- Divorce
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Child AbuseAuthorities investigate and prosecute homicide crimes to the utmost of their ability. We work for the best possible outcome for your case – minimizing charges and penalties as well as protecting your rights and your future. We also provide aggressive defense in homicide by child abuse cases.
- Criminal DefenseColumbia & Charleston South Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyers | Serving 29033, 29169, 29170, 29172, 29201, 29202, 29203, 29204, 29205, 29206, 29207, 29208, 29209, 29210, 29225, West Columbia, Cayce, Forest Acres, Arthurtown, St. Andrews, Woodhill Estates, Fort Jackson, Springdale, Oak Grove, Five Points
- DUI/DWIAn arrest for DUI triggers a chain of consequences, some of which take effect immediately. A DUI charge here and across the country essentially involves two levels of legal proceedings – the criminal charge involving your liberties and the administrative process involving your driving privileges.
- Traffic ViolationsAttorney Hough can consult with you to determine if this might be a good option for your case. Students facing criminal charges like minor traffic violations or other non-violent offenses may also be eligible for diversion programs.
- Sex CrimesAcross the country, sexual assault offenses are an increasingly current and hotly debated topic, especially related to campus rape and sexual misconduct in the military. Everyone agrees that sexual assault is a problem that must be addressed strongly and swiftly. However, wrongful criminal sexual conduct (CSC) charges are also equally harmful to the accused.
- FraudIf the management or ownership of a company knowingly misrepresents information about the business to gain investors, they can be charged with securities fraud. These illegal activities can include inflating profit margins, misrepresenting losses, or disseminating misinformation regarding the company’s business activities.
- RobberyThe act of robbery involves taking property from another individual through the use of threats or violence. Robbery is a felony crime and a conviction can result in up to 20 years in prison. If you’ve been accused of robbery, or believe you’re under investigation, it’s crucial you contact an attorney as soon as possible. Your best chance for a positive outcome is to begin fighting the charges against you immediately.
- BurglaryExamples of burglary tools can include any engine, machine, tool, false key, picklock, bit, nippers, nitroglycerine, dynamite cap, coil or fuse, steel wedge, or drill tap-pin. They can also include master keys and key sets, or even screwdrivers.
- White Collar Crimes
- Theft
- MisdemeanorsUnder South Carolina law, theft is typically charged as larceny. Charges are more severe depending on the value of the property allegedly stolen, as well as if the individual had a previous criminal record. For example, petit larceny is a misdemeanor, while grand larceny is a felony. It’s important to understand the charges you’re facing, as well as the consequences of a conviction. We work with you to design a strategic defense to avoid as many of these penalties as possible.
- EmbezzlementA very common white-collar crime, embezzlement involves taking money from an employer, client, or business partner. The money can be actual cash, using their credit card to make unauthorized or fraudulent purchases, or any number of other financial offenses.
- Drug CrimesHere in South Carolina, drug trafficking and sales is an extremely serious drug offense that brings serious penalties with conviction. Unfortunately, the full definition of trafficking can be difficult to understand. When many people think of drug trafficking, they imagine transporting a large amount of drugs over state lines with the intent to sell and distribute.
- AssaultThe state of South Carolina takes assault crimes very seriously. An assault conviction can carry penalties that will follow you long after you’ve paid your debt to society, in the form of a criminal record that will strip you of many of your constitutional rights. If you’re facing assault charges, it’s important you have a professional on your side who can strongly advocate for you, working to avoid both conviction and a criminal record.
- MurderAlthough some states differentiate between degrees of murder, South Carolina does not. Instead, murder is simply defined as the killing of any person with malice aforethought, either express or implied. Generally, murder charges mean the prosecution believes the accused had the specific or general intent to commit murder.
- HomicideIt’s important to remember, if you’ve been accused of homicide, the Castle Doctrine defense is not available to individuals who’ve used deadly force against members of law enforcement who have identified themselves as such and/or are acting within the scope of their authorized duties.
- ArsonHere in South Carolina, arson is a felony offense, categorized as first-, second- or third-degree. According to S.C. Code § 16-11-110, arson is willfully and maliciously burning, setting fire to, causing an explosion, or causing a structure or property to be burned, resulting in death or serious bodily injury.
- ShopliftingAs a longtime theft defense lawyer, Attorney Hough understands that there are a variety of situations that can lead to misunderstandings, and you may find yourself facing shoplifting charges without ever having intended to steal anything.
- Restraining OrderState law mandates that if an individual has been convicted of a felony, violent crime, or domestic violence, he or she can’t possess a firearm. Individuals under orders of protection or restraining orders also can’t have access to firearms, although they may regain access when an order is expired or lifted.
- Money LaunderingMoney laundering is typically prosecuted as a federal crime. It means obtaining funds from criminal activities through seemingly legitimate means. There are a wide variety of ways to launder money, from the simple to the extremely complex.
- KidnappingKidnapping isn’t usually the way we see it on television or in the movies, with ransom notes and carefully planned drop-offs and secret phone calls. Often, kidnapping happens in the heat of the moment – when the accused is emotionally charged and sometimes not even aware he or she has broken the law.
- ManslaughterInvoluntary manslaughter. Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, occurs more from criminal recklessness or negligence, rather than intention or malice. Criminal negligence is a reckless disregard for the safety of others. If the accused person placed others in an unlawful and dangerous situation that had the potential to cause death or serious harm, he or she can be charged with involuntary manslaughter.
- Internet Crimes
- ProstitutionEven the mere accusation of a sex crime can negatively affect your life. An arrest or charge means you need a defense attorney immediately. Most sex crimes are felony offenses, including rape and criminal sexual conduct. Sex crimes can also include prostitution or indecent exposure. A conviction can result in jail time, loss of rights, and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender. Randy Hough will work to minimize or dismiss your charges at all costs.
- ExtortionWe explore every option available. We thoroughly review the circumstances of your charges and arrest, ensuring your rights were not violated and that law enforcement acted properly. We perform our own investigation, combating issues like false charges or extortion. We work and negotiate with prosecutors to either minimize the charges against you or have them dropped altogether. Our goal is for the best possible resolution to your case.
- Employment ContractThere are times when being accused of a crime is just as damaging as being convicted of one. Certain populations of people, such as those with professional licenses or those whose employment contracts contain “morality clauses,†know this to be true. But there is no group of people which understands these risks more than our men and women in uniform for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
- Property Damage