Serious Attempted Murder and Murder Defense Lawyers in Rock Hill, SC
Being charged with a violent crime can change your life in seconds, even if you were defending yourself at the time of the arrest. No matter your side of the story, the York County solicitor’s office will pursue your case to the fullest extent of the law, possibly even with the intent of increasing the charges, so you face the maximum sentence.
Whether you have been charged with reckless vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter, attempted murder, or actual murder, your freedom is in jeopardy from the moment you are arrested until you partner with our experienced Rock Hill violent crimes attorney to ensure your rights are protected and you have access to the best legal defense available for your unique case.
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our murder and attempted murder defense lawyers Rock Hill will fully explain the charges the State of South Carolina has against you and will customize your defense to pursue real-time solutions.
What is the Difference Between Homicide, Manslaughter, Attempted Murder, and Murder in South Carolina?
While attempted murder and murder charges in South Carolina may seem straightforward, the way that they are charged will potentially make the difference between our clients facing five years or a life sentence in prison.
Depending on the circumstances that led to the violent act occurring, homicide charges can include both manslaughter and murder, based on whether the act was intentional or caused by reckless conduct.
Our South Carolina homicide legislation outlines the different charges and, based on the circumstances surrounding your case, the solicitor’s office will determine how to pursue them.
That may include:
- Involuntary Manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter charges are the result of a death or death that were caused while engaged in criminally negligent conduct, which may be punishable by up to five years in prison. Criminal negligence means the reckless disregard of the safety of others.
- Manslaughter or Voluntary Manslaughter
Manslaughter charges are the result of a death or death that were caused without malice, which may be punishable by a minimum of two years jail time, and up to 30 years in jail without parole.
- Reckless Vehicular Homicide and Reckless Homicide by Boat
Reckless Vehicular Homicide charges are the result of a death or deaths caused by the reckless disregard for the safety of others while operating a motor vehicle or boat, which may be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $1,000 to $5,000.
- Attempted Murder
Attempted murder charges are the result of trying to kill another person with malice aforethought or premeditation, which may be punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
- Murder
Murder charges are the result of a death or death of any person with malice aforethought or premeditation, which may be punishable by a mandatory minimum prison term of 30 years, life in prison, or the death penalty when extenuating circumstances meet the legal threshold to pursue the supreme punishment.
What are the Most Common Defenses for Violent Crimes in Rock Hill, South Carolina?
If you have been charged with a violent crime, including attempted murder or murder in South Carolina, it is important to partner with an experienced defense attorney in Rock Hill as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected immediately, so we can begin building the best legal strategy available for your unique case.
All violent crime charges are unique, and are based on the facts of the case, your criminal history, and other extenuating circumstances that were present at the time crime took place.
Our skilled Rock Hill defense lawyers will review your case, and determine the best legal approach to countering the solicitor’s charges, which may include but are not limited to:
The loss of the life you are being charged with was an accident.
- The loss of life you are being charged with was the result of self-defense.
- You have protected under the Stand Your Ground or Castle Doctrine immunity.
- The loss of the life you are being charged with was the result of insanity.
When there was a clear and definitive reason for your actions, including your right to Stand Your Ground under our Protection of Persons and Property Act, we can develop a strong defense against murder charges that occurred in your home, vehicle, or at work.
Attempted murder and murder charges are not as clear cut as they may seem, which is why it is important to speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney Rock Hill immediately after your arrest, so you can pursue the best outcome available for your case from the beginning.
Can My South Carolina Murder Charges Be Reduced to Avoid a Life Sentence?
If you have been charged with murder or attempted murder in South Carolina, no matter who was killed or how it happened, you should never try to face the solicitor’s office alone.
Even when you believe you were justified in causing someone’s death, or are completely innocent of the crime, anything you say after your arrest can and will be used against you.
Our experienced criminal defense lawyer in Fort Mill wants you to invoke your right to remain silent until you can speak with our attorneys, so you are not inadvertently providing information that can hurt your case.
Once we have taken your case, we will meet with you to discuss each detail of the incident that led you here before fully examining the charges and evidence the solicitor’s office has against you, and will immediately begin devising our criminal defense strategy, which could include getting the charges dismissed or reduced.
If your case goes to trial, we will be ready.
We can help for:
- Felony & Violent Crimes
- Possession of Marijuana and Cocaine
- Driver’s License Suspension
- Aggressive Domestic Violence
- DUAC and DUI
Contact Our Very Experienced Attempted Murder and Murder Defense Lawyers in Rock Hill at the David W. Martin Law Group for a consultation Today
If you have been charged with a violent crime in South Carolina, contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Rock Hill at the David W. Martin Law Group today by calling (803) 985-9200 to fully review your case with our lawyers, so we can provide the straightforward solutions you need to make informed decisions about the direction of your case and your future.
