Frequently Asked Questions
Voting
TO VOTE IS TO EXIST
Know Your Rights: Don’t Assume You Can’t Vote in South Carolina if You Have a Criminal Record.
- Have you been convicted of a felony or offense against the election laws?
- If yes, have you completed your entire sentence of incarceration, probation, or parole?
- If yes, you are eligible to vote under South Carolina Law (S.C. Code Section 7-5-120(B)(3)).
- To vote, you must complete and submit a new voting registration application to your County Voter Registration Office.
- The application may be submitted in person, by mail, or online.
- Click here to download the application or complete the online application.
2020 General Election Registration Deadlines
- October 2, 2020: Deadline to register in person at County Voter Registration Office by 5:00pm.
- October 4, 2020: Deadline to register online, fax, or by email by 11:59pm.
- October 5, 2020: Deadline to register by mail (postmarked by October 5, 2020).
Arrest
I got arrested. What are my rights?
What is an arrest?
An arrest is the actual restraint of your freedom by the police or a law enforcement official/agency.
If you are arrested, any incriminating statements you make in response to police questioning while in police custody may be used against you in court. However, you have very important constitutional rights to protect you if the police question you while you are in custody. These rights are commonly known as Miranda rights.
If you are arrested, you have the right to:
- Remain silent;
- Refuse to answer any questions;
- Stop answering police questions at any time; and
- Talk with an attorney (if you cannot afford an attorney, a court will appoint an attorney)
After an arrest, you have the right to:
- A preliminary hearing (a court hearing to determine whether there is probable cause you committed the charged crime); and
- A bond hearing (a court hearing to determine whether you will be released from jail, and if so, the conditions of your release).
Auto Accidents
I was involved in a car accident. What are some important steps I can take while at the scene of the accident?
Auto accidents affect millions of drivers every year and may cause a significant disruption in one’s daily life. If you are involved in an auto accident, the following steps are important and may assist you in future litigation:
- Call law enforcement;
- Get names, addresses and telephone numbers of witnesses and the other driver;
- Take photos and make notes regarding the important details and circumstances of the collision; and
- Alert your auto insurance carrier.
Mark C. McLawhorn
Prior to starting McLawhorn Legal, Mark was an associate at a Columbia based law firm where he worked on state and federal criminal matters, commercial litigation, and personal injury cases.
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