CSC With a Minor 3RD
About Child Molestation Criminal Charges in South Carolina
Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor 3rd Degree is a major South Carolina sex crime. It is a felony punishable by up to fifteen years imprisonment and lifetime registration as a sex offender. § 16-3-655(C). Criminal sexual conduct is often abbreviated on legal documents as “CSC”.
An accusation of this sort is the legal equivalent of being hit by a truck. Nothing can so quickly turn your life upside down and jeopardize your freedom, employment and family as an allegation of improperly touching a child.
You’ve found the right defense firm to help you and your family if you have been accused or arrested for this offense. Our attorneys have experience in helping those from all walks of life defend themselves and fight these allegations.
Those convicted of CSC with a Minor 3rd Degree face a penalty of up to 15 years in prison, as well as being classified as a sex offender. Upon release they will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of their lives. South Carolina law offers no removal procedure for anyone convicted of this offense.
Criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the 3rd degree is the offense for touching a child under the age of 16. This covers activities that don’t rise to the level of actual “sex”. Allegations are brought for a variety of reasons, including many situations where innocent people are falsely accused. Whether it is a young child who was coached, an older child who is simply lying, parents with their own agenda or bias, or a faulty investigation, there are many possible causes for a false CSC accusation.
You should contact an attorney as soon as you are accused or believe that you are suspected of child molestation. It is never too early to get started on your defense. Many times early involvement can help avoid an unnecessary arrest, or otherwise help minimize the risk of a conviction or prison sentence.
Protecting our clients’ freedom and liberty is our number one priority when defending against a CSC 3rd degree charge.
Defending Against Charges
There are many potential defenses to a criminal sexual conduct charge, including:
- A delay in reporting the allegation to law enforcement
- No corroborating evidence
- Inconsistent statements
- Coaching by a parent or guardian
- Faulty and inadequate investigation
You can be arrested based solely on a questionable accusation. A conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. We can help assemble a team of psychologists, investigators, medical professionals, and other experts to help level the playing field between you and the state.
Take Action to Defend Your Future
We can help in any situation involving a criminal sexual conduct allegation anywhere in South Carolina. These accusations and charges are urgent, and we want to begin work as soon as we are retained. Your first step is to contact us for a confidential consultation so that we can understand your situation and help come up with a plan to protect you, your freedom, and your standing in the community.
Contact aLexington criminal lawyer at (803) 359-3301 for a free consultation with our sex crime attorney today.
