Defense Lawyer For Domestic Violence Accusations In South Carolina
The state of South Carolina has seen a steep rise in cases of domestic violence in recent years, giving it one of the highest rates of partner fatality in the nation. Because of this, prosecutors statewide have become vigilant and aggressive in their penalization of those convicted of such charges. Just because you have been arrested, though, does not mean you are guilty.
Sahn Law Firm – Attorneys at Law in Charleston, South Carolina, is here to provide you with a highly individualized and skilled defense.
Protecting Your Reputation And Your Rights
The consequences of these charges can include jail time, felony charges and harsh fines. You may also lose the right to possess guns or ammunition. With so much on the line, it is important that you turn to a skilled and experienced South Carolina criminal defense lawyer whom you can trust to defend your rights.
Each dispute has at least two sides to the story. I am fully equipped with the experience and knowledge needed to present your side of the story in a court of law. I will uncover all aspects of the case, making it my job to know more than the prosecution.
It is not uncommon for false accusations of domestic violence and abuse to arise, framed by family law scenarios or other negotiations and the hope that a conviction or restraining order will give one individual an advantage. I will uncover all relevant information in order to achieve the best possible result on your behalf.
Being convicted of domestic violence can ruin a person’s life. A person’s career and personal life may be on the line if a domestic violence conviction occurs. It is crucial to protect your rights if you have been charged with domestic violence in South Carolina. An experienced Charleston, SC domestic violence attorney can help you navigate the challenging legal system while determining the best course of action.
Domestic violence is a serious crime that carries harsh penalties. If convicted, a person may face substantial fines and jail time, along with the highly negative stigma that domestic violence carries. If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is expedient to contact a Charleston, SC domestic violence attorney right away.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence
When someone causes intentional harm or injury to a household member, that individual has participated in domestic violence. However, domestic violence can also include the act of threatening or attempting to cause harm or injury to a household or family member. The individual must be able or give the impression that they are able to carry out the threat or attempted harm.
Simply because a threat has been made does not establish domestic violence. People that can be affected by domestic violence include spouses, children, former spouses, and couples who currently or previously have lived together.
Aggravated Domestic Violence
Some acts of domestic violence are more severe than others. These acts have harsher penalties and are known as aggravated domestic violence. South Carolina state law outlines that aggravated domestic violence occurs when a deadly weapon is used to assault or batter a household or family member and causes serious bodily injury. It can also include an assault, threat, or attempt to injure with or without touching that results in injury or harm with a reasonable belief that injury or even death can occur.
A deadly weapon regarding aggravated domestic violence can be a gun, knife, or rifle. These weapons are considered deadly when they are directly and intentionally used to commit the assault.
Domestic Violence Penalties
Not all offenses of domestic violence are aggravated domestic violence. Some domestic violence crimes can be misdemeanors. However, depending on the circumstances, a person can be convicted of a domestic violence felony.
A first offense of domestic violence assault is a misdemeanor. It requires a fine of $1,000 to $2,500 and or up to 30 days in jail. A second offense is also a misdemeanor, and it carries a $2,000 to $5,000 fine and or 30 days to one year in jail. A person convicted of a second offense of domestic violence gets a mandatory sentence of a minimum of 30 days in jail. However, the court may reduce the rest of the sentence on condition that the individual complete a batterer’s treatment program. A person who has committed three or more Domestic violence offenses is in danger of a felony conviction, which is punishable by one to five years in prison.
If you are charged with domestic violence, it is vital to seek a Charleston, SC domestic violence attorney to help determine the best solution and options for your case. At Sahn Law Firm – Attorneys at Law, we are dedicated to helping you with your legal needs.
Domestic Violence In Charleston, South Carolina: Fact Or Fiction?
Domestic violence is one of the most misunderstood areas of all of South Carolina criminal law. While domestic violence charges are, unfortunately, rather common throughout the state, many of both accused perpetrators and alleged victims are unaware of what domestic violence actually means. People hold many misconceptions about the crime and its consequences.
One fact, however, always does remain the same, whether or not you are particularly well versed on the legal definitions of domestic violence and related crimes. This fact is that if you have been charged with domestic violence of any kind, you need immediate legal representation.
Only Men Are Prosecuted For Domestic Violence In South Carolina
Fiction: Many people continue to operate under the impression that women are the only possible victims of domestic violence. This is simply not the case. According to the most recent data collected by the Center for Disease Control and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, not only have one in three women in the United States experienced physical violence by a domestic partner; one in four men have as well. Charleston, SC domestic violence attorney, Michael Sahn, is experienced in defending both men and women in their South Carolina domestic violence cases.
I Won’t Be Prosecuted For Domestic Violence If I Didn’t Actually Touch Anyone
Fiction: Domestic violence law can apply to several different levels of criminal activities. The determining basis for a domestic violence charge is the type of relationship that exists between an alleged abuser and an alleged victim. Accusations of general violence can be connected to domestic violence charges and other criminal charges, such as disorderly conduct, can also result in a domestic violence charge, even if no physical contact occurred. No matter what kind of domestic violence charge you face, you need an experienced domestic violence attorney in Charleston, South Carolina.
Domestic Violence Charges Are Only Misdemeanors In South Carolina And Carry The Same Minor Penalties As Other Misdemeanor Crimes
Fiction: In South Carolina, it is at all not uncommon for felony violence to be charged as a domestic violence offense, including aggravated assault. In certain circumstances, a defendant can even be charged with a felony for an otherwise misdemeanor act in a domestic violence case. This crime is known as aggravated domestic violence. Aggravated domestic violence is an extremely serious charge that will require an immediate consultation with a skilled Charleston, SC domestic violence attorney.
Even a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence can carry with it additional penalties, which are normally only applied to felony offenses. After being convicted of certain domestic violence offenses that involve physical force, making a threat of physical force, or the use of any weapon, a convicted defendant can lose their right to legally possess a firearm in the state of South Carolina. An expertly planned defense strategy that is created by a knowledgeable domestic violence attorney may be your only chance to avoid such a fate in your Charleston, SC domestic violence case.
Contact Us For A Free Initial Consultation
As your attorney, I will create a highly individualized defense that will achieve the best possible outcome. I provide a free initial consultation to learn the specific details of your case.
To arrange a meeting, please contact Sahn Law Firm – Attorneys at Law, South Carolina criminal defense attorney, today at (843) 856-2222.
