Columbia First-Degree Assault And Battery Lawyer

First-degree assault in South Carolina can be found in South Carolina Code of Laws Section 16-3-600 and is defined as when a person unlawfully injures another person and the act is accomplished by means likely to produce death or great bodily injury. Also, the act could involve a non-consensual touching of a person, either under or above the clothing with lewd or lascivious intent. First-degree assault could occur in the commission of robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or theft.

First-degree assault often involves the use of a weapon.  Individuals could also be charged even if the crime did not occur with the use of a weapon.

If somebody is believed to have committed a first-degree assault, they could be charged with a felony which carries up to 10 years in prison. Since assault is taken extremely serious in South Carolina, it is best to seek help from a Columbia first-degree assault and battery lawyer. A knowledgeable assault attorney could help you understand the charges and help build a defense.

Where Are First-Degree Assault Cases Heard in Columbia?

First-degree assault cases are heard either in Lexington County or Richland County. If it is Richland County, they will be at the Richland County Courthouse on Main Street in General Sessions Court on 1701 Main Street in downtown Columbia. If it is in Lexington County, they will be at Lexington Courthouse in General Sessions Court, which is at 205 East Main Street in Lexington.

Common Defenses For Assault

The defenses that an experienced attorney in Columbia could use to refute the prosecution’s evidence in first-degree assault cases is that the police officers arrested the wrong person or that the alleged victim is lying. The attorney could also use the defense that the accused person has an alibi.

Mitigating factors that an attorney could use in a case would be that the alleged offender had no prior record and has done things in life that are favorable, and these are reasons why the judge should not send the person to prison. The Columbia assault attorney would have to show that the likelihood of recidivism would be very low and that the person would be an excellent candidate for a probationary sentence.

Penalties For First-Degree Assault Offenses

First-degree assault is a felony offense and if convicted individuals could face a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison. First-degree assault penalties may or may not culminate in a probationary period depending on the judge.

The long-term impacts of a first-degree assault conviction on a person’s life are a felony conviction that never comes off their record unless they have a Youthful Offender Act sentence. A conviction is going to prevent them from getting the best job possible, scholarships, financial aid, and possibly certain housing. It is best to seek help from a Columbia first-degree assault and battery lawyer to learn about the penalties of a conviction for an individual’s specific circumstance.

Speak to a Columbia First-Degree Assault And Battery Lawyer Today

It is essential to retain a seasoned lawyer when facing first-degree assault charges because a person has so much on the line. They are facing felony charges and up to 10 years in prison. They should seek a lawyer who has experienced handling these types of cases and knows the tactics used by police and law enforcement to obtain a conviction. It is critical that individuals get a lawyer who knows how to defend this charge successfully and present the best defense possible.

Following an arrest for first-degree assault, reach out to a Columbia first-degree assault and battery lawyer for help with your case. They could help you avoid the penalties of a conviction. Schedule a consultation today.