Did you know that when you have been charged with a crime, everyone is against you? While the criminal justice system presupposes that you are not guilty of a crime until evidence against you proves otherwise, it remains difficult to demonstrate innocence because no one wants to give you a chance. If you are charged with a criminal offense, it may be in your best interest to understand your rights and responsibilities. You must be prepared for any claim against you.

In recent news, two local men will have to face the challenge of various charges. The Florence County Sheriff's Office has arrested two Lydia men in connection to an armed robbery. According to investigators, one suspect allegedly used his car to block a victim's vehicle along Brittany Drive. At that time, the other suspect got out of the vehicle and jumped into the victim's car. Reports say that the man demanded money and refused to leave the vehicle.

Eventually, the two men were stopped by authorities. An article reports that one suspect has been charged with kidnapping, armed robbery with a deadly weapon, criminal conspiracy, unlawful carrying of a pistol and the unlawful sale or delivery of a stolen pistol. The other individual was charged with kidnapping criminal conspiracy, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, armed robbery with a deadly weapon, financial transaction card theft, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of cocaine.

As one can see, the suspects will have to fight a series of criminal allegations. If you are confronting charges like the men in this story, you may want hire an attorney. Criminal law can be confusing and tricky to deal with. A lawyer can assist you through the complexities of South Carolina's criminal justice system.

Source: WMBF News, "Two arrested in Florence Co. kidnapping, robbery," Jan. 23, 2012