Lexington Third-Degree Assault Attorney

Penalties for Assault in South Carolina

The Lexington criminal lawyers of the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, located in Lexington, South Carolina, represents clients charged with third-degree assault and other types of violent crimes. Assault in the third degree is a criminal offense. When someone is charged, either by being arrested or receiving a ticket or a courtesy summons, they are facing all of the penalties provided for by law.

Additionally, because the criminal record will be publicly available, current and future employers may choose to disqualify you for employment based on a criminal conviction for third-degree assault. The actions you take now could have an enormous impact on your future, and it is highly advisable that you retain legal representation to defend against the charges.

Was anyone actually injured?

In order to convict you of third-degree assault, the prosecution must prove that someone was actually injured. Unlike the former simple assault law, which only required "touching," this new statute requires an unlawful injury. There are many cases brought by law enforcement where only a "touching" and not an "unlawful injury" occurred. In such a situation, it is vital to have an attorney who can aggressively make the case on your behalf and demonstrate that you did not commit the crime.

Defending You Against Charges

Anyone charged with assault in South Carolina has a right to fully challenge and contest their case. This may include filing discovery motions with the court, using private investigators to research witnesses and requesting a trial by jury. The key is to refuse to give up fighting to avoid a conviction and the serious consequences this could have for your future. In addition to the Lexington area, our legal team also serves Columbia and many other parts of South Carolina.