I’ve spent over two decades representing people accused of domestic violence—from first-time arrests involving minor incidents to felony-level charges in General Sessions court. What I learned is that most people are completely unprepared for what comes next after an arrest. They have no idea how the law really works, what the courts expect, or how easy it can be to make a bad situation worse without guidance.
That’s where Challenging CDV comes in. I wrote this book to answer the questions I hear every day in my office. Is this a felony or misdemeanor? Will I go to jail? What if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges? Can the judge lift the no-contact order so I can go back home? Is it better to take a plea deal or go to trial? What if the whole thing was a misunderstanding—or worse, an outright lie?
This book walks you through all of that and more. It explains the law in plain English, breaks down the court process step-by-step, and outlines real defense strategies that can lead to reduced charges, dismissals, or acquittals. You’ll also learn about options like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), how to handle bond restrictions, what to expect in Family Court, and how to deal with issues like child abuse allegations or false claims made during a divorce.
Rather than summarize every chapter in detail here, I want to highlight what makes this book so valuable: it gives you a roadmap. Whether you’re a defendant, a loved one trying to help, or even another lawyer, this guide offers insight you won’t find anywhere else. It helps you avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes—like talking to police without a lawyer, violating a no-contact order, or pleading guilty before seeing all the evidence.
What’s more, it provides peace of mind. You’ll understand what to expect and how to approach your case with confidence. That’s not something you’ll get from a Google search or from talking to anyone who doesn't have extensive, recent experience with these charges. It’s everything I wish every client knew before walking into my office.
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find inside:
Chapter Listing with Brief Descriptions
Why Is Domestic Violence Different? – Understanding how DV cases are uniquely prosecuted.
What Is Criminal Domestic Violence in South Carolina? – Legal definitions and qualifying relationships.
Types of Domestic Violence Charges – DV 3rd, 2nd, 1st Degree, and DVHAN explained.
Domestic Violence Penalties – Jail, fines, firearm bans, and immigration consequences.
General Sessions Domestic Violence Charges – What to expect when your case is sent to the higher court.
Transfer Court – An alternative resolution court for some DV cases.
Burden of Proof – How much evidence is needed to arrest vs. convict.
No Drop Policy – Why the victim can’t simply drop the charges.
Possible Ways to End a Case – Dismissals, pleas, trials, and PTI.
Bench Trial vs. Jury Trial – How and why to request a jury trial.
Miranda Advisements – What happens if your rights weren’t read.
Pre-Trial Conferences – Purpose and process in DV 3rd cases.
Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) – How this program can lead to dismissal and expungement.
Bond Court – What happens during your initial hearing.
No Contact Bond Restrictions – How to navigate and modify them.
Discovery Procedures – How to get evidence from the prosecution.
Spousal Privilege – When a spouse can refuse to testify.
Preliminary Hearings – Testing probable cause in General Sessions.
General Sessions Appearances – What to expect from your court dates.
Right to Remain Silent – Protecting yourself by not speaking.
Hiring a Defense Attorney – How to choose the right lawyer.
Domestic Violence Appeals – Challenging an unfavorable outcome.
Order of Protection Hearings – What to expect in Family Court.
Domestic Violence and Divorce – When allegations are part of custody or divorce gamesmanship.
Introduction to Family Court Cases – Responding to lawsuits and temporary hearings.
Assault and Battery – When DV doesn’t apply but similar charges are filed.
Domestic Violence Counseling Programs – What they involve and how they help.
The Trial of the Domestic Violence Case – A walk-through of the trial process.
Common Domestic Violence Defenses – From self-defense to false accusations.
Child Abuse Allegations – When DV cases include claims of harm to children.
Frequently Asked Questions – Addressing concerns about no-contact orders, expungement, mugshots, DSS, and more.
If you’re facing a domestic violence charge, I strongly encourage you to read this book. We offer free copies to everyone who schedules a consultation with our firm. If you’d prefer to get a copy online, you can also purchase it here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Challenging-CDV-3rd-James-Snell/dp/1633854531
To schedule your free, confidential consultation, call our office at (803) 359-3301. We’re located in downtown Lexington, and we regularly represent clients from all over South Carolina, including Lexington and Columbia. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
About the Author
James R. Snell, Jr. has been a practicing criminal defense attorney for over 20 years. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Limestone College and also holds a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Harvard University. He has been recognized by The State, Lexington Life Magazine, the Lexington Chronicle, Columbia Living Magazine, and Super Lawyers for his work in criminal defense. James is a regular contributor to the Health and Wellness Show on WVOC 560 AM in Columbia and maintains memberships in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
If you’ve been charged, you owe it to yourself to get informed—and this book is the best place to start.