Columbia, SC Violent Crime Defense Lawyer

Columbia, SC Violent Crime Defense Attorney

Being accused of a violent crime can upend your entire life. Your job, housing, reputation, employment, and social relationships may all be profoundly affected, especially in the event of a conviction. When you are facing charges that threaten your future, you need strong legal representation behind you. For Columbia-area residents, a smart first step is to reach out to an experienced Columbia, SC violent crime defense lawyer.

Deas Law Firm – Your South Carolina Violent Crime Attorney

At Deas Law Firm, we have over 24 years of experience advocating for our clients and helping them protect their rights. We know that criminal proceedings can be exceptionally stressful, and we are ready to stand beside you every step of the way. Our attorney, Garryl L. Deas, has the legal knowledge and confidence you need on your side in the courtroom.

What Is Considered a Violent Crime in South Carolina?

Criminal activity is considered violent when it either results in actual bodily harm to another person or when there is an intentional threat of bodily harm to another person. For example, an armed robbery is considered a violent crime even if no one actually gets hurt because there was a threat of violence when the robbery was committed.

South Carolina law includes a very specific list of crimes (Section 16-1-60 of the South Carolina Code of Laws) that are considered violent offenses and states that the category of violent offenses is limited to those in that list. Some of South Carolina’s violent offenses include the following: 

• Murder
• First- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct
• All criminal sexual conduct involving minors
• First-degree domestic violence
• First- and second-degree arson

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) tabulates data on statewide crime based on reports from law enforcement across the state. In 2024, the SLED data showed 413 murders, 2,092 cases of sexual battery, 1,949 instances of robbery, and 19,710 cases of aggravated assault.

What Are the Possible Sentences for Violent Crimes in South Carolina?

Violent crimes in South Carolina are punishable by a wide range of sentences, depending on the severity of the crime. South Carolina, like many other states, uses a sentencing system that takes into account the nature of the crime in question and the convicted person’s previous criminal record.

Not all offenses in South Carolina carry minimum prison sentences, but most violent offenses and other serious crimes do. For example, murder carries a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison.

South Carolina’s judges can refer to a sentencing chart when imposing sentences for violent crimes. This chart shows sentence ranges for different levels of crime, intersecting with the prior criminal history of the perpetrator. Some potential sentences for violent crimes include the following: 

• First-degree criminal sexual conduct has no statutory minimum sentence, but it can be punished by up to 30 years in prison at the discretion of the judge.
• Kidnapping can be punished by up to 30 years in prison.
• Carjacking without serious bodily injury to the victim can be punished by a 20-year prison sentence.

In addition to prison time, perpetrators of violent crimes may be fined, may be ordered to complete community service, or may be placed on probation. Consequences of violent crime convictions extend far beyond criminal penalties, though. A conviction could follow you for the rest of your life, cropping up in job interviews, housing background checks, and social situations. When you face serious charges, it is important to mount a serious defense.

Get Representation – Hire a Violent Crime Defense Lawyer

If you have had violent crime charges filed against you in Columbia, SC, or if you think you are under investigation for a violent crime, now is the time to hire a violent crime defense lawyer. A good attorney could make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Your lawyer can begin building your defense by gathering information about the circumstances of the alleged crime. They can read police reports, hear your account of events, and review any evidence available to the prosecuting attorneys.

In any criminal proceeding, it is possible for police, court officials, or prosecuting attorneys to make mistakes. Hiring a lawyer while you are under investigation or as soon as charges are filed also allows your attorney to provide some legal oversight during the whole process. A knowledgeable attorney can keep track of your case as it moves through the investigation process, watching for any mishandling or violations of your rights.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Violent Crime Defense Laws

How Much Money Will It Cost to Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer in Columbia?

Your ultimate cost to hire a violent crime defense lawyer in Columbia will depend on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the seriousness of the crime, the length of the criminal proceeding process, and your chosen attorney’s rates. Most criminal defense lawyers require a retainer to begin working. A retainer is a lump sum payment that the attorney then bills their actual hours against.

Do All Violent Crimes in Columbia Result in Significant Jail Time?

Not necessarily. Although some violent crimes do carry mandatory minimum jail sentences, not all of them do. Judges can exercise discretion in their sentencing, and mitigating factors, such as a perpetrator’s age, provocation before the crime, or the lack of a prior criminal record, may make a judge inclined toward a more lenient sentence.

Does South Carolina Have the Death Penalty?

Yes, South Carolina does have the death penalty. Since 1976, the state has carried out 50 death sentences, and there are currently 25 convicted individuals on death row. Although the death penalty is rarely applied to cases that do not involve murder, prosecutors in South Carolina are legally allowed to request the death penalty for people convicted of repeated acts of child abuse.

Where Are Trials for Violent Crimes Held for Columbia Residents?

Generally, trials for crimes are held in the jurisdictions in which the crimes were committed. So, felonies (which most violent crimes are) committed in the Columbia area are handled by the South Carolina Circuit Court housed in the Richland County Courthouse, which is located at 1701 South Main Street in Columbia.

Contact Deas Law Firm

If you have been charged with a violent crime, you may be feeling a lot of anxiety, frustration, and apprehension about your future. It can be scary to face such charges, but you do not have to navigate the complexities of a criminal trial on your own. Contact Deas Law Firm today to discuss your case.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

At Deas Law Firm, we work tirelessly for you to make sure you are fairly compensated on your personal injury case. From slip and fall cases or even catastrophic injury cases, Deas Law Firm is ready to fight for you and your rights. Call us today or fill out the online form to discuss your personal injury case.