed connection to an armed robbery. The robbery took place earlier this month at a local convenience store in West Columbia. According to police reports, one man held the store employee at gunpoint while one raided the cash register and took several packs of cigarettes. The third man accused of this crime supposedly drove the getaway car.
All three men were quickly arrested after their vehicle was pulled over shortly after the robbery. Police claim to have found an unspecified amount of cash and a handgun they assert was used in the robbery. The accused are being held at a local detention center with bail set at $160,000. Charges against them include possession of a weapon, armed robbery and kidnapping.
Accusations of armed robbery are serious, and may result in severe consequences if sufficient evidence is produced to support the claims. Felony charges tend to carry a potential sentence that includes prison time under South Carolina laws. Utilizing the right to defend oneself in a court of law against the allegations, may help in challenging the admissibility and relevance of certain evidence and/or seeking to lessen any possible negative consequences if prosecutors are able to obtain a conviction, including the option of seeking a plea agreement in return for favorable consideration by the court.
Source: wistv.com, Three charged with armed robbery of convenience store”, , April 1, 2014