First, stay calm. Second, do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. Do not explain yourself to the police, and do not post about it online. Then contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. The earlier a Rock Hill criminal defense attorney gets involved, the more options you may have to protect your rights and build a strong defense.
Yes. When you hire Barboza Law, you are not handed off to a case manager or shuffled between attorneys. Attorney Sabreena Barboza works directly with her clients in Rock Hill, Lancaster, and surrounding areas. You will know who is handling your case, and you will have direct communication about strategy, court dates, and next steps.
We prepare every case as if it may go to trial. That preparation alone often changes how prosecutors approach negotiations. Whether it is a DUI in Rock Hill, a drug charge in Lancaster, or a domestic violence case in York County, we do not simply accept the first offer. We review the evidence, challenge weaknesses, and push for the strongest possible outcome.
We focus on clear communication and real strategy. Clients are not left guessing about what is happening in their case. You will understand the risks, the options, and the plan moving forward. Sabreena Barboza has built her reputation on preparation, persistence, and standing firm in court when it matters most.
Yes. We represent clients facing everything from traffic offenses and DUIs to serious felony charges in Rock Hill, Lancaster, and surrounding South Carolina courts. No case is treated as “minor.” Even misdemeanor convictions can affect your future, and we approach every charge with that understanding.
Immediately. The sooner a Rock Hill criminal defense lawyer gets involved, the more opportunities there may be to protect your rights. Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence, review police conduct, and start building a defense before the case moves too far forward.
Not necessarily. Many criminal cases in York and Lancaster Counties are resolved through negotiation. However, prosecutors take negotiations more seriously when they know your attorney is fully prepared to go to trial. At Barboza Law, we prepare every case thoroughly so you are protected either way.
We believe in straight answers. You will not get vague promises or unrealistic guarantees. You will get honest advice about your situation, your risks, and your best path forward. We understand that facing criminal charges in Rock Hill or Lancaster is stressful. Clear communication helps reduce that uncertainty.
Yes. Even if you think you want to plead guilty, you should speak with a Rock Hill criminal defense attorney first. A conviction can affect your job, your record, your ability to own a firearm, and even future custody issues. Many charges in York and Lancaster Counties can be reduced, dismissed, or negotiated differently with the right strategy. Do not assume the first offer is your only option.
Sometimes, yes. DUI and DUAC charges in South Carolina depend heavily on evidence such as breath tests, field sobriety tests, and officer procedures. A DUI lawyer serving Rock Hill and Lancaster can review whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether testing procedures were followed correctly, and whether the evidence holds up in court. Weak evidence can mean reduced charges or dismissal.
A domestic violence arrest in York or Lancaster County does not automatically mean a conviction. These cases are complex and often involve one person’s word against another’s. A Rock Hill domestic violence attorney can review bodycam footage, witness statements, and inconsistencies in the accusation. The right defense can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Drug charges, including possession of marijuana or other controlled substances, can carry serious penalties. Depending on the amount and the circumstances, you could be facing fines, probation, or jail time. A criminal defense lawyer in Rock Hill who handles drug crimes can examine whether the search was legal and whether your constitutional rights were violated.
Yes, in some cases. Shoplifting and property crimes in Lancaster or York County often depend on surveillance footage, witness accounts, and intent. If the evidence is weak or improperly obtained, a criminal defense attorney can challenge it. First-time offenders may also qualify for diversion programs that avoid a permanent conviction.
Resisting arrest in South Carolina can be charged as a misdemeanor or, in some cases, a felony depending on the circumstances. These charges often come down to how the situation unfolded during the arrest. A Rock Hill resisting arrest attorney can evaluate whether excessive force was used or whether the arrest itself was lawful.
Some charges in South Carolina may qualify for expungement, including certain first offenses, dismissed charges, or completed diversion programs. Not all convictions qualify. A Rock Hill expungements lawyer can review your record and determine whether you are eligible to clear your name.
The cost depends on the type of charge and the complexity of the case. At Barboza Law, we are transparent about fees and explain exactly what representation includes. Investing in a criminal defense attorney early can save you far more in long-term consequences.
Local experience matters. A lawyer who regularly practices in Rock Hill Municipal Court, Lancaster County Magistrate Court, and York County courts understands how prosecutors handle cases and what strategies work. That familiarity can directly impact the outcome of your case.