Assaults are among the most common cases heard in Columbia criminal courts. They describe any kind of incident where one person makes physical contact with another without their consent and causes harm. It can range in seriousness from minor misdemeanors to harsh felonies, where a conviction can result in a multiple-year prison sentence. When defending yourself against these allegations, it is essential to fully understand the concept of an assault and how the law defines it. In addition, rebutting these charges with a seasoned criminal defense attorney requires the ability to evaluate the prosecutor’s case and present evidence in court.
A Columbia assault lawyer might be able to help you to fight back against these charges. This can include evaluating the police’s reports, talking with witnesses, presenting evidence in court, and working towards creating reasonable doubt.
As a general concept, an assault describes any unwelcome contact with another that results in an injury. According to South Carolina Code § 16-3-600, the core definition of assault involves causing an unlawful injury to another person. This is a misdemeanor offense where a conviction can result in the court ordering a person to pay a fine of up to $500, serve a jail sentence of 30 days, or both.
This is not the only definition of assault under state law. A variety of factors can contribute to a prosecutor filing more serious charges against a defendant. These can include situations where the incident results in a serious bodily injury, when the defendant allegedly uses a weapon to commit an attack, or if the attack involves a robbery or other crime. In those cases, courts may charge a person with a felony that can result in up to 20 years in prison. A Columbia assault attorney could help individuals better understand the concept of assault under state law and the potential penalties for a conviction.
Any allegation involving assault is a serious matter. At the very least, a conviction will create a criminal record and require a person to serve time on probation. As a result, it is imperative to build an effective defense against any charge involving assault.
An assault lawyer in Columbia could work with someone to identify their specific needs and develop a defense designed for their unique situation. For example, an individual might admit to committing the offense and wish to plead to a less serious version of a charge. In this scenario, an attorney could work with prosecutors to build a deal that works for all parties.
In addition, it is always possible to take the case to trial. If a trial is necessary, an attorney could take the lead to gather evidence about the case, talk to witnesses who could help to build an alibi, or question the legality of the police investigation that led to the gathering of evidence. A lawyer works to protect the rights of the accused every step of the way.
Any criminal charge should be taken seriously. This includes accusations of attacks that fall under the state’s definition of assault, which could be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony. You must act to protect your rights and your own future.
When you find yourself in this predicament, your first move should be to hire a Columbia assault lawyer. They could work with you immediately in order to understand your needs, evaluate the prosecutor’s case, and take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights. Contact a lawyer now to learn how they could help you fight back against an assault charge.
