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Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Lexington, SC?

If you have been charged with a crime in Lexington, SC, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns about what is going to happen next.

Questions like…

  • Who should I call?
  • Am I going to prison?
  • Will this be on my permanent record?
  • Can an attorney get my criminal charges dismissed?

One thing is certain – you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in Lexington, SC, who can answer your questions, investigate the allegations against you, negotiate with your prosecutor, and try your case to a jury if it is not dismissed or resolved favorably.

If you have been charged with a crime in the Midlands area, call SC criminal defense lawyer J. Bradley Baker immediately – we will get your case dismissed, negotiate a resolution that is acceptable to you, or try your case to a jury.

Debra HastyDebra Hasty
20:18 11 Jan 23
I would recommend Attorney J. Bradley Baker to anyone who has been involved in an accident. His personality and concern for his clients goes above and beyond in his effort to put forth the work needed to get you the best and fair settlement you deserve.For my husband and myself Bradley was a God send and appreciate with a heart felt thank you for all the hard work he went through for us.Thank you Brad for all your hard work going above and beyond to get us the best settlement you could get for us. Very grateful.
A. SmithA. Smith
17:32 29 Dec 22
If you need an EXCELLENT workers' compensation attorney because you were hurt at work, then J. Bradley Baker is the attorney for you. Brad is knowledgeable and passionate about his work. Not only is Brad a great attorney, but his paralegals, Amanda and Kayla, are top-notch and go above and beyond to help you. I promise you will not regret hiring Brad to handle your on the job injury.
Jim McInnisJim McInnis
13:06 09 Dec 22
I have known Brad for a long time. He is very knowledgeable of the law and also a very nice person. He has never hesitated to offer his help and always solves my problem. If anyone needs a lawyer, I highly recommend Brad Baker.
Kenneth WayneKenneth Wayne
00:29 10 Nov 22
This firm is the absolute best! Mr. Baker and his team are wonderful to work with! Mr. Baker is very knowledgeable and has impeccable communication skills. Mr. Baker and his team worked tirelessly on my case. Mr. Baker was able to get me the treatment I needed for a work related accident and my quality of life has greatly improved. This team of professionals strive to provide the best possible outcome for their clients.
Chase WrightChase Wright
14:35 25 Aug 22
Brad was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and upfront with us. He was very patient and listen to all concerns, questions and ask questions to help with his understanding to make sure he was leading us in the correct direction. I would highly recommend Brad Baker if you are looking for a great attorney.
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Criminal defense lawyer J. Bradley Baker cares about his clients and takes criminal defense seriously.

We understand what is at stake when you are charged with a crime, including the potential for a permanent criminal record, prison time, job loss, and the impact this will have on your family.

When you call our office, we will:

  • Meet with you to discuss your case and answer your questions,
  • Request a jury trial when appropriate,
  • Request a preliminary hearing/ probable cause hearing when appropriate,
  • Investigate the allegations against you,
  • Obtain and review all evidence the state intends to use against you including incident reports, videos, and witness statements,
  • Identify and interview both prosecution witnesses and potential defense witnesses,
  • Use all means available to gather additional information and evidence that may help your case including subpoenas, FOIA requests, discovery requests, supplemental discovery requests, and motions to compel,
  • Retain experts when needed for consultation or testimony regarding any complex issues in your case like forensic or psychological issues,
  • Negotiate with the prosecutor or officer to get your case dismissed or to reduce your charges to a plea offer that is acceptable to you, and
  • Try your case to a jury if the prosecution does not dismiss your case or make an offer that is acceptable to you.

Put Thirty (30) Years of Experience to Work for You

With nearly 30 years of experience in SC courtrooms, your Lexington, SC criminal defense attorney at J. Bradley Baker, LLC, has the experience you need to resolve your case whether you are charged with a relatively minor offense in the magistrate or municipal courts or a serious felony in General Sessions Court.

Why Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

The state has a trained attorney working to convict you of the crime you have been accused of, with the full support of the government including the police department, sheriff’s department, SLED, solicitor’s office investigators, assistant solicitors, paralegals, and other support staff.

You also need a trained advocate working for you to get your case dismissed, win your case at trial, or minimize the consequences of a conviction – as soon as possible after you have been charged with a crime.

At J. Bradley Baker LLC, your Lexington criminal defense attorney can assist you with any of the following:
  • DUI defense
  • Drug charges,
  • Criminal sexual conduct charges,
  • Violent crimes,
  • Domestic violence,
  • Municipal court charges in Lexington or Columbia, SC,
  • Magistrate court charges in Lexington or Columbia, SC, and
  • General Sessions-level charges in Lexington or Columbia, SC.
When you’ve been charged with a crime in the Court of General Sessions in South Carolina, we can request and schedule a preliminary hearing on your behalf to ask a magistrate judge to dismiss your case for lack of probable cause.

Learn more about criminal charges in Lexington, SC:

Magistrate and Municipal Court Charges in Lexington, SC

If your offense carries a maximum penalty of 30 days or less, your case is most likely in the magistrate (county) or municipal (city) court.

If you have been charged with a crime in the magistrate or municipal court in Lexington, SC, you must act quickly to protect your rights.

You will have an “initial court date,” which could be as soon as a week after your arrest, at which you must appear unless your attorney requests a jury trial or gets a continuance.

If your attorney requests a jury trial on your behalf, you will not need to appear at the initial court date, and you will be notified later of the date of your roster meeting or pretrial conference and trial date.

Jury Trials in Lexington, SC

If you are charged in the magistrate or municipal court in Lexington, SC, you or your attorney must request a jury trial in writing.

Once you have submitted your jury trial request, your case will go to the jury trial roster and you should not have any court appearances until your case is scheduled for a roster meeting or pretrial conference.

If your case is in General Sessions Court, you do not need to submit a written jury trial request, and, if your case is not dismissed or if a plea offer is not accepted, your case will automatically be placed on the trial roster.

General Sessions Offenses in Lexington, SC

If your offense carries a maximum penalty greater than 30 days (with some exceptions like driving under suspension and driving under the influence charges), your case will most likely be in Lexington County, SC’s General Sessions Court.

You may have a series of “roll call” dates, beginning with your “first appearance” and then “follow-up appearance” dates, and you may also have a preliminary hearing date if you or your attorney requested a probable cause hearing within 30 days of your arrest.

Do not miss any court appearances unless your attorney confirms that you have been excused because the solicitor’s office will issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

Preliminary Hearings in Lexington, SC

When you are charged with any offense in General Sessions Court, you have the right to a probable cause hearing.

You must request your preliminary hearing within 10 days after your arrest, and then you will be notified when a hearing date is scheduled.

At your hearing, the magistrate will determine whether the officer’s testimony establishes probable cause for your charges.

If there is no probable cause, your case is dismissed. If the court finds there is probable cause, you lose nothing, and your case continues to trial.

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