One of the most important decisions you can make is the selection of a lawyer to represent you or a loved one in a criminal investigation.
Being the object of a criminal investigation can be an emotional roller coaster, and defending against a criminal charge is a major upheaval in life. A criminal conviction may have catastrophic consequences including the loss of your freedom..
When you choose a lawyer you are selecting the person who will protect your rights and freedoms, as well as the person who will stand between you and those who wish to take those freedoms away..
At The Burris Legal Group we specialize in criminal defense, automobile accidents, personal injury, and workers compensation. Twana Burris-Alcide has the reputation for vigorously defending the rights of the accused. Alongside her proven ability and her experience, she is tough when necessary and compassionate when the situation requires it.
Our legal group provides attorney representation for those who are facing criminal charges such as misdemeanors, felony, assault, burglary, robbery, domestic violence, violent crimes, drug crimes, sex crimes, juvenile crimes, and white collar crimes. In addition, we also represent clients who have received a personal injury due to the negligence of others.
Twana Burris-Alcide, driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of others, left the world of criminal prosecution in order to speak for the voiceless members of society. Ms Burris carries on the traditions of her family through hard work, integrity, and moral values. She is known as an experienced litigator who is comfortable both as a prosecutor, and now as a defense attorney. She combines the knowledge of the law along with communication skills to work aggressively as the managing member and attorney at The Burris Legal Group, LLC.
Born and raised in Rock Hill, Mrs. Burris-Alcide attended the public schools of Rock Hill graduating from Rock Hill High School in 1995. The support of her parents, family, mentors, and local organizations all made it possible for her to pursue higher education at The University of South Carolina in 1995. While at USC she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and graduated cum laude in 1999.
Having a strong passion to serve others in the community, she attended The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law and The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. She was jointly enrolled at The Ohio State University College of Law and the Ohio State University School of Business. While involved in numerous local, regional, and national community service projects and organizations, she received honor as 1st place winner of the Samuel J Boykins Law and Philosophy Essay both in 2001 and 2002. She was also awarded Best Law Brief/Best Brief while at Ohio State. In her final year of law school, she co-authored a book titled A Guide For Courts: Mediating Conflicts Involving Children and Families. She has participated as a guest lecturer in legal education seminars sponsored by the SC Bar. Rules, Rules, Rules-Success with Judge and Jury: Effective Trial Practice in Criminal Court.
After law school, she had the opportunity to work as a law clerk for The Honorable Deadra L. Jefferson in Charleston, SC. Taking the South Carolina Bar and passing on the first try, she became licensed to practice in the State of South Carolina and was soon hired as an Assistant Solicitor where she prosecuted DEF crimes and was assigned to the York County Drug Enforcement Unit to prosecute narcotic cases. She worked for The 16th Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office from 2003-2006. Ms Burris has been in private practice since 2006, and currently is the managing attorney for The Burris Legal Group, LLC
Twana Burris-Alcide will assist you and analyze the merits of your case and legal position and help you weigh the net benefits of settlement options as compared to filing a lawsuit. If in the client's best interest a lawsuit is filed, she will zealously advocate for you. You will be informed every step of the way as to the litigation. She will carefully consider each case while helping each client to understand the process. She has the experience, knowledge, and tenacity to evaluate your loss and maximize your recovery
As an attorney, Twana Burris-Alcide has multiple roles, two of which are legal counselor and legal warrior. It is her responsibility to help you understand your legal rights and how the legal system functions. As an attorney she will provide you with effective assistance. She believes that trust and integrity are two of the most important elements of an attorney-client relationship. Many of you may not have had the need for legal assistance in the past and therefore have to put your trust in an unfamiliar entity. This is a very important decision and Mrs. Burris-Alcide will make sure to correspond to your needs and if she does not have an expertise in the specified area of law in order to provide effective assistance, she will make sure to send you to another attorney who specializes in the certain area of practice.
Twana Burris-Alcide's goal is to offer her clients the best level of competence and results as one of the finest law firms in the state of South Carolina. To accomplish this goal, her philosophy is that you will be treated as a person and not as a file. You will be informed and advised of your case, as well as, participate in the decision making process. In order to avoid unnecessary or unreasonable litigation, you will learn realistic expectations under the law, and the facts of your case. You will be encouraged to contribute to your case to the extent you are capable of. She believes that there is a synergy created when a client and an attorney work closely together. My law firm will offer incomparable and rapid responsiveness, flexibility, and personal attention.
If you are arrested for DUI / DUAC in South Carolina, you face the possibility of automatically losing your driver's license - even without being convicted.
In drunk driving cases, the clock begins ticking immediately. Depending on your blood alcohol level (BAC), your license may be suspended, and you have a limited time frame in which to request an administrative hearing to get it back. If you don't request a hearing, the suspension will be automatically upheld, and you will lose your privilege to drive. If you are from out of state, you will lose your privilege to drive in South Carolina, and your conviction and suspension may be transferred back to your home state.
If you are convicted of DUI / DUAC, you will have a criminal record. A second offense could result in up to a year in jail, and a third offense in the forfeiture of your car. A drunk driving conviction in South Carolina carries civil consequences, as well. For the next three years, you will be required to purchase SR-22 insurance at several times the rates for regular insurance.
Although the answer can vary by state, in many cases such a refusal is itself a criminal violation subject to stiff penalties. In addition, if the case against you is ultimately proven, the penalties for the refusal may be beyond those for the offense of drunk driving alone. In some states, refusal to submit to a breath test will result in the loss of your driver license.
In most situations, the quickest way to free someone from jail is by bonding him or her out. If a person is charged with a state crime, he can be bonded out by a professional bondsman. A professional bondsman has entered into an agreement with the County of incarceration to guarantee the appearance of the accused at future court dates. The County will release the accused on a bondsman's guaranty. A professional bondsman normally charges 10-20% of the bail amount for his service. Be aware, however, if you post a cash bond, it may take the County Sheriff several weeks after the case is over to return the money you have paid.
You can call the sheriff's department of the county in which you suspect that a warrant has been issued. If it is a federal warrant you are monitoring, it would be best for you to meet with a good criminal defense lawyer and allow him or her to find out that information for you.
