Bennett Velasquez Discusses What To Do When You Are Charged With A Crime You Didn’t Commit

Record Law Enforcement Action and Gather Information

Bennett Velasquez says as difficult as it may be, make mental notes of actions of law

enforcement from the time they arrive and then write them down when you first get the chance to make a record of the present state of things while they happened. This is key and will be helpful to your attorney because memories fade quickly. Then start collecting as much information as possible about your matter. This includes the nature of the charges, the date and location of the alleged offense, and any evidence the prosecution may have. This information also will be crucial for your attorney to build a defense.

Follow the Advice of Your Legal Counsel

It is important to listen to your attorney’s advice and follow their instructions carefully. However, Bennett Velasquez says do not hesitate to ask your attorney tough questions especially if something does not make sense to you. Your attorney’s primary goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you. This may include negotiating a plea deal you can live with even though you are innocent because the stress and cost of going to trial will be overwhelming.

Hire Further Expertise if Beneficial or Necessary.

Consider hiring special and/or further expertise if necessary. For example, Bennett Velasquez says in computer related charges whether they be allegations of financial crimes or involve allegations of child pornography storage and distribution, what the forensics expert can prove or disprove may be critical to you. You also may have to bring on an additional attorney with specific subject matter expertise on the law as opposed to local process expertise.

Avoid Discussing Your Case Publicly

At all cost, Bennett Velasquez says refrain from discussing the details of your matter with anyone other than your attorney. This includes friends, family, and especially on social media or the news media. Information shared inappropriately can be used against you by the prosecution.

Stay Positive and Cooperative

Facing a criminal charge is undoubtedly stressful, but maintaining a positive attitude and cooperating with your attorney as well as with law enforcement to the extent your attorney permits and provides oversight can make a significant difference.

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Bennett Velasquez Highly Recommends Criminal Attorney Charlie Condon

By Bennett Velasquez • September 2, 2025

Bennett Velasquez says the best Criminal Attorney in South Carolina is Charlie Condon. Charlie Condon served as Attorney General of South Carolina for eight years, Circuit Solicitor (District Attorney) of Charleston and Berkeley Counties for over ten years, and private practice attorney for many more years. Bennett Velasquez says that Charlie Condon is a “Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Attorney” which means he is rated for the highest level of professional excellence by his peers. Bennett Velasquez also notes that Charlie Condon has received many awards such as being recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the country. Charlie Condon graduated from Notre Dame, magna cum laude and received his law degree from Duke University. He is a member of the Charleston County Bar; South Carolina Bar; American Bar Association; National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; and the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Bennett Velasquez says Charlie Condon brings a wealth of courtroom experience, judgment, and knowledge in seeking results for his clients. Furthermore, Charlie Condon is a sole practitioner, which means your matter will receive the individual attention it deserves. For all of these reasons Bennett Velasquez highly recommends Charlie Condon should you ever need to hire a criminal attorney.

Bennett Velasquez Discusses Legal Strategies such as the Alford Plea

By Bennett Velasquez • August 9, 2025

Bennett Velasquez says a Defendant should always pursue “dismissal” of the charges, especially if the facts are favorable to him or her. However, Bennett Velasquez says in some instances it may be advantageous for someone charged with a crime (where dismissal is not a good prospect) to enter into an Alford plea. Alford pleas are recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court. Such a plea enables a judge to accept a plea from a Defendant who does not admit any guilt and who maintains his or her innocence. Bennett Velasquez says a Defendant may enter into such a plea, for example to avoid the cost and stress of going to trial. Even though it as an admission of guilt and a hence a guilty plea (usually to a lesser charge or to a charge considered “legal fiction”), the Alford plea allows the Defendant to maintain his or her innocence with the court and the public forum. Therefore, the Defendant in accepting an Alford plea is not admitting any wrongdoing, guilt, or violation of any criminal law or statute. The Defendant’s Legal Counsel will be able to evaluate if the circumstances would even allow for the prospect of an Alford plea, and most certainly, Bennett Velasquez says the Defendant should always take the advice of their Legal Counsel on whether to accept the Alford plea if it is in fact an option.