South Carolina Assault Lawyers Serving Columbia and All of Richland County
Standard procedure for police responding to domestic violence calls is that someone has to be arrested if there is a report of spousal abuse or some other form of household violence. In these cases, the police often do not stop to ask too many questions before taking someone to jail — which means that a simple argument could lead to charges of criminal domestic violence (CDV).
And criminal domestic violence charges, even if you are not convicted, can mar your reputation permanently. It is important to fight these charges. At the Law Offices of Richard J. Breibart, LLC, our domestic abuse defense attorneys will fight these charges for you, helping you through every step of the process.
Defending Against Criminal Domestic Violence Charges
We will carefully examine the criminal domestic violence charges against you, asking whether:
- You were properly charged as a domestic case
- There was alcohol or drugs involved
- There is an ongoing custody dispute or pending divorce
- The victim actually wanted to press charges
- The police conducted a full investigation
We understand the motivation that often lies behind criminal domestic violence cases — especially if you are involved in a custody dispute or divorce. Situations can easily be blown out of proportion.
Consequences of Criminal Domestic Violence in South Carolina
The penalties for a criminal domestic violence offense vary, depending on whether the charges are misdemeanor or felony level. Misdemeanor charges stem from simple assault such as shoving, slapping or making threatening gestures. If you have been charged with misdemeanor criminal domestic violence, you could be facing 30 days in jail or a fine of $5,000.
When weapons are involved, a serious injury occurs or it is a repeat offense, you could be charged with a serious felony such as criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature. If you have been charged with felony criminal domestic violence, you could be facing up to 10 years in prison.
A conviction for criminal domestic violence in South Carolina not only results in substantial fines and jail time, but also means that you lose your right to carry or possess a firearm and could be barred from seeing your children. With serious consequences on the line, help from an experienced Lexington domestic violence lawyer could prove invaluable. To learn how the attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard J. Breibart, LLC, can help, call 866-645-8743 or e-mail us for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout the region, including those in communities such as Richland County, Sumter County and Calhoun County.
