Author: Aaron De Bruin

Getting A Second Chance In The South Carolina Pretrial Intervention Program

Getting A Second Chance In The South Carolina Pretrial Intervention Program

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People who are first-time offenders charged with a non-violent crime may qualify to participate in South Carolina’s Pretrial Intervention Program. The purpose of the program is to deter first-time offenders from committing crimes in the future. Not all first-time offenders qualify for the Pretrial Intervention Program. Under South Carolina law, the following first-time offenders are not allowed to participate in the program: Offenders who participated or were accepted into the Pretrial Intervention Program in the past; Individuals charged with blackmail, or driving under the influence or with an unlawful alcohol concentration; Individuals charged with a traffic-related offense that only...

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Three Ps Of Sentencing

Three Ps Of Sentencing

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In South Carolina, the terms probation, parole and pardon are often referenced in criminal cases. Although each term relates to sentencing, they have very different meanings. Parole The Board of Paroles and Pardons can order parole, which allows an offender to be released from prison and complete part of his or her sentence in the community. Not every prisoner qualifies for parole. A prisoner who committed a “no parole offense” does not qualify for parole. Under South Carolina law, a “no parole offense” is defined as a class A, B or C felony or any other offense that is...

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Effect Of Domestic Violence On Divorce

Effect Of Domestic Violence On Divorce

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Domestic violence includes causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a spouse or former spouse or another household member. In addition to imprisonment, a domestic violence conviction can have serious consequences in a South Carolina divorce case.  If an individual is convicted or pleads guilty to domestic violence, that person may not later claim that there is no physical abuse in a divorce case. Therefore, the negative effects of domestic violence on divorce can be substantial and can have a lasting impact. Domestic Violence And Divorce In South Carolina, a divorcing party can allege physical abuse as a...

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Drinking Age Law Change In California

Drinking Age Law Change In California

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A ballot initiative has been proposed in California that could potentially lower the drinking age. In California, a proposed law is written as a “ballot initiative” and is submitted to the Attorney General. The Attorney General’s office will give the proposed law a title and summary and the state will prepare a report on the potential financial impact of the proposal. Once the Attorney General’s office has approved the proposal in this way, the proposed bill has 150 days to gather the required number of signatures. The required number of signatures is either five percent (for a statute) or...

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Being Charged With Domestic Violence

Being Charged With Domestic Violence

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Judge, law, lawyer and Justice concept with a close-up 3d rendering of a gavel on a wooden desktop with dark red-brown background. Domestic violence is one of the most serious criminal charges. The negative stigma and financial penalties associated with domestic violence charges can damage your career and destroy relationships with friends and family. If you have been charged with domestic violence, it is very important that you understand the basics of the law and consult with an Attorney Aaron De Bruin. In the state of South Carolina, a new law regarding domestic violence went into effect on June...

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