Florence Assault Lawyer

Every assault charge is a serious matter, but the circumstances of each case dictate the charge as well as the fines and penalties that apply. Assault charges relate to causing someone else to be harmed, threatening to cause someone else harm, or making someone else believe that you are going to harm them. If you or someone you care about is facing an assault charge, it’s time to consult with an experienced Florence, South Carolina, assault lawyer.

Assault in South Carolina

Assault charges can take many forms, and charges in the State of South Carolina range from misdemeanors to felonies. Each of the following is a form of assault:

• Causing someone else to suffer bodily harm
• Causing someone else to fear that you will cause them bodily harm
• Credibly threatening someone else with bodily harm
• Touching someone else without their consent in a manner that you know or reasonably should know will be provocative or will cause them to take offense

The Four Degrees of Assault Charges

Assault charges in South Carolina are categorized by degree, and these include the following:

• Assault in the Third Degree – Assault in the third degree is often referred to as simple assault, and it applies when the assaultive act doesn’t involve a weapon and when the victim doesn’t suffer significant bodily injury.
• Assault in the Second Degree – Assault in the second degree applies when the accused causes the victim to suffer moderate bodily injury or engages in nonconsensual touching of the victim’s private parts.
• Assault in the First Degree – Assault in the first degree applies when the accused harms the victim by means that are likely to cause them great bodily injury or death. This charge also applies when the assault occurs during the commission of a robbery, kidnapping, or theft. Nonconsensual touching of the victim’s private parts with lewd and lascivious intent also qualifies as assault in the first degree.
• Assault of a High and Aggravated Nature – The charge of assault of a high and aggravated nature involves causing grievous injury to the victim. This charge is a lesser and included offense of attempted murder in South Carolina.

Fines and Penalties

The fines and penalties associated with assault charges are serious to begin with, and they’re accompanied by challenging social consequences. For example, simple assault is a Class C misdemeanor that carries up to 30 days in jail and fines of up to $500. Assault of a high and aggravated nature, on the other hand, is a Class C felony that carries up to 20 years in prison.

Seek the Professional Legal Guidance You Need from an Experienced Florence, South Carolina, Assault Lawyer

Matthew Swilley at Swilley Law Firm, LLC, is a formidable assault lawyer who has a wealth of experience successfully guiding challenging cases like yours toward favorable outcomes, and he welcomes the opportunity to also help you. Our seasoned legal team is on your side, so please don’t put off reaching out and contacting us online or calling us at 843-773-2789 for more information about what we can do for you today.