» Guilty Plea Agreements

Court of Appeals Affirms Grant of New Trial After Prosecutor Failed to Disclose Deal with Testifying Co-Defendant

On May 8, 2018, in State v. Dean, the South Carolina Court of Appeals affirmed the grant of a new trial because the prosecution did not disclose its deal with a testifying co-defendant. The failure to disclose resulted in a denial of due process and… Read More
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Lawyers Must Communicate Guilty Plea Offers to Clients

On November 5, 2014, the South Carolina Court of Appeals decided Bell v. State (Opinion No. 5277), holding that Bell’s lawyer was ineffective for not telling him about a guilty plea offer. In his post-conviction relief (PCR) hearing, Bell testified… Read More
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Enforcing Guilty Plea Agreements

On February 5, 2014, the South Carolina Court of Appeals decided Smith v. State, holding that trial counsel was ineffective for not objecting when the prosecutor failed to honor the plea agreement. Smith, originally charged with murder, pleaded guilt… Read More
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