Dedicated South Carolina Assault & Battery Defense Attorney
Assault and battery can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the specifics of the case and the victim's injuries. If you have been charged with assault, battery, or both, you need an experienced Charleston, Georgetown, Pawleys Island, or Myrtle Beach assault and battery lawyer to defend your rights and provide a strong defense.
The right path forward depends on the circumstances. There are also defenses to these charges and seeking experienced legal help is critical to your case outcome and your future. Oftentimes you may have been charged with the wrong offense and face unfair punishment. It is also possible that your assault incident was overcharged, meaning an assault and battery 2nd degree may actually be a true assault and battery 3rd degree.
Hopkins Law Firm can analyze your case and determine all available defenses for your assault charge. Our police brutality lawyers can help with any police or jail abuse claims as well.
What Are The Types Of Assault & Battery Charges in South Carolina?
The state categorizes assault and battery into four categories – assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (ABHAN), first degree, second degree, and third degree. ABHAN is the most serious of assault and battery charges, and a conviction holds the most severe penalties.
The biggest distinction between these degrees is the severity of injuries caused, or could potentially have been caused. Additionally, if the accused had sexual intent during the alleged assault, that may also play a role in the charges. Here's a more in-depth look at assault and battery charges.
The possible charges for assault and battery include:
- Assault and Battery High and Aggravated – A lesser-included offense of attempted murder, the offense carries up to 20 years in prison.
- Assault and Battery 1st Degree – A first-degree criminal charge may result from unlawfully injuring another person, nonconsensual touching of private parts, or injury occurring during the commission of a robbery, burglary, or theft. A conviction carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
- Assault and Battery 2nd Degree – An individual may be facing second-degree charges for unlawfully injuring or attempting to injure another, causing moderate bodily injury, or touching the private parts of another without consent. A conviction carries up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
- Assault and Battery 3rd Degree – This charge may result from a situation where a person unlawfully injures or attempts to injure another. If convicted, this charge carries up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
How Can An Experienced Assault & Battery Attorney Help?
The state categorizes assault and battery into four categories – assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (ABHAN), first degree, second degree, and third degree. ABHAN is the most serious of assault and battery charges, and a conviction holds the most severe penalties.
The biggest distinction between these degrees is the severity of injuries caused, or could potentially have been caused. Additionally, if the accused had sexual intent during the alleged assault, that may also play a role in the charges. Here's a more in-depth look at assault and battery charges.
Call An Experienced Assault & Battery Defense Attorney Today
We effectively represent clients through every step of the criminal justice process when they're facing assault charges. At the Hopkins Law Firm, we work with you from the moment you contact us until your case is resolved. Our one and only goal is to protect your constitutional rights, avoiding prison time and a criminal record. To schedule a free consultation at one of our offices, please use our contact form or call us at 843-314-4202 today.