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McGuire Law

Columbia Armed Robbery Defense Attorney

When armed robbery charges threaten your future in Columbia, South Carolina, every minute counts toward building your defense. Whether the alleged incident occurred in Five Points, The Vista, or anywhere across Richland County, these serious felony accusations carry devastating consequences that can destroy careers, families, and freedom.

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Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Armed Robbery Arrests

Attorney Matt McGuire

Armed robbery convictions carry mandatory minimum 10-year sentences with life imprisonment possibilities under South Carolina law. Don't let a moment of alleged poor judgment define the rest of your life.

Matthew McGuire has spent over 30 years defending clients against violent crime charges throughout South Carolina, including countless armed robbery cases in Columbia's courts. With offices right here in Columbia plus 24/7/365 availability, McGuire Law provides immediate, aggressive representation when you need it most—because in armed robbery cases, the first hours after arrest are critical to protecting your rights and building your defense.

The Legal Expertise of McGuire Law

Violent felony charges demand an attorney who understands prosecution tactics, knows how to challenge flawed evidence, and has the courtroom presence to fight for your freedom when everything is on the line.

Violent Crime Defense Mastery

Three decades defending armed robbery, assault, and other violent felony charges throughout South Carolina, with deep understanding of how prosecutors build these cases.

Constitutional Rights Protection

We scrutinize every arrest for Fourth Amendment violations, Miranda failures, and improper identification procedures that can result in suppressed evidence and dismissed charges.

Witness Credibility Challenges

Armed robbery convictions often hinge on eyewitness testimony. We expose unreliable identifications, suggestive procedures, and inconsistent statements.

Prosecution Negotiation Experience

Familiar with Richland County Solicitor's Office approaches and how to negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing when appropriate for your case.

Trial-Ready Representation

While many cases resolve through negotiation, we prepare every case for trial. Our courtroom experience gives us leverage that benefits your defense strategy.

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Armed Robbery Charges We Defend

From standard armed robbery to federal charges and related offenses, we provide aggressive defense for all robbery-related accusations in Columbia and throughout South Carolina.

Armed Robbery (SC Code § 16-11-330)

Using or threatening to use a deadly weapon while committing larceny, carrying 10 years to life imprisonment under South Carolina law.

Strong-Arm Robbery

Taking property through force or intimidation without weapons, facing up to 15 years in prison for conviction.

Attempted Armed Robbery

Even unsuccessful attempts carry severe penalties under South Carolina's criminal attempt statutes with substantial prison time.

Conspiracy to Commit Robbery

Planning or coordinating with others creates additional felony exposure beyond the underlying offense.

Federal Armed Robbery

Cases involving banks, post offices, or interstate commerce trigger federal jurisdiction with harsher sentencing guidelines.

Enhancement Charges

Prior convictions, firearm specifications, or victim injury allegations dramatically increase potential sentences.

Related Charges

Assault, battery, kidnapping, or weapons violations that often accompany armed robbery accusations in Richland County.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences Apply

Armed robbery carries mandatory 10-year minimum sentences. Aggressive defense from the start is critical to avoiding decades in prison.

McGuire Law's Core Values

When your freedom hangs in the balance against life-altering felony charges, our absolute dedication to protecting your rights and fighting for every possible advantage becomes your most powerful asset.

Immediate Crisis Response

Armed robbery arrests require action within hours. We appear at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center within 24 hours for bond hearings and begin building your defense immediately.

Aggressive Defense Strategy

We fight hard for our clients, challenging every piece of evidence, questioning every witness, and holding prosecutors to their burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt.

Complete Case Transparency

Armed robbery cases carry severe consequences. We provide honest assessments of your situation, realistic options, and clear explanations of potential outcomes.

Thorough Investigation

We investigate every aspect of your case including alibis, witness credibility, surveillance footage, and police procedures to build the strongest possible defense.

Client-Focused Communication

You'll have direct access to Matt McGuire throughout your case. We keep you informed of developments and respond promptly to your questions and concerns.

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Defense Strategies We Employ

We use every available legal tool to challenge armed robbery charges and protect your constitutional rights.

Fourth Amendment Violations

Challenging illegal searches, seizures, and arrests by Columbia law enforcement officers that violate your constitutional rights.

Miranda Rights Violations

Ensuring police properly advised you of constitutional rights before any custodial interrogation, suppressing improperly obtained statements.

Mistaken Identity Defense

Utilizing expert testimony and investigation to prove you weren't involved in the alleged incident, challenging unreliable eyewitness accounts.

Lack of Intent

Demonstrating absence of specific intent required for armed robbery convictions under South Carolina law.

Self-Defense Claims

Proving you acted to protect yourself or others from imminent harm during the alleged confrontation.

Alibi Evidence

Establishing your presence elsewhere during the time of the alleged offense through witnesses and documentation.

The McGuire Law Difference

When facing charges that carry decades in prison, you need an attorney who has successfully defended countless armed robbery cases and knows exactly how to fight for your freedom in Richland County courts.

Three Decades of Criminal Defense Success

Over 30 years defending violent crime charges throughout South Carolina, with deep understanding of how prosecutors build armed robbery cases and how to defeat them.

Same-Day Bond Hearing Representation

We appear at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center within 24 hours to fight for your release and begin building your defense while memories are fresh.

Richland County Court Experience

Familiar with Richland County courthouse procedures, Solicitor's Office approaches, and how to navigate Columbia's criminal justice system effectively.

Evidence Challenge Expertise

We know how to challenge surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, and police procedures that often form the basis of armed robbery prosecutions.

Freedom-Focused Results

Our goal is keeping you out of prison. We fight for dismissed charges, reduced offenses, and alternative sentencing when incarceration can be avoided.

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Consequences of Armed Robbery Convictions

Armed robbery convictions carry devastating consequences that extend far beyond prison time.

Criminal Penalties

  • Mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentences with life imprisonment possibilities
  • No parole eligibility for violent crime convictions in South Carolina
  • Permanent violent felony record visible to everyone
  • Civil liability exposure for victim lawsuits beyond criminal penalties
  • Loss of firearm rights permanently

Collateral Consequences

  • Career destruction—professional licenses and employment opportunities vanish
  • Educational barriers—college admissions and financial aid become inaccessible
  • Housing restrictions—landlords reject applicants with violent crime records
  • Immigration consequences—deportation and permanent citizenship bars for non-citizens
  • Family court impact—custody rights and visitation arrangements suffer

Aggressive Defense Is Your Only Protection

With mandatory minimum sentences and permanent consequences, fighting these charges from day one is critical to protecting your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Armed robbery charges involve complex legal issues and severe consequences that require experienced defense counsel to navigate successfully.

What is the difference between armed robbery and strong-arm robbery?

Armed robbery involves using or threatening to use a deadly weapon during the commission of larceny, carrying 10 years to life. Strong-arm robbery uses force or intimidation without weapons, with penalties up to 15 years. Both are serious felonies requiring aggressive defense.

Can armed robbery charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes. Charges can be reduced or dismissed through constitutional violations, insufficient evidence, witness credibility challenges, or alibi proof. Matt McGuire has successfully achieved dismissals and reductions in numerous armed robbery cases.

What if I was falsely identified as the robber?

Mistaken identity is one of our most effective defenses. Poor lighting, stress, and suggestive identification procedures lead to wrongful arrests. We utilize expert testimony and investigation to prove you weren't involved.

Can I get bond for armed robbery charges?

Bond is possible but often set very high for armed robbery. Matt McGuire appears at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center within 24 hours to fight for your release through bond hearings and reduction motions.

What if the alleged weapon wasn't actually a gun?

We challenge whether the alleged weapon meets legal definitions. Toy guns, unloaded weapons, or items that only appeared to be weapons may support reduced charges or complete defense strategies.

Will I go to prison if convicted of armed robbery?

Armed robbery carries mandatory minimum 10-year sentences in South Carolina with no parole eligibility. This is why aggressive defense from the start is critical—avoiding conviction is the only way to avoid prison.

What if I was just the driver or lookout?

South Carolina law holds accomplices equally liable as principals. However, your level of involvement affects potential defenses and sentencing. We evaluate all options for minimizing your exposure.

What does armed robbery defense cost?

Defense costs vary based on case complexity, evidence challenges, and whether trial is necessary. We provide clear fee structures upfront. Call for free to discuss your case and get honest fee estimates.

Matt McGuire - Attorney

About South Carolina Attorney Matt McGuire

Matt McGuire South Carolina Criminal Defense Personal Injury Family Law Attorney

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.

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Get Started Today

When your freedom is at stake due to armed robbery charges in Columbia, you need more than just any attorney – you need Matt McGuire and McGuire Law.

Don't let another day pass without proper legal protection against these serious felony charges. Every hour matters when building your defense. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that personal, aggressive, and effective legal representation can make in your armed robbery case.

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Columbia Office

2001 Assembly Street, Suite 102-B
Columbia, SC 29201

(888) 499-5738

Contact McGuire Law Today

Available 24/7/365 - Immediate Response for Armed Robbery Arrests

Don't gamble with your freedom when facing armed robbery charges in Columbia. Matthew M. McGuire's three decades of criminal defense experience and statewide reputation for tenacious advocacy give you the best chance at protecting your future. Call (888) 499-5738 now for immediate consultation, or use our online chat and calendar system for rapid response.

"The better attorney wins."