Violent crimes cause physical harm or threaten physical harm to others. In South Carolina, these crimes are felony offenses that involve an offender using or threatening physical force against another person. Examples of violent crimes in the state include assault with intent and battery of a high and aggravated nature, sexual exploitation, death with malice, bodily injury, battery by mob, robbery, rape, and murder.
South Carolina has implemented initiatives to address this issue, such as increasing resources for law enforcement, expanding probation and parole programs, and providing alternative sentencing for nonviolent offenders.
The state has also implemented criminal justice reform measures to reduce recidivism rates and improve public safety. South Carolina is working to raise awareness about violent crime.
Those charged with such offenses can seek further information our experienced Greenville violent crimes defense lawyers. Call Touma Law Group today at 864-618-2323 to schedule a free consultation!
Types of Violent Crimes in South Carolina
Violent offense crimes in South Carolina are defined as offenses that involve the use of force or the threat of force against a person, property, or society. Examples of violent crimes include murder, aggravated assault, detonating a destructive device, robbery, drug trafficking of cocaine base, putting injurious materials on a highway resulting in deaths, kidnapping, criminal sexual conduct with minors, driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration, and sex crimes.
In South Carolina, each of these offenses is classified under its statutory scheme and punishable by varying degrees of severity depending on the circumstances.
First-Degree Murder
In South Carolina, first-degree murder is defined as the killing of another person with malice aforethought and premeditation. This means that the person who committed the crime planned the act beforehand and then acted upon it. The maximum penalty for this type of violent crime in South Carolina is death or life imprisonment without parole.
First-degree murder can be classified as either a capital offense or a non-capital offense, depending on the facts of the case. If the crime is classified as a capital offense, then it may be punishable by death.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-degree murder is a violent crime in South Carolina that occurs when someone intentionally kills another person without premeditation or malice aforethought. This type of homicide can be charged as a felony and punishable with up to 30 years in prison.
The difference between first-degree murder and second-degree murder is that the latter does not require premeditation or an intent to kill, but rather an act that shows an indifference to human life.
Homicide and Attempted Homicide
In South Carolina, homicide and attempted homicide are classified as violent crimes. Homicide is defined as the intentional killing of another person without legal justification or excuse, while attempted homicide is an attempted, but unsuccessful, killing of another person. Both offenses carry severe penalties under state law.
The most serious charge for homicide in South Carolina is murder in the first degree. A conviction carries a sentence of life imprisonment or death. For attempted homicide, the penalty is a maximum of 30 years in prison.
Aggravated Battery and Assault
Aggravated battery and assault are two violent criminal offense crimes that are taken very seriously in South Carolina. The statutory definition of battery with intent is where a person knowingly or intentionally causes serious bodily harm to another person with the use of a deadly weapon.
Generally, this crime is charged as a felony with sentences ranging from 5-20 years in prison depending on the severity of the crime.
Domestic Violence-Related Crimes
Domestic violence-related crimes are a serious issue in South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, domestic violence accounts for 28% of all violent crimes that occur in the state. This means that every year, thousands of victims suffer from physical violence and psychological abuse at the hands of their romantic partners, family members, or other household members.
Domestic violence offenses in South Carolina include assault and battery, criminal domestic violence, and other related offenses. Assault and battery are classified as violent crimes and carry the same penalties as any other type of assault or battery. Criminal domestic violence is a more serious offense that includes an element of physical or sexual abuse against a family or household member. The penalty for this type of crime can range from a fine to 20 years in prison.
Hate Crimes
Hate crimes in South Carolina are a serious problem, and the state has made strides to address this issue. According to the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics, there were 42 reported hate crime incidents in South Carolina in 2017. The majority of these incidents categorized race, ethnicity, or ancestry as the primary motivation for the crime. Other motivators included sexual orientation, religion, and gender identity.
Under state law, hate crimes are classified as aggravated or felonies depending on the severity of the offense. Penalties for these offenses range from 30 days to life in prison.
Sexual Assault and Related Offenses
Sexual assault and related offenses are some of the most serious violent crimes in South Carolina. Under South Carolina law, sexual assault is defined as any nonconsensual sexual contact with another person, whether by force, threat, intimidation, or coercion.
This includes rape (including statutory rape), attempted rape, spousal sexual battery (including forcible sodomy or penetration with a foreign object), and sexual misconduct. The penalties for these offenses depend on the severity of the crime and range from a fine to life in prison. Contact an experienced sex crimes lawyer at Touma Law Group today.
Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint
Kidnapping and unlawful restraint are serious violent crimes in South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Code of Laws, kidnapping is defined as “the abduction or confinement of another person without his lawful consent or against his will” and is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Unlawful restraint occurs when someone unlawfully restrains another person against their will. This crime is a felony offense and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Penalties for Violent Crimes in South Carolina
Violent crimes in South Carolina include homicide, aggravated assault, and rape. In South Carolina, these crimes are punishable by long prison sentences and potentially the death penalty depending on the severity of the crime.
For homicide offenses, such as murder or manslaughter, conviction can result in up to thirty years in prison with a minimum of fifteen years served before being eligible for parole. If convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, an individual can face up to thirty years in prison and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender. Aggravated assault is punishable by up to twenty years in prison, depending on the severity of the crime.
Call Touma Law Group Today for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one have been charged with a violent crime in South Carolina, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
At Touma Law Group, our experienced lawyers have the skills and experience to protect your rights and provide effective legal representation throughout your case. We understand that being accused of a violent crime can be daunting and frightening, which is why we offer free case evaluations and work to ensure that your rights are protected. Contact us today to get started with your free consultation!