South Carolina Federal Defense Attorneys

State 2nd in nation; increase partly blamed on recession

According to the Greenville News, the state of South Carolina is second in the country for property crimes, with only Washington, D.C. having a higher rate.

The state has above-average rates in all the categories of theft, including larceny-theft, burglary and motor vehicle theft. Many South Carolina residents found this surprising, many of whom stay in or moved to the state because of the perceived low crime rates.

Greenville County Sheriff, Steve Loftis, believes that the bad economy is responsible, at least in part.

Greenville County has seen a 7.6 % increase in property crimes. Other counties in the region saw increases as well : Property crimes rose 15.6 % in Anderson County and 18.4 % in Pickens County. Nationally, the crime rates have decreased, including property crimes.

The theft of copper and other building materials from construction sites and existing buildings seems to be driving these numbers in the Greenville region. Law enforcement officials hope that a new law that requires a permit to sell copper may reduce this type of property crime.

By: Pete Strom, South Carolina Federal Defense Lawyer

Centrally located in Columbia, South Carolina, our firm has been serving clients for over 15 years.  Founded by former U.S. Attorney and assistant solicitor, Pete Strom, our experienced criminal  defense attorneys include a former public defender, and a former Assistant Attorney General and Richland County Assistant Solicitor, as well as a tax lawyer familiar with IRS investigations.  Our experience and familiarity with prosecutorial techniques provide the basis for experienced and effective legal representation. We will fight hard to have your charges reduced, or even dismissed.