Felony assault is the most serious assault offense you can face, carrying a potential prison sentence and creating a permanent criminal record that could affect every aspect of your future.
When facing felony charges, you need immediate representation from an experienced assault defense attorney who understands the severity of your situation. At Adams & Bischoff, LLC, we defend clients facing felony assault charges throughout the city and provide the aggressive, skilled representation necessary to fight for your freedom. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Charleston felony assault lawyer.
What Are Felony Assault Charges?
South Carolina law classifies various assault offenses as felonies based on the severity of injuries, the use of weapons, or the victim’s identity. Our Charleston lawyers could carefully examine the specific felony assault charges you are facing to develop an appropriate defense strategy.
Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature
Assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (ABHAN) is an assault that results in great bodily injury. An attorney from Adams & Bischoff, LLC could challenge whether the injuries actually meet the legal definition of great bodily injury and present evidence that undermines the prosecution’s case.
Assault With Intent to Commit a Felony
Another felony assault charge involves assault with intent to commit a more serious felony, such as murder, rape, or robbery. These charges carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison and require proof of specific intent to commit the felony. Challenging the prosecution’s evidence of intent is typically a key defense strategy in these cases.
Defense Strategies for Felony Assault Charges
Successfully defending against first-degree assault and battery charges in Charleston requires sophisticated legal guidance and strategies that address both the underlying allegations and the factors that make the charges felonies. The defense lawyers at Adams & Bischoff, LLC use comprehensive defense strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.
Self-Defense and Defense of Others
Self-defense is one of the strongest defenses against assault charges. South Carolina law recognizes your right to use reasonable force to protect yourself or others from imminent harm. For self-defense to apply, you must have felt that you or someone else was going to get hurt.
Challenging Evidence of Great Bodily Injury
In ABHAN cases, the prosecution must prove significant bodily injury. We could challenge whether the injuries actually meet this legal standard by presenting medical evidence, expert testimony, and other proof that the injuries were less severe than claimed or that other factors contributed to them. Sometimes, alleged victims might exaggerate their injuries to strengthen their criminal cases or civil lawsuits. Our defense lawyers could expose these exaggerations and present the true extent of the injuries.
Questioning Witness Credibility
Many felony assault prosecutions depend heavily on testimony from the alleged victim and other witnesses. If witnesses have criminal records, pending charges, motives to lie, or a history of making false accusations, we aim to expose these issues to create reasonable doubt. Effective cross-examination of witnesses at trial by a skilled defense attorney is typically the most powerful way to expose false or exaggerated accusations.
Challenging Unlawful Police Conduct
Unlawful police conduct during an investigation or arrest may provide grounds for the suppression of evidence or the dismissal of charges. If officers conduct unlawful searches, obtain statements in violation of Miranda rights, or make arrests without probable cause, we could attempt to suppress the evidence and challenge the prosecution’s reasons for the claims. Our defense lawyers at Adams & Bischoff, LLC, could scrutinize every aspect of police conduct to identify violations that may benefit your defense.
Contact a Charleston Attorney for Defense Against Felony Assault Charges
Charges of felony assault require aggressive and skilled representation. At Adams & Bischoff, LLC, our Charleston felony assault lawyers have extensive legal experience in criminal court and could work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact our firm today.