Former Trooper with South Carolina Highway Patrol faces Federal Charges
A second trooper in South Carolina has been indicted on charges stemming from civil rights violations. John Sawyer, who previously worked with South Carolina Highway Patrol, was indicted for violating a suspect's constitutional rights. A video allegedly shows Sawyer kicking a suspect several times in the head.
He was indicted in federal court and is facing a maximum of ten years in prison, so it is extremely important that he hires an experienced federal criminal lawyer to protect his rights throughout the legal proceedings. There are federal courthouses in Florence, Charleston, Anderson, Greenville, Rock Hill and Columbia. At this time, we do not know what his guideline range is under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, first he must decide whether to fight the charges or cooperate with the government and plead guilty to the charges.
If he decides to plead guilty, he may receive a reduction in his sentence for acceptance of responsibility. However, depending on the fact of the case, he could be facing several enhancements including an adjustment for abuse of trust and for a vulnerable victim. He may also decide to fight the charges and proceed with a trial in federal court.
We have defended police officers on a variety of criminal charges, including assault, battery, and kidnapping. When hiring a criminal defense attorney in a federal criminal defense case, it is important to retain a trial lawyer with a great deal of experience in federal court.
The Mace Firm has criminal attorneys ready to assist you in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. We have offices in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Miami Beach, Florida and can handle cases throughout South, including Charleston, Florence, Columbia, and Hilton Head.
