Criminal Law

A passionate advocate with more than 19 years of experience

A strong defense attorney does more than defend against the tactics of prosecutors and police.

When you’re facing criminal charges, Keffer Law Firm aggressively battles authorities so that your rights are not compromised. For more than 19 years, people facing the most serious criminal charges have relied on John S. Keffer.

He applies his experience to each client’s individual situation and is dedicated to delivering the strongest representation possible at trial or in tough negotiations with the government.  Keffer Law Firm will provide you with quality representation in criminal defense with passion and commitment.

Skilled representation against serious felony charges

If you have been charged with a felony, it is crucial to obtain knowledgeable counsel as quickly as possible. At Keffer Law Firm, we take the time to explain the relevant state law and help you understand how the following factors affect your case:

    Statute of limitations — For most SC felonies, the statute of limitations runs three years from the date of the alleged offense. However, murder and kidnapping can be prosecuted at    any time, and certain sexual offenses extend the statutory period to 10 years.
    Criminal penalties — Felonies are punishable by more than one year in prison. South Carolina has six classes of felony crimes. Class 1 felonies, such as first-degree murder, carry the most serious sentences, including life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
    Other consequences — Most people convicted of a felony endure negative effects that extend far beyond a prison sentence and fines. You can lose your ability to vote, hold a meaningful job, receive public benefits or even see your family.

With so much at stake, you need an advocate with the real-world experience to assess your case quickly and pursue the best possible solution under the circumstances.

Defense for individuals facing allegations of criminal assault

In South Carolina assaults can be charged as felonies when authorities allege that serious bodily injury occurred or a deadly weapon was involved. The difference between felony and misdemeanor classification can turn on whether the accused had a particular state of mind during the incident. Considering such subjective criteria, a skilled defense attorney can be the difference in convincing a jury or a prosecutor that the lesser classification is appropriate.

Experienced counsel for drug possession and sale cases

Some people learn too late that even for marijuana, significant penalties exist for sale or possession beyond personal use. We can assist if you’re accused of an offense involving controlled substances.

An aggressive litigator for individuals charged with murder

Keffer Law Firm represents clients accused of murder with the diligence and vigor necessary to fight the most serious criminal accusation. When facing life imprisonment, you need an attorney who is not only familiar with the law, but also trial-tested, with extensive experience obtaining justice for clients accused of murder. Even when things look bleak, we know what it takes to beat the odds.

Comprehensive legal support for those accused of sexual offenses

With more than 19 years of experience handling sexual assault cases, we have a thorough understanding of the unique issues associated with these difficult matters. We provide comprehensive counsel on questions of physical evidence and witness authenticity. If outside factors like media coverage are infringing on your right to a fair trial, we fight to ensure that only appropriate evidence is considered.