Myrtle Beach Felony Attorneys

30 Years of Criminal Defense. Board Certified. Ready for Trial.

A felony charge in South Carolina carries consequences that don’t end at sentencing. A conviction can strip away the right to vote, the right to own a firearm, and the ability to find work, and a felony record can close doors to housing, professional licensing, and other civil rights for life. If you’re facing felony charges, securing an experienced Myrtle Beach felony attorney as early as possible is an important step you can take.

Attorney Truslow has handled hundreds of thousands of legal matters across 30 years of criminal defense practice. He has tried numerous jury trials and appeals, and the firm offers 24/7 availability so clients can reach counsel immediately after an arrest.

Don’t face felony charges alone. Call T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. at (843) 212-1116 or contact the firm online to discuss your case.

How South Carolina Classifies Felony Charges

South Carolina organizes felonies into six classes: A through F, based on severity. The class assigned to a charge sets the sentencing range a judge may impose upon conviction. Felony cases in Horry County, including Myrtle Beach, are prosecuted in the Horry County Court of General Sessions, part of the 15th Judicial Circuit.

South Carolina felony classes and maximum sentences:

Class A Felony: Maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment.
Class B Felony: Maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment.
Class C Felony: Maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.
Class D Felony: Maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment.
Class E Felony: Maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
Class F Felony: Maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment.

What to Do After a Felony Arrest in Myrtle Beach

The earlier a defense attorney is involved, the more options remain on the table. Evidence can be preserved, statements to law enforcement can be limited, and bail strategy can begin immediately. Time matters from the moment of arrest.

Attorney Truslow doesn’t default to quick plea deals. He reviews all evidence, challenges the prosecution’s case, identifies procedural errors, and evaluates whether trial or a negotiated resolution may best serve the client. T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. is available 24/7, so clients can reach a Myrtle Beach felony lawyer the moment they need one.

Not every felony charge is handled in South Carolina’s General Sessions Court. Drug trafficking cases and certain financial crimes are often prosecuted in federal court, where distinct sentencing guidelines and procedural rules apply. Attorney Truslow has been admitted to the U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina, and the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals since 1995, allowing the firm to handle both state and federal felony charges from a single Myrtle Beach practice. His trial experience includes lengthy federal prosecutions and multi-day murder trials.

Discuss your case and learn about your legal options by calling T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. at (843) 212-1116 today.

Why Choose T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. for Felony Defense in Myrtle Beach

Attorney Truslow is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Advocacy. This designation reflects demonstrated courtroom competence beyond standard bar admission. He holds an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating that service awards, and is recognized as a National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyer. Since 1995, he has helped thousands of clients navigate state and federal criminal charges.

Mr. Truslow is a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a past board member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He regularly appears on WMBF News “Legal Access,” offering legal commentary to the Myrtle Beach community. He brings the same preparation and commitment to a first felony charge as he does to the most complex federal prosecution, treating every client as an individual, not a case number.

Felony Charges Defended in Myrtle Beach & Horry County

T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. handles the full range of felony matters in both state and federal court, including drug trafficking, felony DUI, violent crimes, weapons offenses, white-collar crimes, fraud, and sex crimes. Understanding how South Carolina classifies these charges, and what separates a felony from a misdemeanor, helps clients recognize what they’re actually facing.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking charges in South Carolina are felonies triggered by weight thresholds and carry mandatory minimum sentences that vary by substance. The quantity involved determines both the felony class and the sentencing floor, leaving a judge little discretion without an effective defense.

Felony DUI

A DUI charge becomes a felony in South Carolina when the incident results in great bodily injury or death. Unlike a standard DUI, typically a misdemeanor, felony DUI carries prison time rather than fines and license suspension, and it is prosecuted in the Court of General Sessions.

Violent Crimes

Charges such as assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, armed robbery, and homicide are prosecuted as felonies and often carry Class A or Class B classifications with the longest sentencing ranges. Attorney Truslow’s experience with multi-day murder trials gives the firm a foundation for handling the most serious violent crime charges in Horry County.

Weapons Offenses

Weapons-related felonies in South Carolina include unlawful carrying, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and pointing or presenting a firearm. A conviction on a weapons charge creates a permanent barrier to firearm ownership and can compound the consequences of any prior criminal record.

White-Collar Crimes & Fraud

White-collar felonies such as fraud and embezzlement are prosecuted in both state and federal courts and can result in significant prison terms and financial penalties. Federal white-collar prosecutions follow sentencing guidelines that often produce longer sentences than equivalent state charges, making federal court experience valuable in this category of defense.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor in South Carolina

The distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony affects which court hears the case, the length of any potential sentence, and the long-term consequences for civil rights and employment. In South Carolina, a charge’s felony designation is set by statute, not solely by sentence length. Many drug trafficking offenses, violent crimes, and repeat DUI convictions carry felony designations regardless of where a first-time observer might expect the line to fall. A felony attorney familiar with South Carolina’s classification system can assess whether a charge is properly classified and whether any avenue may exist to seek a reduction before trial.

Continue Reading Read Less

Contact Us Today We’re Ready to Help

At T. Kirk Truslow, P.A., we're always ready to take your calls! Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Read Our Reviews Dedicated To The Success Of Our Clients

"Kirk defended me in a recent DUI case in North Myrtle, a second offense from one in North Carolina. He was able to get reduced to a reckless driving offense!"
- Jackson

READ ALL REVIEWS