Respected, Client-Focused Criminal Defense Attorneys

Facing a criminal charge or grand jury investigation in South Carolina can be overwhelming, whether they involves complex financial schemes, public corruption, multi-jurisdictional crimes, or offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI), drug charges, assault, or juvenile crimes. Criminal cases often move quickly in South Carolina and carry severe consequences for your reputation, career, and future. 

Deon Tedder, Esq. of Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC, represents clients confronting high-stakes criminal allegations, serious white-collar crimes, and those accused of DUI, illegal drug charges, assault, and juvenile offenses. Whether defending in state or federal court, Mr. Tedder works tirelessly to craft strong, tailored defenses that address the unique challenges of each case while protecting your rights, reputation, and future.

What Is a Grand Jury Investigation?

A grand jury investigation is a legal process used to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to formally charge an individual with a serious crime. Grand juries commonly handle some of the most complex and high-profile cases, including those involving multiple jurisdictions.

In South Carolina, grand juries operate at the county, state, and federal levels. Proceedings are secretive, with the accused absent—they do not present evidence or cross-examine witnesses. Often, the full scope of allegations remains unknown until an indictment is issued.

Common cases presented to grand juries include:

• Public corruption and misconduct
• Large-scale or multi-county drug trafficking
• Securities fraud and complex investment schemes
• Criminal gang activity
• Election law violations
• Computer crimes (e.g., hacking, identity theft)
• Human trafficking
• Money laundering and related financial crimes

What Is a White-Collar Crime?

White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses involving deception, fraud, or breaches of trust for financial gain. Though they typically lack physical violence, these crimes carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, significant fines, restitution, asset forfeiture, and lasting damage to personal and professional reputations.

Common white-collar offenses include:

• Securities fraud and insider trading
• Mail and wire fraud
• Healthcare and insurance fraud
• Tax fraud and evasion
• Corporate embezzlement
• Bank and mortgage fraud
• Money laundering
• Identity theft
• Procurement fraud involving government contracts

White-collar cases often involve executives, elected officials, business owners, and high-profile defendants. An indictment brings formal charges and public exposure, risking prison, fines, loss of professional license, disqualification from contracts or positions, damaged relationships, and asset forfeiture.

What Other Criminal Charges Does Deon Tedder, Esq. Handle?

In addition to grand jury investigations and white-collar crimes, Mr. Tedder represents clients facing other serious criminal charges. He defends individuals accused of DUI, drug offenses, assault, and juvenile crimes, which can carry steep penalties in South Carolina, including jail time, fines, license suspension, and lasting criminal records. 

Mr. Tedder works to protect his clients’ rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue strategies to minimize the long-term consequences.

How Does the Grand Jury System Work in South Carolina?

South Carolina employs both county grand juries and a State Grand Jury:

• County grand juries handle serious felony cases within a single county.
• The State Grand Jury addresses complex, multi-county, or high-profile cases such as public corruption, organized crime, and multi-jurisdictional fraud schemes.

Federal grand juries operate independently, investigating potential federal law violations involving agencies like the FBI, IRS, and DEA, often related to interstate or international crimes.

Regarding white-collar crimes:

• State-level felonies generally require grand jury indictments to proceed in General Sessions Court. Large-scale embezzlement or securities fraud may be presented to county or State Grand Juries.
• The State Grand Jury hears specific categories of cases meeting statutory criteria, including multi-county fraud and public corruption. Smaller or localized cases usually remain at the county level and may not involve a grand jury.
• Federal white-collar crimes almost always go before a federal grand jury unless the defendant waives that right.
• Lower-level offenses, such as misdemeanors or small-scale fraud, are typically charged without a grand jury. However, high-value, complex, or politically sensitive cases involving multiple jurisdictions are more likely to proceed through a grand jury.

Because grand jury procedures differ between state and federal systems, understanding jurisdiction is key to developing an effective defense.

What Should I Do If I Learn I Am Under Investigation?

If you discover you are under investigation or have received a grand jury subpoena, contact an experienced South Carolina criminal defense lawyer immediately. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, protecting your rights from the outset is critical.

You should also:

• Avoid speaking with investigators without your lawyer present.
• Preserve all relevant documents, records, and electronic data.
• Follow legal guidance regarding subpoenas or information requests.
• Refrain from discussing the matter with anyone outside your legal team.

Seemingly harmless comments can be misinterpreted or used against you. A skilled attorney like Mr. Tedder can serve as your advocate and shield during the investigation, working to safeguard your rights. Early legal involvement can sometimes resolve issues before charges are filed, narrow the investigation’s scope, or improve outcomes if charges proceed.

How Can Deon Tedder, Esq. Help?

In grand jury investigations and criminal cases, effective legal representation can mean the difference between indictment and dismissal. Mr. Tedder offers:

• Thorough assessment of the government’s evidence and case strength.
• Guidance on responding to subpoenas and investigative requests.
• Negotiations with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges.
• Collaboration with forensic accountants and investigators to challenge evidence.
• Strategic trial preparation if necessary.
• Media management to protect your public image.

Not every defense lawyer is prepared for the complexities of grand jury proceedings or white-collar crime. These cases require deep legal knowledge, experience in navigating procedural nuances, and the ability to work with specialized experts. Mr. Tedder brings extensive experience in high-stakes defense, managing large evidence volumes, anticipating prosecutorial tactics, and aggressively protecting your interests.

Contact a South Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyer at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Today

If you are facing criminal charges, a South Carolina criminal defense lawyer at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC will guide you through the legal process. Located in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, we serve clients across the state. Call 843-727-6500 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation today.

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