Columbia Violent Crime Lawyer

Columbia Violent Crime Attorney

If you find yourself accused or under investigation for a violent crime in Columbia, South Carolina, you need the legal counsel and representation of a Columbia violent crime lawyer. Most, if not all, of these crimes are serious and are treated as such by the judges and state prosecutors. You need a criminal defense attorney who treats your defense with just as much gravitas. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we are here to fight to protect your rights.

Since 1996, our firm has been fighting to protect the rights, future, and freedoms of all our clients facing criminal charges in South Carolina. Penalties for these charges can include hefty fines, the loss of housing or employment, damage to your reputation, and severe prison sentences. With so much at stake, now is not the time to try to handle your defense by yourself. Instead, turn to the defense attorneys at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III today.

Common Types of Violent Crimes in Columbia

Though violent crimes have seen a 5.8% decrease in the state from 2022 to 2023, these crimes still occur every day and are actually on the rise in the city of Columbia. In 2022, the city saw 3,141 crimes against residents, including violent crimes like assault, sexual assault, homicide, human trafficking, and kidnapping or abduction. It is important to be aware of the several kinds of violent crimes seen in the city and statewide, including:

• Murder/homicide. In Columbia, homicide can occur when one individual kills another without any kind of legal justification. One factor that can help determine the appropriate penalty is the intent behind the crime. In many cases, the crime of murder can be punishable by at least 30 years of prison, life in prison, or even, in extreme situations, the death penalty.
• Domestic violence. In Columbia, South Carolina, it is illegal to cause physical injury or harm to another person in your household or an individual with whom you are in an intimate relationship. This can also include circumstances where the defendant allegedly causes reasonable fear or imminent danger or threat to someone in their household or family. These relationships can include spouses or former spouses.
• Manslaughter. Considered to be a felony charge in Columbia, manslaughter is a lesser charge than murder. However, it is still considered a serious offense and should be treated as such. This crime is defined as the killing of another individual without the malice aforethought that is necessary for a murder charge. This charge, rather, includes the death of another individual during passion after being provoked.
• Armed robbery. This crime can occur when an individual has allegedly used or pretended to use a dangerous weapon while committing a robbery. One example might be an individual attempting to rob a grocery store with a toy gun, toy knife, or another object that the store clerk might believe is a deadly weapon.
• Hate crimes. These crimes are motivated by an individual’s prejudice against the sexual orientation, race, gender, disability, national origin, religion, color, or gender identity of the victim. This legislation was only recently introduced into South Carolina law.
• Sexual assault/rape/criminal sexual conduct. This crime can occur when an individual allegedly engages in unlawful sexual contact with another individual against the victim’s will or without their consent. This can include non-consensual physical contact of the genitals or breasts and instances of unwanted sexual penetration. Sex crimes are treated harshly in South Carolina, and those convicted can face serious penalties.

How the Attorneys at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III Can Help

For over three decades, the team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has been helping clients find solutions when dealing with violent crime charges. We can help you by taking the following actions in your case:

• Investigating your case. From the moment you walk into our office doors, we can begin to review your case and seek to uncover evidence that supports your defense. We can also interview witnesses and pursue ways to challenge the prosecution’s evidence against you.
• Building a strong defense. We can then begin to build you a strong defense based on the evidence we collect and craft a personalized defense strategy that is tailored to the needs and nuances of your case.
• Negotiating plea deals. In certain cases, we may be able to enter into negotiations with the prosecution regarding a plea deal to hopefully reduce charges and secure you a lighter sentence.
• Representing you in court. Should your case proceed to trial, your attorney can defend you before a judge and jury, present convincing arguments, and examine witnesses, all while advocating on your behalf.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Violent Crime Laws

What Are Some Defenses for Violent Crimes in South Carolina?

There can be several defenses used for violent crime charges, depending on the nature of the crime itself. These defenses can include suffering a mistaken identity, being under duress or coercion, having an alibi, having acted in self-defense, in defense of others, or in defense of your property, having a lack of intent, or there being a lack of evidence.

What Are the Penalties for Violent Crimes in SC?

Depending on the exact nature of the alleged crime, the circumstances of the crime, the ages of the alleged victims, whether there was a deadly weapon involved, and what kind of crime was allegedly committed, there can be several kinds of penalties involved. The most common penalties include fines, prison time, and probation.

What to Do Following a Violent Crime Arrest?

If you find yourself arrested for a violent crime in Columbia, South Carolina, there are several steps you will want to take to protect your rights. First, remain silent and wait for your attorney to arrive before speaking with the police. Stay calm and polite when interacting with law enforcement, and follow all the legal advice of your attorney.

How Long Can a Violent Crimes Case Take?

It can be difficult to offer an exact timeline as to how long it might take for a violent crime case to process through the courts and reach an end, as there are several factors involved in these cases that can impact the overall time frame. These factors can include the complexity of the case and the availability of the evidence.

Don’t Let a Violent Crime Charge Rob You of Your Future: Contact Us Today!

If you find yourself standing accused of a violent crime in Columbia, South Carolina, the attorneys at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III are here for you. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation with our team and learn more about our legal defense services.