Columbia Murder Lawyer

Columbia Murder Attorney

The most severe criminal charge you can face in Columbia is the charge of murder. In many cases, if you are successfully convicted by the prosecution assigned to your case, you could face decades of imprisonment. Therefore, it is vital that you retain the legal counsel and representation of an experienced Columbia murder lawyer. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we are here to aggressively advocate for your rights and freedom in a murder case.

Since 1996, our attorneys have been reviewing the circumstances of our clients’ cases and building proven, successful defense strategies. Facing a murder charge is a serious situation. You could lose many of your personal freedoms and rights and, in the most severe of cases, face the death penalty. With so much at stake, you should not try to handle your case on your own. Instead, turn to the dedicated criminal defense team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III.

Defining Murder Charges in Columbia, North Carolina

In South Carolina, the charge of murder falls under the legal umbrella of homicide and occurs when an individual unlawfully causes the death of another. In 2023, the Columbia Police Department saw 3,141 crimes against persons, with 0.6% of that number being homicides. Murder is treated as a single charge in South Carolina, and the court determines punishments based on any aggravating factors involved in the case.

Murder is typically defined as the deliberate planning and killing of another individual with malice. However, you may face other homicide charges if you:

• Intend to inflict serious harm on another individual, and that person passes away because of their injuries
• Intend to kill another individual, and your actions result in their death
• Act in a reckless manner and with indifference to human life, and your actions result in the death of another
• Intend to commit a felony and, in committing the felony, you cause the death of another individual

Aggravating factors in a murder charge can include murder for hire, the past criminal record of the alleged offender, killing by poison, dismemberment of a person, and whether or not the crime occurred during a kidnapping. When dealing with a murder charge in Columbia, it is important to be aware of the different degrees or classifications of these crimes, including:

• First-degree murder. You can be charged with first-degree murder if the state prosecution believes that you premeditated the killing of the alleged victim. If you are charged with first-degree murder, you could see a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 30 years.
• Second-degree murder. In cases where there is no evidence of premeditation but there is evidence of reckless disregard for human life, you could face charges of second-degree murder. A conviction of this crime can result in a minimum prison sentence of 15 years.
• Felony murder. This murder charge is also considered to be first-degree murder, but it directly involves the alleged defendant committing a felony during the murder, such as robbing a bank or trafficking in persons. You do not have to actually be the individual who caused the death of someone in the crime. As long as you are involved in a felony, you can be charged with felony murder.

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III: Defending You Against Murder Charges

For almost three decades, the team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has been fighting for those who face murder charges in South Carolina. We have a deep understanding of how the prosecuting attorneys and judges at the Richland County Court of General Sessions at 1701 Main Street in Columbia operate.

Though violent crime in South Carolina has decreased by 5.8% between 2022 and 2023, these charges are still filed against individuals every day, and it is vital that you have an attorney by your side. The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help your case in Columbia by taking the following actions:

• Reviewing every aspect of your case in order to build a personalized defense strategy
• Collecting and analyzing evidence that can be used to support your defense
• Interviewing witnesses who could testify in your defense
• Making you aware of your charges and all the legal options available to you
• Entering into negotiations with the prosecution to reach plea deals or a sentence reduction
• Defending you before a judge and jury if necessary

FAQs About Columbia, SC Murder Laws

What Are the Common Defenses for Murder in SC?

Depending on the nature and circumstances of the murder charges brought against you, your attorney might be able to use several defenses in your case. These defenses include that you are innocent of committing the murder by establishing an alibi for the time and location when the murder occurred, that you were acting in defense of others or yourself, or that the death was an accident.

What Evidence Is Used in a Murder Case?

There are several forms of evidence that can be used in a murder case. This evidence can include fingerprints that were lifted from the scene of the alleged crime, physical items, like hair left on carpet or tire treads, and documentary evidence, such as bank accounts, videos, text messages, or voicemails.

What Should I Do When Arrested for Murder?

If you find yourself arrested for murder in Columbia, the first thing you must remember to do is exercise your constitutional rights. This means that as soon as you find yourself placed under arrest, you remain silent and do not answer any of the police’s questions until your lawyer is present and can counsel you.

What Is the Self-Defense Law of SC?

In South Carolina, the self-defense law also includes the law of stand-your-ground. This means that if you are presented with an imminent threat of danger to yourself, your property, or a loved one, you have the right to use deadly force to protect yourself and yours. However, in order to use this defense, you must be able to prove that you did not instigate the event.

Let the Attorneys at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III Fight for You

If you find yourself facing murder charges in Columbia or learn that you are the subject of a murder investigation, there is no time to waste. With your very freedom on the line, you need the legal counsel and representation of the attorneys at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III. Contact our offices today and schedule your initial consultation.