A criminal charge in Cayce, South Carolina can upend your life in ways you never imagined. Whether you were arrested by Cayce Department of Public Safety officers near the Riverwalk, pulled over on Knox Abbott Drive, or facing charges stemming from an incident in one of Cayce's residential neighborhoods, the stakes are incredibly high.
Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Criminal Arrests
Your job, your family relationships, your freedom, and your future all hang in the balance. South Carolina's criminal justice system moves quickly, and every day you wait without experienced legal representation is a day the prosecution builds a stronger case against you.
Matthew McGuire has defended clients throughout Lexington County for over 30 years, and he knows exactly how to protect your rights from the moment charges are filed. With offices in Columbia and availability 24/7/365, McGuire Law responds immediately when arrests occur—because in criminal cases, the first hours are critical for protecting your rights and building your defense.
Our comprehensive criminal defense experience in Cayce and throughout Lexington County provides clients with the specialized knowledge needed to challenge evidence, protect constitutional rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.
From DUI to felony charges, we have successfully defended clients against all types of criminal offenses. Our track record includes case dismissals, suppressed evidence, and significantly reduced sentences throughout Lexington County courts.
Deep understanding of Fourth Amendment protections and illegal search procedures. We challenge improper traffic stops, warrantless searches, and evidence obtained through constitutional violations by Cayce police.
While many criminal cases settle, we're always prepared for trial. Our courtroom experience in Lexington County gives us leverage in negotiations and confidence when litigation is necessary to protect your freedom.
Matt McGuire practices regularly in Lexington County courts, giving him insight into local prosecutorial strategies and judicial preferences that benefit your defense strategy.
Specialized knowledge in challenging evidence through motions to suppress. We've successfully excluded illegally obtained evidence, resulting in dismissed charges and acquittals for Cayce clients.
From misdemeanors to serious felonies, we provide aggressive defense for all criminal charges in Cayce and throughout Lexington County.
DUI charges ranging from first offense misdemeanors to felony DUI with great bodily injury or death, each carrying escalating mandatory minimum sentences and license suspensions.
Drug offenses including simple possession, possession with intent to distribute, trafficking, and manufacturing, with penalties varying dramatically based on substance type and quantity.
Assault and battery charges from simple assault to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (ABHAN), where the difference between charges can mean probation versus prison time.
Theft crimes including shoplifting, petit larceny, grand larceny, burglary, and armed robbery, with values and circumstances determining whether charges are misdemeanors or felonies.
Domestic violence accusations that trigger mandatory arrest policies and can result in bond conditions that keep you from your home and children.
Weapons charges including unlawful carrying, possession by convicted felon, and pointing and presenting firearms, which often carry mandatory minimum sentences.
Sex offense allegations that require immediate aggressive defense due to registry requirements and lifetime collateral consequences.
White collar crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and financial identity fraud that can result from business disputes or misunderstandings.
The proximity to Columbia means cases occurring on Knox Abbott Drive or near the Lexington-Richland county line often involve multiple jurisdictions.
Our core values guide every criminal defense case we handle in Cayce, ensuring you receive the highest quality legal representation built on integrity, dedication, and proven results.
We fight hard for our criminal defense clients. Whether challenging evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, or presenting your case to a jury, we advocate aggressively for your freedom in Lexington County courts.
Criminal arrests require immediate action to protect your rights. We're available around the clock to respond to arrests at Lexington County Detention Center and begin building your defense within hours.
We believe in honest, straightforward communication about your criminal case. We'll tell you what to expect, what your options are, and what we recommend based on our 30+ years of experience.
We investigate every aspect of your arrest and the evidence against you. This thorough preparation reveals constitutional violations and weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
We provide clear fee structures and advance investigation costs. You'll understand exactly what your defense will cost with no hidden fees or surprises.
Understanding and exercising your constitutional rights during police encounters can make the difference between conviction and acquittal.
You have an absolute right to remain silent, and everything you say during an arrest or police questioning can and will be used against you in court, making silence your best protection.
Police must inform you of your Miranda rights before custodial interrogation, but they often try to question you before formally arresting you to avoid triggering these protections.
You have the right to refuse consent to vehicle searches, home searches, or person searches unless officers have a valid warrant or probable cause that meets constitutional standards.
Never physically resist arrest even if you believe it's unlawful, as additional charges for resisting can be added and undermine your defense to the original charges.
You should immediately request an attorney and stop answering questions, as even innocent explanations can be twisted into incriminating statements by experienced investigators.
Recording your own interaction with police is legal in South Carolina as long as you don't interfere with their duties, and recordings can provide crucial evidence.
In criminal cases, experience isn't just helpful—it's essential. Matt McGuire has defended thousands of criminal cases since 1993, understanding the tactics police use, the weaknesses in prosecution cases, and how to protect your constitutional rights.
Over 30 years defending criminal charges throughout South Carolina, from misdemeanors to serious felonies requiring aggressive trial defense.
When you're facing criminal charges, every hour counts. We guarantee same-day response to all criminal arrest inquiries—even on weekends and holidays.
We scrutinize every aspect of your arrest for Fourth Amendment violations, Miranda violations, and other constitutional breaches that can result in suppressed evidence.
Familiar with Lexington County prosecutors, judges, and court procedures. This local knowledge gives our Cayce clients a significant strategic advantage.
We're focused on outcomes that matter—dismissed charges, suppressed evidence, reduced sentences, and protecting your future from permanent criminal records.
Criminal convictions create permanent records that affect every aspect of your life for years to come.
Matt M. McGuire fights to minimize charges and protect your future at every stage of the criminal process.
We use every available legal tool to challenge criminal charges and protect your rights under the Constitution.
Challenging the legality of the initial stop, search, or arrest can result in suppression of evidence and dismissal of charges if law enforcement violated your constitutional rights.
Examining whether police had reasonable suspicion for the stop or probable cause for the arrest, as both require specific articulable facts rather than mere hunches.
Investigating whether proper chain of custody was maintained for physical evidence like drugs, weapons, or blood samples, as breaks in the chain can render evidence inadmissible.
Analyzing whether Miranda warnings were properly given and whether any statements you made were truly voluntary or the result of coercion or deception.
Interviewing witnesses who may contradict the prosecution's version of events or provide alternative explanations for what occurred.
Get answers to the most common questions about criminal charges and defense strategies in Cayce.
Exercise your right to remain silent and immediately request an attorney. Do not answer questions or make statements to police. Contact McGuire Law at (888) 499-5738 within hours of arrest.
Most people arrested in Cayce are taken to Lexington County Detention Center on Jail Road, where bond may be set by a magistrate within 24 hours or at a later bond hearing.
Yes. Charges can be dismissed for constitutional violations, insufficient evidence, chain of custody problems, or illegal search procedures. Matt McGuire has secured numerous dismissals by challenging police procedures.
Options include personal recognizance bonds, surety bonds through bondsmen (10-15% non-refundable), and cash bonds (full amount refunded after case resolution minus court costs).
Many criminal convictions, especially drug and DUI offenses, trigger automatic license suspension regardless of whether a vehicle was involved. We fight to prevent convictions or preserve driving privileges.
Municipal court in Cayce handles certain misdemeanor offenses, while felonies and serious crimes proceed to General Sessions Court in Lexington.
Field sobriety tests and preliminary breath tests during DUI stops are voluntary in South Carolina, and refusing them cannot be used against you at trial.
Defense costs vary based on charge severity and case complexity. We provide clear fee structures upfront with no hidden costs. Call for free to discuss your case and get honest fee estimates.
With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming, whether you're facing criminal charges, dealing with injuries from an accident, or navigating family law matters.
McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation. Our firm combines over 30 years of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here. This local knowledge, combined with our legal expertise, gives our clients a significant advantage.
Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.
Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.
Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.
Don't let another day pass without proper legal protection against criminal allegations. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that personal, aggressive, and effective legal representation can make in your criminal defense case.
Available 24/7/365 - Immediate Response for Criminal Arrests
