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Criminal Defense Investigations - SC Criminal Defense Lawyer

An independent investigation is critical to effective criminal defense and can make the difference between a verdict of guilty or not-guilty, or whether a case is dismissed prior to trial.

When we take on your criminal case, we are committed to doing a thorough defense investigation to locate evidence and any witnesses whose testimony may be favorable (and to identify those whose testimony may be unfavorable). We look for any testimony or evidence that may help to:

  • Get your case dismissed before trial;
  • Prove your claims at trial;
  • Disprove the prosecutor’s claims at trial;
  • Corroborate our witnesses and evidence; or
  • Impeach the state’s witnesses or evidence.
Your Prosecutor Has Investigators Working to Convict You

The prosecutor has all the power and resources of the government at their disposal. They can call on investigators from multiple law enforcement agencies including:

  • Solicitor’s office investigators;
  • City police investigators;
  • County police or sheriff’s office investigators;
  • SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) investigators;
  • City or County patrol officers and sheriff’s deputies;
  • Crime lab personnel; and
  • A broad range of experts who can testify against you.

Prosecutors can call on a wide range of law enforcement personnel to help them collect evidence and interview witnesses, from the patrol officers to the detectives who are assigned to any given case. They have investigators who work in their office helping to build a case against you, and they have the benefit of crime labs and experts who can testify for them on any topic.

When your prosecutor needs additional resources, they need only make a call or sign a slip of paper to get the funding they want.

Why Do You Need an Independent Criminal Defense Investigation?

The police, detectives, and prosecutors are collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses with the goal of obtaining evidence that they can use to get a conviction. Shouldn’t you be doing the same?

There may be key elements of your defense that are missing, evidence that has been "overlooked," and witnesses that were not located or questioned because the police didn’t think they would be helpful to them. Police officers, detectives, and prosecutors may exaggerate or even outright lie about the evidence in some cases, and the only way you will discover misconduct is if your attorney investigates and looks for independent evidence in addition to the discovery provided by the prosecutor.

SC Criminal Defense Lawyer in Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Lexington SC

An independent investigation by your criminal defense lawyer is not just a luxury - it is your lawyer's duty to conduct an independent investigation, and numerous reported appellate opinions from the state and federal courts have found that it is ineffective assistance of counsel when a defense lawyer does not conduct an independent investigation.

If you have been charged with a crime and are concerned about whether your attorney will conduct an independent investigation of the facts in your case, call the Thompson & Hiller Defense Firm today at (843) 444-6122 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Mindi and Laura were an amazing team team in helping my son with a traffic violation. There responsiveness from answering my phone call, to being able to pay the invoice online, showing up to court and representing my son for a ticket in less than 24 hours. Not to mention successfully having the ticket dismissed. The process was explained to us clearly each step of the way. This allowed us to prepare for any possible ramifications as well being patient with any questions we may have had. Even if the ticket did not get dismissed the care and attention they showed towards my son's situation made us feel very safe in their good hands for this legal matter. N. Jones
★★★★★
I retained Lacey Thompson & Hiller, defense firm for a difficult domestic violence case. She provided a strategy that won my case. Her legal skills are great, but just as important she's a supportive attorney who truly cares and her advice was spot on. I'll always be thankful. Besides Lacey, all the staff that I worked with at Thompson & Hiller firm were terrific: competent, professional, and personable. I recommend Lacey Thompson to everybody who needs a defense attorney. Anonymous
★★★★★
Attorney Laura Hiller, assisted me in 2013 by representing my daughter who at the time was only (14) years old in a juvenile criminal case being tried as an adult. The State charged her with murder. The claims at the time were completely shocking to myself and my daughter at the time and I wasn't sure what to do or who I needed to assist me with this. That's when I met Laura, who in all honesty kept me sane and hopeful through the entire process. She was so thorough when it came to gathering all information from all parties involved, aggressive when stepping into the courtroom, and behind the scenes. Most importantly though she was invested in proving my daughters innocence and I will forever be grateful for her and her work. My daughter's case was dismissed! Definitely who you want in your corner, whether the case is big or small. L.P.M.