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McGuire Law

Columbia Attempted Murder Attorney

Facing attempted murder charges in Columbia, South Carolina can feel overwhelming, especially when your freedom, reputation, and future hang in the balance. These serious felony accusations carry potential life sentences and require immediate, aggressive legal representation from an attorney who understands both South Carolina's complex criminal statutes and the local legal landscape.

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Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Attempted Murder Arrests

Attorney Matt McGuire

The stakes couldn't be higher - one wrong move during police questioning or a delayed response to prosecutors can destroy your defense before it begins. Don't let fear or confusion cost you your freedom.

Matthew McGuire has spent over 30 years defending clients against the most serious criminal charges throughout South Carolina, including attempted murder cases in Richland County courts. With offices in Columbia and availability 24/7/365, McGuire Law responds immediately when arrests occur—because in attempted murder cases, the first hours are absolutely critical for protecting your rights and building a defense strategy.

The Legal Expertise of McGuire Law

Attempted murder cases hinge on proving specific intent to kill—a complex legal element that requires sophisticated defense strategies and meticulous evidence analysis to challenge effectively.

Homicide Defense Specialization

Decades of experience defending the most serious violent crime charges, including attempted murder, voluntary manslaughter, and assault with intent to kill cases throughout South Carolina.

Intent Element Challenges

Deep understanding of how to challenge prosecutorial claims of specific intent to kill through circumstantial evidence analysis, witness credibility attacks, and alternative explanations.

Expert Witness Coordination

Relationships with forensic scientists, ballistics experts, medical professionals, and psychiatrists who provide crucial testimony challenging prosecution theories.

Constitutional Violations

Aggressive challenge of police procedures, illegal searches, coerced confessions, and Miranda violations that can result in suppressed evidence and dismissed charges.

Plea Negotiation Expertise

When appropriate, we negotiate reduced charges from attempted murder to lesser offenses with significantly reduced sentences while preserving trial options.

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Charges We Defend

South Carolina law distinguishes between various homicide-related charges with different elements and penalties. We provide aggressive defense for all serious violent crime accusations.

Attempted Murder

Charges requiring prosecutors to prove specific intent to kill another person and substantial steps toward completing that act. We challenge both intent and action elements.

Assault and Battery with Intent to Kill

ABWIK charges with different penalty structures than attempted murder. We analyze which charge applies and challenge prosecutorial overreach.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Heat of passion killings or sudden provocation cases with reduced sentences compared to murder charges. We pursue these alternatives when evidence supports them.

Self-Defense Cases

Claims that can completely negate attempted murder charges when you reasonably believed you faced imminent death or great bodily harm.

Domestic Violence Allegations

Attempted murder charges accompanied by domestic violence allegations add legal complexities and potential enhanced penalties we navigate carefully.

Federal Charges

Cases involving government property, interstate elements, or federal officials trigger federal jurisdiction with different sentencing guidelines.

Mental Health Defenses

Temporary insanity or diminished capacity defenses requiring careful psychiatric evaluation and expert testimony to support your case.

Potential Life Sentences

Attempted murder convictions carry potential life sentences without parole, depending on prior criminal history and aggravating circumstances.

McGuire Law's Core Values

When facing charges that could result in life imprisonment, you need an attorney whose commitment to your defense is absolute and unwavering from the first phone call to final resolution.

Relentless Defense Commitment

We leave no stone unturned in attempted murder cases. Every witness is interviewed, every piece of evidence is analyzed, and every legal option is explored to protect your freedom.

Immediate Crisis Response

Attempted murder arrests happen at any hour. We're available 24/7/365 to respond immediately, appear at bond hearings, and begin building your defense within hours of contact.

Honest Case Assessment

We provide realistic evaluations of your case based on evidence and 30+ years of experience. You deserve to know what you're facing and your genuine options.

Client Confidentiality

Everything you tell us remains strictly confidential. This protection allows complete honesty that enables us to build the strongest possible defense.

Family Communication

We keep your family informed throughout the process with regular updates and availability to answer their questions while maintaining your confidentiality.

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Defense Strategies We Employ

Challenging attempted murder charges requires sophisticated legal strategies that attack every element of the prosecution's case.

Evidence Challenges

Motion practice that can eliminate key testimony, physical evidence, or illegally obtained statements that prosecutors rely on to prove their case.

Self-Defense Arguments

Demonstrating reasonable fear of imminent death or great bodily harm with proportional response that justified your actions under South Carolina law.

Alibi Defenses

Thorough investigation of surveillance footage, cell phone records, and witness statements placing you elsewhere during the alleged incident.

Mental Health Evaluations

Psychiatric assessments that may reveal conditions affecting criminal responsibility, competency to stand trial, or sentencing mitigation factors.

Constitutional Violations

Challenging violations during arrest, search, or interrogation that result in suppressed evidence and potentially dismissed charges.

Expert Witness Testimony

Forensics, ballistics, medical testimony, and psychology experts who provide crucial evidence challenging prosecution theories.

The McGuire Law Difference

Attempted murder cases demand an attorney who has tried these cases before juries and understands how prosecutors build their cases. Matt McGuire brings three decades of serious felony trial experience to your defense.

Three Decades Defending Serious Felonies

Over 30 years defending attempted murder, homicide, and violent crime charges throughout South Carolina with deep understanding of prosecution strategies and defense tactics.

Immediate Bond Hearing Representation

Bond hearings must occur within 48 hours of arrest. We appear immediately to advocate for your release and challenge no-bond determinations.

Richland County Court Experience

Familiar with Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office prosecutors, Richland County judges, and local court procedures that affect case strategy and outcomes.

Prosecution Background Advantage

Matt McGuire's experience as an Assistant Attorney General and Assistant Solicitor provides insight into how prosecutors build cases—and how to defeat them.

Full Investigation Resources

Access to private investigators, forensic experts, and expert witnesses who develop evidence and testimony that challenge prosecution theories.

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Consequences of Attempted Murder Convictions

Attempted murder convictions carry devastating consequences that extend far beyond prison time and affect every aspect of your life permanently.

Criminal Penalties

  • Potential life sentences without parole depending on circumstances and history
  • Violent felony conviction permanently eliminates gun ownership rights
  • Professional licensing opportunities destroyed across all industries
  • Immigration deportation proceedings for non-citizens, even legal residents

Collateral Consequences

  • Child custody and visitation rights face immediate suspension or termination
  • Employment background checks reveal felony convictions indefinitely
  • Housing options severely limited with violent crime records
  • Civil liability lawsuits from alleged victims for monetary damages

Protect Your Future Now

The decisions you make in the first hours after arrest can determine whether you spend decades in prison or walk free.

Bond and Pretrial Release

Attempted murder charges typically result in high bond amounts or no-bond determinations. Immediate legal intervention is essential for protecting your release options.

48-Hour Bond Hearings

Bond hearings must occur within 48 hours of arrest, making rapid attorney contact essential for protecting your release options from the start.

Alternative Release Options

Electronic monitoring, house arrest, and third-party custody arrangements may secure release when cash bond amounts aren't feasible.

Bond Denial Appeals

Pretrial motions can challenge bond denial decisions through appeals to higher courts and additional bond hearings with new evidence.

Bond Condition Compliance

Violating bond conditions results in immediate arrest and likely bond revocation. We ensure you understand and can comply with all requirements.

Mental Health Support

Mental health evaluations may support reduced bond amounts when psychiatric treatment addresses underlying issues relevant to the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Attempted murder charges create urgent questions about your rights, options, and future. Here's critical information every defendant needs to understand.

What must prosecutors prove for attempted murder?

Prosecutors must prove specific intent to kill another person and substantial steps toward completing that act. Both elements must be proven beyond reasonable doubt—we challenge each one aggressively.

What's the difference between attempted murder and ABWIK?

Assault and battery with intent to kill (ABWIK) has different elements and penalties than attempted murder. We analyze which charge applies and challenge prosecutorial overreach when charges are inflated.

Can attempted murder charges be reduced?

Yes. Through plea negotiations, we can often reduce charges to lesser offenses like voluntary manslaughter or aggravated assault with significantly reduced sentences when evidence supports it.

What if I acted in self-defense?

Self-defense can completely negate attempted murder charges when properly documented and presented. We investigate the circumstances and develop evidence supporting your justified use of force.

Will I get bond on attempted murder charges?

Bond is possible but typically set very high or denied. We appear at your bond hearing within 48 hours to advocate for release and challenge prosecutorial requests for no bond.

How long do attempted murder cases take?

These serious cases typically take 12-24 months or longer depending on complexity, evidence challenges, and whether the case goes to trial. We push for efficient resolution while building the strongest defense.

What's the potential sentence for attempted murder?

Attempted murder carries potential life sentences without parole, depending on prior criminal history and aggravating circumstances. This is why aggressive defense representation is absolutely critical.

Should I talk to police before hiring a lawyer?

Absolutely not. Anything you say can be used against you, and statements made during police questioning often damage cases irreparably. Contact us immediately before speaking to anyone.

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 and future are at stake due to attempted murder charges in Columbia, you need more than just any attorney – you need Matt McGuire and McGuire Law.

Don't let another hour pass without proper legal protection against these life-altering charges. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that personal, aggressive, and effective legal representation can make in your attempted murder defense 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 Attempted Murder Arrests

Don't face attempted murder charges alone - call (888) 499-5738 immediately for aggressive, experienced defense representation. Our Columbia office is open 24/7/365, and we're ready to begin protecting your rights and building your defense today.

"When everything is on the line, experience matters most."