Year: 2019
Anyone who rides on a motorcycle in South Carolina that is under the age of 21 – operators and passengers alike – must wear a helmet that has S.C. Department of Public Safety approval. To meet this standard, the helmet must have a neck or chin strap. It…
When someone is charged with a crime in South Carolina, and it is their first offense, they may be eligible to enter the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program. This program allows people to avoid jail time and a traditional prosecution. You do not have to plead guilty in order…
Almost every year, South Carolina has one of the highest fatal motorcycle accident tallies in the country. In one recent year, the state tied with North Carolina for having the country’s tenth-highest total deadly motorcycle crashes (141), according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. The good news was that South Carolina’s…
During a child custody dispute in South Carolina, you will likely go through mediation. In mediation, a neutral third party called a mediator tries to help you and the other parent to agree on a parenting plan. If you cannot reach an agreement with the other parent, then a family…
Our law firm was thrilled to see the talent, creativity, and dedication among those who applied for our 2019 scholarship awards. We received many well-researched and thoughtful entries from high school, college, and graduate students from throughout the country. The attorneys of McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, had asked…
If a police officer arrests you for suspected driving under the influence (DUI), the officer will ask you to take a breathalyzer test. Technically, you can refuse the test. However, if you do, be prepared to immediately and automatically lose your driving privileges under South Carolina’s implied consent law. In…
If a police officer stops you for speeding, making an illegal U-turn or committing any other traffic violation, you should think twice before you decide to admit guilt, pay the fine and move on. Every time you get cited for a traffic violation, it adds points to your driver’s…
The penalties for a first-time DUI offense in South Carolina are not as severe as they are for repeat offenses. Still, the consequences can wreak havoc on your life. If convicted, you could spend time in jail, pay fines, lose your driver’s license, be forced to obtain special insurance, and…
Parental rights are among the most fundamental rights that a person has. The right to care for and have authority over one’s children is something the courts in South Carolina take seriously. Parental rights can be terminated. However, before that happens, a case must go through several steps which…
South Carolina Lawyers Weekly recently honored attorney Thomas A. McKinney with its Leadership in Law Award during a special ceremony held March 15 at The Frances Marion Hotel in Charleston. The Leadership in Law Awards, now in their 11th year, recognize Palmetto State attorneys who go “above and beyond in their…