Nathan Scales has been named the Chief Public Defender for the 4th Judicial Circuit.
Scales believes that every person deserves a good defense and the opportunity to become a positive member of society. He represents his clients with the same vigor as he would a client who could afford to pay. It is truly a position where he helps people make the best decision for them and get on the right path.
Originally from North Carolina, Scales attended college at Coker University in Hartsville, S.C., on a soccer scholarship. He went on to graduate from Charlotte School of Law in December 2012 and started working as an Assistant Public Defender in 2013 for Michael Stephens in Chesterfield, Marlboro, and Dillon counties. In 2016, Matt Rivers was elected Circuit Public Defender, and he made Scales his Chief Deputy. Scales served in that role managing all four counties for the last eight years until he was elected as Circuit Public Defender in March of this year.
The 4th Circuit Public Defender’s Office services the indigent citizens of Chesterfield, Dillon, Darlington, and Marlboro counties. “We handle everything from low-level misdemeanors that carry a punishment of 30 days, to violent crimes that carry life in prison, if convicted,” explained Scales.
“Every person has the right to a fair trial. State and federal law provides that all persons have the constitutional right to be represented by an attorney if they have been accused of a crime and the punishment for that crime could be time in jail or prison. If that person is financially unable to hire an attorney, then a public defender is assigned the case(s). That public defender represents that client in each stage of the criminal proceedings up until that case is disposed of, be it dismissal, plea bargain or trial,” Scales said.
Scales emphasized that public defenders are real attorneys. “There’s quite a stigma that surrounds public defenders-that we are not ‘real attorneys,'” Scales said. “We take the South Carolina Bar, a standardized aptitude test, same as every other attorney who is licensed to practice law. Public Defenders in my office and around the State specialize in criminal defense cases. It is the only type of law we practice. Changing that narrative that has been perpetuated by popular culture is something we strive for. State legislators have aided this endeavor by creating a statewide public defender system in 2007.”
Scales has a knowledgeable staff in place to assist him. “I am extremely lucky to have a wonderful office made up of experienced attorneys and staff. This has been an invaluable asset for me personally. I am proud to say that a large majority of my office was born and reared in the Pee Dee. They are intimately embedded into each one of these communities and are passionate about public service,” said Scales.
Scales looks forward to working with the next Fourth Circuit Solicitor, who will be elected later this year. “I want to work with the new solicitor next year in establishing more diversionary courts within the Circuit. People deserve an opportunity to right a wrong and become a productive member of society. It is an investment that will pay dividends in building stronger communities. These courts will better address the needs of individuals who truly need help. I believe these courts are the keystone of reducing recidivism rates. Ideally, we need more tools at our disposal that have a concentrated push towards rehabilitation,” said Scales.
PICTURED AT TOP: The swearing-in at Darlington County Courthouse with the late 4th Circuit Court Judge, Honorable Michael S. Holt.
