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Pre-Trial Motions

In all criminal defense cases, but particularly in drug cases, an important part of your defense should be pre-trial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or statements based on:

  • Fourth Amendment search and seizure violations;
  • Miranda violations;
  • Coercive interrogations;
  • Faulty eyewitness identifications;
  • Defective search warrants; and
  • Other constitutional violations.
Motions to Suppress in SC Criminal Cases

In every criminal case that we handle, we search for evidence or testimony that will be inadmissible at trial – it won’t be excluded unless your attorney identifies it beforehand, points it out to the court, and asks for it to be suppressed.

There could be hearsay evidence that is anticipated based on pre-trial interviews of the witnesses, constitutional or statutory violations by police or prosecutors, or any evidence that for any reason is inadmissible under the U.S. or S.C. Constitutions or laws or the rules of evidence.

“Chipping away” at the state’s case can help to win a trial by taking away key pieces of evidence that were obtained unlawfully, and, in some cases, can result in a dismissal before the trial begins…

Motions to Suppress in SC Drug Cases

When the police conduct searches without warrants in flagrant disregard of the constitution, obtain warrants without probable cause, commit racial profiling on the highways, or violate the constitution in any way, the remedy is suppression of the evidence in your case.

Many judges are reluctant to dismiss a drug case based on these violations, and this means that you will need a defense attorney who knows the law, knows how to present and argue your motions to suppress to the court, and who is willing to fight for every piece of inadmissible evidence.

Some of the issues that are common in drug trials include:

  • Traffic stops with no probable cause;
  • Extended roadside detentions where there was no articulable, reasonable suspicion;
  • Vehicle searches without probable cause;
  • Home searches without a search warrant;
  • Home searches with an invalid search warrant;
  • Drug dogs who are “coached” or improperly trained; and
  • Chain of custody issues with the drugs.

When you are facing drug charges, whether it is simple possession of marijuana or trafficking in heroin, you need an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney who will ensure that your rights are protected and who will fight to obtain the best result possible.

SC Drug Crimes Lawyer in Columbia, Lexington, and Myrtle Beach

Lacey Thompson is a SC criminal defense trial lawyer who limits her practice to criminal defense cases including SC drug crimes.

Call the Thompson & Hiller Defense Firm now at (843) 444-6122 or contact us online for a free consultation if you have been arrested or charged with drug possession, sale, distribution, manufacture, cultivation, trafficking, or any other drug crime.

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.