When an offender uses or threatens to use force upon a victim, it is commonly considered a violent crime and is often the result of allegations of rape and sexual assault, robbery, assault, and murder. However, under South Carolina criminal law, “Violent Crimes” are specifically defined in the South Carolina Code of Laws under Section 16-1-60.
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our Fort Mill violent crimes attorneys understand the depth of these charges, and how our South Carolina laws and the stiff penalties outlined therein, affect our clients’ lives from the moment of their arrest.
Even if you were defending yourself at the time of your arrest, you may still be charged with a violent crime that lands you in jail, fighting first to be eligible for bail, when applicable, so you can begin telling your side of the story.
Without a skilled York County violent crimes attorney by your side, ensuring your rights are protected, charges of reckless vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter, attempted murder, or actual murder may keep you behind bars throughout your case.
Allow our violent crimes attorneys in Fort Mill to assess your case immediately after your arrest, so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed with a defense strategy that will be customized for your unique circumstances.
Why is the York County Solicitor’s Office Pursuing Murder Charges Against Me?
Violent crimes like manslaughter and murder may be charged in different ways, depending on the circumstances of your unique case.
Our South Carolina homicide legislation outlines the different charges that apply to the loss of life in our state, and each requires a different legal threshold to be met before the solicitor can pursue specific charges.
Our Fort Mill violent crimes attorneys will review the facts and evidence of your case to ensure the solicitor’s office is not overplaying its hand by pursuing murder charges against any of our clients without the proper proof to back up the charges.
Otherwise, they must pursue a lesser charge or dismiss the case.
What is the Difference Between Voluntary Manslaughter and Involuntary Manslaughter in South Carolina?
Voluntary Manslaughter occurs when a death was caused without malice, which may be punishable by a minimum of two years jail time, and up to 30 years in jail without parole.
Involuntary manslaughter occurs when a death was caused while engaged in a reckless disregard of the safety of others and may be punishable by up to five years in prison.
What is Reckless Vehicular Homicide in South Carolina?
Reckless Vehicular Homicide occurs when a death was caused by the reckless disregard for the safety of others while operating a motor vehicle or boat and may be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $1,000 to $5,000.
What is the Difference Between Attempted Murder and Murder Charges in South Carolina?
Attempted murder charges occur when one person tries to kill another person with malice aforethought or premeditation, which may be punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Murder, on the other hand, occurs when an actual 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.
How Can My South Carolina Violent Crimes Attorney Help Create the Best Defense for My Case?
Everyone who is arrested for a crime in South Carolina and throughout the United States is deemed innocent until proven guilty, which is why our clients partner with our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Fort Mill.
If you have been charged with a violent crime, your rights must be protected throughout the legal process, so you are only being charged with a crime that reflects the circumstances, evidence, and any relevant criminal history that applies to these charges that the prosecutor can prove.
Our skilled Fort Mill violent crimes lawyers at the David W. Martin Law Group will customize your defense strategy using the applicable approach.
They may include arguing that the death our client is charged with was:
- Protected under the Stand Your Ground or Castle Doctrine immunity
- The result of self-defense
- An accident
- The result of insanity
If you have been charged with causing the loss of another person’s life in South Carolina – even if you are innocent, or believe you were justified in your actions, you should never face these charges alone.
Our experienced violent crimes lawyers in Fort Mill will fully assess your case to ensure we are countering the solicitor’s office and their charges using the best strategy available for your unique case.
Pursuing the best outcome for your unique needs will require examining the evidence, and providing our clients with their best legal options, whether we pursue the charges be dismissed, decreased to a lesser crime, or a trial, we will be ready.
Contact Our Serious Violent Crime Attorneys in Fort Mill Today for a consultation
If you have been charged with a violent crime in South Carolina, contact our violent crimes lawyers in Fort Mill at the David W. Martin Law Group today by calling (803) 548-2468 to review your case with our experienced lawyers who are here to help you pursue positive results.
