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McGuire Law

Blythewood Criminal Defense Attorney

A criminal charge in Blythewood, South Carolina can shatter the peaceful suburban life you've built in this close-knit Richland County community. Whether you're facing charges stemming from an incident near Doko Meadows Park, a traffic stop on Main Street, or an investigation involving Fort Jackson personnel, the stakes couldn't be higher.

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Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Criminal Arrests

Attorney Matt McGuire

Your reputation, career, and freedom hang in the balance while prosecutors in Columbia prepare their case against you. Time is working against you as evidence disappears and witnesses' memories fade with each passing hour.

Matthew McGuire has spent over 30 years defending South Carolina residents against criminal charges, and he's available 24/7/365 to protect your rights and fight for your future. With offices in Columbia and extensive experience in Richland County courts, McGuire Law responds immediately when arrests occur in Blythewood.

The Legal Expertise of McGuire Law

Our comprehensive criminal defense experience in Blythewood and throughout Richland County provides clients with the specialized knowledge needed to challenge evidence, protect constitutional rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Criminal Defense Mastery

From DUI to serious felonies, we have successfully defended clients against all types of criminal charges in Blythewood. Our track record includes case dismissals, acquittals, and significantly reduced sentences.

Richland County Court Experience

Over 30 years of experience in Richland County courts gives us intimate knowledge of local prosecutors, judges, and procedures. This familiarity provides our Blythewood clients with a significant tactical advantage.

Constitutional Rights Protection

We scrutinize every aspect of your arrest for Fourth Amendment violations, Miranda violations, and other constitutional breaches that can result in suppressed evidence and dismissed charges.

Military Personnel Defense

Fort Jackson's proximity creates complex jurisdictional issues between civilian and military courts. We understand how to navigate these situations to protect service members' careers and freedom.

Trial Experience

While many cases settle, we're always prepared for trial. Our courtroom experience gives us leverage in negotiations and confidence when litigation is necessary to protect your freedom.

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Common Criminal Charges in Blythewood

Understanding how criminal charges arise in Blythewood helps us build stronger defenses for our clients facing prosecution in Richland County courts.

DUI and Traffic Offenses

Traffic stops along Wilson Boulevard and Main Street frequently escalate into DUI arrests. Blythewood's growing population has led to increased DUI checkpoints along I-77 and Bluff Road.

Drug Possession and Distribution

Traffic stops along busy corridors frequently escalate into drug possession arrests. We challenge search procedures and protect your rights against illegal seizures.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence calls in residential neighborhoods often result in mandatory arrests under South Carolina's primary aggressor laws, even when situations are misunderstood.

Theft and Retail Crimes

Retail theft charges from nearby shopping centers can trigger enhanced penalties if prior convictions exist. We work to protect your record and future opportunities.

Assault and Battery

Bar fights, workplace altercations, and misunderstandings can lead to assault charges. We examine self-defense claims and challenge witness credibility.

Underage Drinking

Citations frequently occur during high school events or college parties when students return home to Blythewood. We work to protect young people's futures.

Social Media Evidence Increasingly Used

Social media investigations increasingly lead to criminal charges, particularly involving cyberbullying, threats, or inappropriate content. Protect your accounts immediately.

McGuire Law's Core Values

Our core values guide every criminal defense case we handle in Blythewood, ensuring you receive the highest quality legal representation built on integrity, dedication, and proven results.

Aggressive Criminal Defense Advocacy

We fight hard for our criminal defense clients. Whether challenging evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, or presenting your case to a jury, we advocate aggressively for your freedom.

24/7 Immediate Response

Criminal arrests require immediate action to protect your rights. We're available around the clock to respond to arrests at Richland County Detention Center and begin building your defense.

Transparent Communication

We believe in honest, straightforward communication about your criminal case. We'll tell you what to expect, what your options are, and what we recommend based on our 30+ years of experience.

Thorough Case Investigation

We investigate every aspect of your arrest and the evidence against you. This thorough preparation reveals constitutional violations and weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Local Court Knowledge

Our extensive experience in Richland County courts means we know the prosecutors, judges, and procedures that affect your case. This local knowledge gives you a tactical advantage.

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Your Rights During Police Encounters

Understanding and asserting your constitutional rights during police encounters can make the difference between conviction and acquittal in Blythewood criminal cases.

Right to Remain Silent

You have the absolute right to remain silent and request an attorney, even during seemingly routine traffic stops. Exercise this right immediately.

Search and Seizure Protection

Police cannot search your vehicle without consent, a warrant, or probable cause, despite their claims of "routine procedures." Never consent to searches.

Recording Police Interactions

Recording police interactions is legally protected in South Carolina, though officers may claim it interferes with their investigation. Continue recording.

Refusing Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests and breathalyzer tests can be refused, though consequences include automatic license suspension. Know your options before deciding.

Miranda Rights

Questioning without Miranda warnings can invalidate confessions, but only if you're in custody and interrogated. Always request an attorney before answering questions.

The McGuire Law Difference

In criminal cases, experience isn't just helpful—it's essential. Matt McGuire has defended thousands of criminal cases since 1993, understanding the tactics police use, the weaknesses in prosecution cases, and how to protect your constitutional rights in Blythewood and throughout Richland County.

Three Decades of Criminal Defense Experience

Over 30 years defending criminal charges throughout South Carolina, from misdemeanors to serious felonies requiring complex defense strategies and trial preparation.

Same-Day Response for Criminal Arrests

When you're facing criminal charges in Blythewood, every hour counts. We guarantee same-day response to all criminal arrest inquiries—even on weekends and holidays.

Evidence Suppression Success

Fourth Amendment violations during searches and seizures provide grounds for suppressing illegally obtained evidence. We challenge every aspect of police procedures.

Richland County Relationships

Our extensive experience in Fifth Judicial Circuit Court gives us relationships with prosecutors and judges that benefit our Blythewood clients through every stage of their cases.

Results-Driven Criminal Defense

We're focused on outcomes that matter—dismissed charges, acquittals, reduced sentences, and protecting your future from permanent criminal records that destroy careers.

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Long-Term Consequences of Criminal Convictions

Criminal convictions create permanent records that affect every aspect of your life for years to come in Blythewood and beyond.

Direct Penalties

  • Jail or prison time depending on charge severity
  • Substantial fines and court costs
  • Probation with strict monitoring requirements
  • License suspension for DUI and drug convictions

Collateral Consequences

  • Felony convictions permanently affect employment and professional licenses
  • Sex offense charges require lifetime registration with severe restrictions
  • Drug convictions can disqualify students from federal financial aid
  • Immigration consequences can lead to deportation for non-citizens

Professional Licensing at Risk

Professional licensing boards often impose disciplinary action separate from criminal penalties, threatening livelihoods in healthcare, education, and other fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about criminal charges and defense strategies in Blythewood and Richland County.

What should I do if I'm arrested in Blythewood?

Exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions or consent to searches. Call McGuire Law at (888) 499-5738 as soon as possible.

Where will my case be heard?

Most criminal cases are prosecuted through the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court in Columbia. Municipal court handles minor offenses, while felony cases proceed directly to General Sessions Court.

Can criminal charges be dismissed?

Yes. Charges can be dismissed for constitutional violations, insufficient evidence, witness credibility problems, or procedural errors. Matt McGuire has secured numerous dismissals for Blythewood clients.

How do I get out of jail after arrest?

Bond options include cash bonds, property bonds, personal recognizance, and electronic monitoring. Matt McGuire's immediate intervention often results in reduced bonds or favorable release conditions.

Will a conviction affect my job?

Yes. Criminal convictions appear on background checks and can affect employment, professional licenses, and educational opportunities. We fight to protect your record and future.

What if I'm military and facing charges?

Fort Jackson's proximity creates complex jurisdictional issues between civilian and military courts. We understand how to navigate these situations to protect service members' careers.

How long will my case take?

Criminal cases typically take 3-12 months depending on complexity and court schedules. We push aggressively for resolution while protecting your rights at every stage.

What does criminal defense cost?

Defense costs vary based on charge severity and case complexity. We provide clear fee structures upfront with no hidden costs. Call for free to discuss your case and get honest fee estimates.

Matt McGuire - Attorney

About South Carolina Attorney Matt McGuire

Matt McGuire South Carolina Criminal Defense Personal Injury Family Law Attorney

With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming, whether you're facing criminal charges, dealing with injuries from an accident, or navigating family law matters.

McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation. Our firm combines over 30 years of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here. This local knowledge, combined with our legal expertise, gives our clients a significant advantage.

Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.

Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.

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Get Started Today

When your freedom is at stake due to criminal charges in Blythewood, you need more than just any attorney – you need Matt McGuire and McGuire Law.

Don't let another day pass without proper legal protection against criminal allegations. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that personal, aggressive, and effective legal representation can make in your criminal defense case.

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Columbia Office

2001 Assembly Street, Suite 102-B
Columbia, SC 29201

(888) 499-5738

Contact McGuire Law Today

Available 24/7/365 - Immediate Response for Criminal Arrests

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."