South Carolina criminal domestic violence charges vary greatly depending on the severity of the situation. You may have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony based on the circumstances. This can have a major impact on the range of potential punishments you face.
Working with a Spartanburg domestic violence attorney may be able to help you avoid a conviction. Better yet, a skilled lawyer might help qualify you for a court program to get the case dismissed and wiped off your criminal record, like pre-trial intervention.
If you are found guilty, you may face a variety of punishments depending on the severity of the domestic violence charge. Here's potential sentences for domestic violence charges in South Carolina:
- Criminal Domestic Violence, Third Degree. [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-25-20(D)]. If this is your first domestic violence offense in Spartanburg, it will usually be treated as a misdemeanor. The punishment for this is a fine of $1,000 to $2,500 or as many as 90 days in jail, or both. All or some of the sentence might be suspended if you are ordered to attend treatment, called batterer’s treatment or anger management.
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Domestic Violence, Second Degree [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-25-20(C)].is a misdemeanor for which you face prison for up to three years and a $5,000 fine.
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Domestic Violence, First Degree [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-25-20(B)].is a felony carrying up to ten years in prison.
- Criminal Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature. [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-25-65] is a felony carrying up to twenty years in prison.
Convictions for these crimes will prohibit you from owning or possessing firearms.
At Holland & Usry, we know these charges can be motivated by nothing more than ill will, and you need an advocate who can skillfully explain your side. Call us today toll free at 888-230-1841 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys and find out how we can help you.
