J. Benjamin Aplin Email & Phone Number

Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Area

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Supervises and gives clear direction to the Associate Deputy Director for Legal and Policy Management and the managers of the Office of General Counsel, Office of Accreditation, Office of External Affairs, Office of Administrative Hearings, and the Ignition Interlock Device Program regarding expectations and their contributions to accomplishing the Department's mission, goals, objectives, and strategic plan. Works with the Director of External Affairs to develop and implement annual legislative strategies and to plan and direct legislative activities on behalf of the Department. Coordinates activities of the Division with other Department Divisions to ensure consistent implementation of the Department's mission as set by the Director. Evaluates employee performance by timely completing employee performance management system reviews. Shows innovation and creativity in meeting mandates and challenges and in resolving problems as they arise.

Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Area

Supervised the Criminal Appeals Section of the SC Attorney General's Office which was comprised of myself, 8 other attorneys, 4 administrative assistants, 1 law clerk, and 1 intern. In addition to supervision I handled my own caseload of criminal appeals each of which required legal research, writing an appellate brief, and sometimes conducting oral arguments before the SC Court of Appeals and SC Supreme Court.I argued six cases in the last fiscal year and typically averaged around eight oral arguments a year.

Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Area

Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Area

Handled criminal appeals from probation revocations including writing briefs and making oral arguments in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Represented the State and the Department in contested probation violation hearings, civil suits, habeas petitions, and other actions in State and Federal Courts. Handled employee grievance proceedings. Worked with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy on legal training for probation agents seeking to achieve and maintain C-1 certification. Assisted and advised probation agents on legal issues encountered in the field including arrest, search and seizure, due process and notice requirements, and courtroom procedures. Worked with upper level management on legislation and policy initiatives and advised staff on legislation, policies, contracts, and information requests. Responded to inquiries from judges, attorneys, other State agencies, victims, offenders, and the general public regarding probation, parole and pardon matters. Advised the Parole Board as requested.

Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Area

Handled criminal appeals from probation revocations including writing briefs and making oral arguments in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Represented the State and the Department in contested probation violation hearings, civil suits, habeas petitions, and other actions in State and Federal Courts. Handled employee grievance proceedings. Worked with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy on legal training for probation agents seeking to achieve and maintain C-1 certification. Assisted and advised probation agents on legal issues encountered in the field including arrest, search and seizure, due process and notice requirements, and courtroom procedures. Worked with upper level management on legislation and policy initiatives and advised staff on legislation, policies, contracts, and information requests. Responded to inquiries from judges, attorneys, other State agencies, victims, offenders, and the general public regarding probation, parole and pardon matters. Advised the Parole Board as requested.

Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Area

Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Area

Worked my final three months reporting to Rob Bogan in the Criminal Appeals Section writing briefs and making oral arguments in the South Carolina Court of Appeals. Worked the preceding three years reporting to Teresa Knox and later Bob DeLoach in the Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) Section representing the State in Circuit Court evidentiary hearings, drafting proposed orders for the presiding judges and writing petitions and briefs in the State Supreme Court. John McIntosh supervised the Criminal Litigation Division which included Criminal Appeals, PCR, and Capital Litigation.

Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Area

Reviewed written arguments and made recommendations in direct criminal and civil appeals, petitions for writs of certiorari to the Court of Appeals, post-conviction relief petitions, and motions.

Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Area

Drafted motions, memoranda and other pleadings. Assisted Ms. Pope during motion hearings in Probate Court, assisted in trial preparation, and updated estate accountings.

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Researched bankruptcy and civil issues for pending litigation and wrote memoranda for attorneys.

Doctor Of Law - Jd

Activities and Societies: Order of Wig and Robe Research Editor - ABA Real Property, Probate and Trust Journal

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Philosophy, Politics, And Economics