Charleston Assault Charges Lawyer

Charleston Assault Charges Attorney

Charleston is a busy town that hosts thousands of visitors every year, from those traveling on business downtown to tourists visiting historical sites like the French Quarter and the Battery Promenade. While crime rates have dropped over recent years, many people are charged with all types of crimes every day. If you are charged with assault, it is crucial to know your rights and the value of hiring a Charleston assault charges lawyer to represent you.

Experienced Criminal Defense Counsel for Assault Charges in Charleston, SC

The criminal defense attorneys at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., have extensive experience with criminal defense in Charleston and the surrounding areas of South Carolina. When you are charged with any crime, it is vital to know your rights and secure defense representation at your earliest opportunity. The first steps you take following your arrest are crucial, and you have a better chance of reaching a positive outcome if you hire an assault charges lawyer.

According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), South Carolina’s violent crime rate decreased by 5.8% between 2022 and 2023. The term “assault” is widely misunderstood, and it is vital to know what this charge entails, the various types of assault charges that might be filed against a person, and the potential penalties for conviction.

It is vital to acknowledge the fact that any kind of criminal conviction can interfere with your life in many ways. You could face difficulty securing employment due to your criminal record, and it is also possible that you could be found liable for civil damages. Whether you need to prove your innocence or you need help minimizing your penalties for conviction, it’s vital to have defense counsel you trust on your side.

Your Charleston assault charges lawyer can help you build an effective defense. Success with your case may hinge on proving that you were wrongly charged for an offense you did not commit, that you were forced to act in self-defense, or that the prosecution has built a faulty case against you in some way. Ultimately, you need to hire an assault charges lawyer as quickly as possible after your arrest so they can begin building your defense.

Understanding Assault Charges in Charleston

The term “assault” is commonly misinterpreted to mean striking another person, but this isn’t necessarily true. In South Carolina, “assault” is defined as intentionally causing another person to reasonably fear for their safety or intentionally touching another person without their consent. Essentially, making a threat against another person while displaying the means and willingness to complete the threat constitutes assault.

Assault escalates to assault and battery once the individual attempts to complete the threat. For example, threatening to hit someone would qualify as assault, while actually hitting them would qualify as battery. It is also possible for someone to face a charge of aggravated assault if they threaten another person with deadly force, such as by brandishing a weapon.

In South Carolina, assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony based on the specific details of the incident. If you have been charged with any level of assault, you need to hire a defense lawyer right away so they can help you prove the truth of your situation. Axelrod & Associates, P.A., has the experience and resources you need on your side for this type of case, so reach out to our firm right away to learn how we can help.

FAQs About Charleston, SC Assault Charges Laws

What Are the Penalties for Assault Charges in Charleston?

The penalties for assault charges in Charleston vary from case to case, and different penalties are assigned at the misdemeanor and felony levels. For a misdemeanor assault charge, the defendant could face a fine as well as jail time, and at the felony level, they could face much larger fines and incarceration in state prison.

What Should You Do After an Arrest for Assault Charges?

If you are arrested for assault charges, exercise your right to remain silent and comply with the arresting officers’ instructions through the booking process. Do not attempt to resist arrest, or you will make your situation worse, even if you know you have done nothing wrong. Once you are able to speak with a Charleston assault charges lawyer, they can help you determine your most viable defenses.

What Are Defenses Against Assault Charges in Charleston?

Some of the most commonly employed defenses against assault charges in Charleston include self-defense, defense of others, or defense of property. It is also possible that you may need to prove that you were wrongfully arrested because you matched the description of a suspect or because you were falsely accused. Hire an assault charges lawyer as quickly as possible after your arrest so they can help you determine your most effective defenses.

Why Should I Hire an Assault Charges Lawyer?

You should hire an assault charges lawyer because you have the constitutional right to legal counsel when you are charged with any crime. It is vital that you exercise this right if you want to have the greatest chance of reaching a positive outcome in your case. The right attorney can help you build an effective defense, and if you are convicted, they may be able to negotiate a plea deal for a lighter sentence for you.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Charleston Assault Charges Lawyer?

The cost to hire a Charleston assault charges lawyer or any criminal defense lawyer will usually depend on how much time your attorney must spend working on your case. Most criminal defense attorneys have an hourly billing policy, charging their clients based on the time they spend on their case. Your attorney should fully explain their billing policy at the outset of your case, so you know what to expect.

The team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., can provide comprehensive defense representation for all stages of your criminal case proceedings in Charleston. We know that you are likely to have many difficult questions in this situation that you will not be able to answer without an attorney’s help, so it’s vital to hire an assault charges lawyer you trust right away. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation with a Charleston assault charges lawyer.