(843) 314-4202
Being convicted of a violent crime has life-changing consequences. In South Carolina, violent crime convictions can lead to long prison sentences, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Get legal help right away if you are facing a charge for a violent offense. Hire a Charleston violent crimes lawyer who protects your legal rights and freedom.
Hopkins Law Firm has more than 20 years of combined legal experience on our team. We offer skilled and aggressive legal representation to individuals accused of violent crimes in South Carolina. Trust our Charleston criminal defense lawyers to work tirelessly to achieve your desired case outcome.
Schedule a case consultation with us.
What Are Violent Crimes in South Carolina?
South Carolina law classifies violent crimes as offenses that involve physical harm or the threat of harm to a person. These charges often carry severe penalties and require a strong defense.
We represent clients dealing with all types of violent crime charges, including:
- Assault and battery: Includes assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (ABHAN), simple assault, and other charges
- Domestic violence: Charges involving harm or threats to a household member
- Robbery: Includes armed robbery and strong-arm robbery
- Homicide: Includes murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide
- Kidnapping: Unlawfully confining or transporting someone against their will
- Weapons offenses: Crimes involving illegal possession, use, or discharge of firearms
Hopkins Law Firm is a South Carolina criminal defense law firm that believes the law is here to guard your rights and that you deserve a lawyer who instills confidence. Many people charged with violent crimes have hired us and avoided criminal convictions. We are here to assist you with your criminal case.
Request a consultation with a Charleston violent crimes attorney.
Charleston Violent Crime Penalties You Must Know
A violent crimes lawyer in Charleston teaches you about the short- and long-term ramifications of a criminal conviction. They provide insights into the penalties you could face if you are convicted of a violent offense. These penalties can include:
- Up to life in prison
- Hefty fines totaling thousands of dollars
- Restitution to victims for medical expenses or other losses they have incurred
- Probation
- Mandatory enrollment in a drug or alcohol treatment program
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
- Loss of gun ownership rights
- Loss of a professional license
- Deportation if you are not a citizen of the United States
- The death penalty
In addition, a criminal conviction can hurt your chances of landing your dream job and limit your access to housing. Your conviction can also disqualify you from student loan and grant programs and various government benefits. Along with these things, it can impact the way family members and friends view and treat you and damage your relationships with them.
Factors That Influence a Violent Crime Charge
A violent crimes attorney in Charleston learns about your charge and explains the factors that could impact the court’s decision-making process. Factors that could dictate whether the court convicts you and the penalties levied against you include:
- Your criminal history, past convictions, and patterns of dangerous behavior
- Your age and the victim’s age
- If substance abuse is related to your crime
- If you are dealing with mental health issues
- A lack of education or other socioeconomic factors that may have contributed to your decision to commit a crime
- The severity of your offense and if there are any aggravating factors associated with it
Who you hire as your legal representation is key. A Charleston domestic violence defense lawyer or another lawyer with relevant case experience knows how to resolve legal challenges on your behalf. They guide you through the legal process and help you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form today!
What to Expect if You Are Charged With a Violent Offense
Do not expect your criminal offense to disappear. If you do nothing, a prosecutor is likely to pursue the maximum penalties. Alternatively, you have the right to contest the charge against you.
Partner with a South Carolina violent crimes lawyer, and they will explain your legal rights in detail and advocate for you as your case proceedings move forward.
In your criminal case, you have the constitutional right to remain silent and hire legal representation. You are entitled to a fair trial and must be informed of your charges. Meanwhile, you have the right to be released on bail unless there is reason to believe that you will flee or pose a threat to the community.
After you are arrested for a violent crime, you will be booked. From here, you are brought before a judge, and your charges are read to you. Next, a preliminary hearing may be set up, followed by pre-trial motions, the discovery process, plea bargaining, and a trial. Your lawyer remains on your side. If you have legal concerns or questions at any point, your attorney addresses them.
How We Defend Against Violent Crime Charges in South Carolina
At Hopkins Law Firm, our Charleston criminal defense attorneys understand that every case is unique. Therefore, we tailor our legal defense strategies to our clients’ cases. Common defenses we use in cases involving violent criminal charges include:
- Self–defense: Demonstrating that you acted to protect yourself or others from harm.
- Defense of others or property: Proving you acted to protect someone else or prevent property damage.
- Mistaken identity: Challenging eyewitness accounts or saying that you were misidentified by someone who accused you of a violent offense.
- Lack of intent: Arguing that an alleged criminal act was unintentional.
- Insufficient evidence: Highlighting gaps or inconsistencies to raise a reasonable doubt about the prosecution’s proof.
Many clients have given us positive testimonials due in part to our commitment to our work. Our criminal defense attorneys investigate your case thoroughly. We gather evidence and commit the time and resources required to secure a favorable case result.
Why Should You Choose Hopkins Law Firm to Help You Contest Violent Criminal Charges?
Whom you hire as your legal representation makes a world of difference. Select Hopkins Law Firm to handle your violent crime case with integrity and care. Reasons to choose us as your criminal defense law firm include:
- Extensive experience: We have defended many clients against a wide range of violent crime charges.
- Knowledge of local courts: Our familiarity with Charleston judges, prosecutors, and court procedures is unmatched.
- Fearless advocacy: We are not afraid to fight for your rights, both in and out of the courtroom.
- Compassionate support: We understand the stress of criminal charges and assist you in any way we can.
Our lawyers protect your future. As part of our efforts, we look for witnesses who can testify for you. On top of that, we could help you get a plea deal that allows you to avoid prison time and other serious penalties.
Our Charleston Violent Crimes Lawyers Give Your Case the Attention It Deserves
You are worried about what will happen if you are convicted of a violent offense. Have a Charleston violent crime lawyer review your case. Your attorney can describe your legal options and what you need to do to dispute your charge.
The Hopkins Law Firm team maintains the highest degree of competency and professionalism. We will do everything we can to help you with your criminal case. Speak to a Charleston violent crime attorney today.
