Facing aggravated assault charges can be frightening. You probably have a great deal of questions about the charges and possible penalties. A conviction on these charges can bring harsh consequences, and it is critical that you consult with an experienced Greenville aggravated assault lawyer who can answer all your questions and guide you through the complicated legal process.
Our skilled legal team has extensive experience helping people like you fight serious criminal charges. We can provide you with hardworking and experienced defense attorneys who know how to fight for you, while also giving you the small law firm feel because we are based in Greenville, servicing South Carolina and beyond.
South Carolina categorizes the crime of assault into different degrees or levels based on both the severity of the offense and the resulting harm to the victim.
A simple assault occurs when someone harms or attempts to harm someone else and has the present ability to carry out the threatened harm. The court typically treats simple assaults as misdemeanors because the victim does not have any lasting injuries. An example of a simple assault would be if someone pinched another person. A conviction on simple assault charges could result in a maximum of 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
The difference between a simple assault and an aggravated assault is typically the resulting harm of the crime. An assault becomes elevated to a felony crime of assault and battery of aggravated and high nature if the victim suffers great bodily injury or the alleged assailant uses a means that is likely to result in great bodily injury or death, as outlined in South Carolina Code § 16-3-600(B)(1). As explained by S.C. Code § 16-3-29, an aggravated assault is also a lesser-included offense of an attempted murder charge.
Because of the severity of the offense, a conviction could result in up to 20 years in prison. In addition to facing time behind bars, an aggravated assault conviction could also impact other areas of your life. As a convicted felon, you could find it hard to get a new job or a housing or educational loan. In addition, you might face scorn and distrust from your professional and personal contacts.
Our skilled Greenville attorneys can explain the different levels of assault to you. We can examine the details of your situation and review the evidence against you to help you determine the best course of action.
Our determined Greenville attorneys can skillfully review the facts to determine what unique defense strategy could work best to help you fight the aggravated assault charges.
Our lawyers can help you demonstrate that you did not intend to cause such serious bodily harm and that the whole incident was an accident.
If you fought back because you believed you were in imminent danger to yourself or others, you could argue self-defense.
The state needs to clearly prove every element of the charges to get a conviction. Our attorneys can work tirelessly to poke holes and cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
Our lawyers will put their efforts into fighting for the best possible outcome.
Facing felony aggravated assault charges is terrifying. To lessen your fears and anxiety, put your trust into an experienced Greenville aggravated assault lawyer. Let our attorneys handle your case.
Contact our office today.
(864) 775-5775