Local law identifies several degrees of assault and battery, ranging from simple misdemeanor assault to felony assault of a high and aggravated nature. Any unlawful touching of others constitutes an assault and may result in severe penalties.
If you are facing charges, a Mount Pleasant assault lawyer could work with you to understand your side of the story and develop an effective defense strategy in your case. Since assault is a crime of violence, a criminal conviction on your record could be highly detrimental to your future educational opportunities, employment, and career. Avoiding or minimizing the impact of this situation on your life may be crucial to protecting your future. Reach out to a hardworking criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest.
What is Third-Degree Assault?
Under South Carolina Code § 16-3-600(E), assault and battery in the third degree, also called simple assault, occurs when individuals unlawfully cause or attempt to cause injury to another person. In the case of simple assault, no persons suffer severe injuries, and the alleged aggressor of the crime does not utilize a weapon. Simple assault is a misdemeanor offense that can result in a $500 fine, 30 days of incarceration or both. A knowledgeable Mount Pleasant attorney could help someone lower their sentence to a third-degree charge or dismiss the assault charge altogether.
What is Second-Degree Assault?
S.C. Code § 16-3-600(D)(1) sets forth the criminal offense of a second-degree assault and battery, which is also a misdemeanor offense. To constitute this type of second-degree crime, an act must result in moderate bodily injury to others, create the possibility of moderate bodily injury occurring, or involve the touching of the private parts of others, either under or above their clothing, without their consent.
Individuals who commit assault and battery in the second degree can face a fine of up to $2,500, incarceration for up to three years, or both. An attorney in Mount Pleasant may be able to defend individuals facing misdemeanor assault charges and work to mitigate penalties.
Felony Assault and Battery Charges in Mount Pleasant
The next highest level of assault and battery under South Carolina law is of the first degree, which is defined under S.C. Code § 16-3-600(C)(1). A first-degree crime like this is a felony and can result in a prison sentence of up to ten years. Individuals commit first-degree assault and battery if they unlawfully injure others in an act that either involves the non-consensual touching of the private parts of others with lewd and lascivious intent, or occurs during one of the following:
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
- Theft
First-degree assault and battery also may occur if individuals offer or attempt to injure others with the present ability to do so and their actions use a means that is likely to result in death or great bodily injury. If you are accused of attempting to assault someone, it is crucial that you seek a skilled Mount Pleasant attorney to contest these allegations.
Call a Mount Pleasant Assault Attorney Today
If you are facing these types of charges, it may be to your benefit to consult with an experienced Mount Pleasant assault lawyer. An assault conviction can have severe implications for your future and cause you to miss out on valuable opportunities in terms of education and employment. As a result, you should contact our office as soon as possible.
