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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
An increasingly popular way of handling probate issues is to create a living trust. A living trust helps bypass probate proceedings in court and can also help mitigate tax liability. There are two types of living trusts: revocable and irrevocable. A revocable trust can be changed whenever you wish. The irrevocable trust can be beneficial for […]
“Because Your Future Deserves a Defense” 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 […]
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 […]
As attitudes about cannabis consumption loosen across the United States, criminal penalties for possessing illegal substances are also becoming less strict. It is difficult to keep up with all the recent changes in legislation. Let’s take a look at what the penalties for drug possession are currently (as of September 2015) in the state of […]
Failing to plan is planning to fail. While death is an unpleasant subject, it is important to have a plan for your assets after you pass away. Many people wonder if they really need a will and what will happen if they die without one. If you die without a will, your estate will be […]
When it comes to preparing for the end of your life, there are many important questions. It is a time to decide who will manage everything you have spent your whole life working for. What will happen with your finances? Who will take care of your children and pets? One thing that often gets overlooked, […]
Anyone who has seen an episode of Law and Order knows if you are arrested, a good lawyer will get you off on a technicality if the police did not read you your rights, right? Well, the truth is not so clear. If you are arrested, the police are required to read you your rights. […]
The De Bruin Law firm offers a wide range of legal services to clients in Greenville, SC and the surrounding upstate. Our experienced attorneys can help you with legal matters in the areas of business law, criminal law, estate planning, and real estate law.
