Tenacious Criminal Defense Lawyer Defending Greenville Clients Accused of Assault
Assault crimes are treated very seriously in South Carolina. If you’ve been accused of committing assault, you are likely feeling very afraid of the potential sentence. We understand your fears and will mount the best possible defense to minimize the impact on your life.
Assault in South Carolina
Assault charges are organized in degrees; first, second, and third. First degree charges are the most serious, whereas third degree charges carry the minimum sentences.
First-Degree
First-degree assault charges result in felonies if convicted. These are punishable by up to ten years in prison. You will be charged with first-degree assault if the assault:
- includes non-consensual touching of sex organs in a lewd manner, or
- occurred during the commission of a theft, robbery, kidnapping, or burglary, or
- was likely to produce death or great bodily harm, or
- occurred during the commission of a theft, robbery, kidnapping, or burglary.
Second-Degree
Second-degree assault charges are considered misdemeanors that carry jail sentences up to three years. Criminal acts characterized as second-degree are assaults:
- resulting in moderate bodily injury or moderate injuries that could have required medical treatment, or
- including non-consensual touching of the genitals.
Third-Degree
Third-degree assaults in South Carolina are also known as “simple” assaults resulting in misdemeanors and up to 30 days in jail. These acts are considered minor compared to more serious injuries and include threatening to cause injury.
