Columbia Sex Crimes Lawyer
Law enforcement authorities and Prosecutors, known as Solicitors in South Carolina, take sexual offense allegations extremely seriously. Sexual misconduct charges are almost always felony offenses, meaning a conviction could result in years or even decades of confinement in state prison.
However, just like anyone else accused of a crime, you have the right to representation from a criminal defense attorney when facing allegations of sexual assault or other sex-related offense. A qualified Columbia sex crimes lawyer could go over your legal options with you, work to build a strong defense strategy, and advocate for your rights and best interests throughout your entire case.
Types of Sexual Offenses in Columbia
South Carolina state law establishes three distinct degrees of “criminal sexual conduct,” which is the term used to refer to offenses colloquially known as sexual assault, sexual battery, and rape. Under South Carolina Code §16-3-654, a person commits the offense of third-degree criminal sexual conduct if they forcefully compel someone else to engage in sexual contact or intercourse with them, or if they knowingly engage in sexual contact or intercourse with someone who is materially unable to consent, such as someone who is incapacitated due to alcohol or who has an intellectual disability.
S.C. Code §16-3-653 defines second-degree criminal sexual conduct as compelling someone to engage in non-consensual sexual activity through “aggravated coercion.” Finally, according to S.C. Code §16-3-652, first-degree criminal sexual conduct entails non-consensual sexual contact or intercourse accomplished through “aggravated force,” committed in the course of another violent criminal offense like burglary or kidnapping, or involving the use of physically and/or mentally incapacitating drugs.
Whether it is classified in the third, second, or first degree, criminal sexual conduct is a felony offense punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 10, 20, or 30 years, respectively, upon conviction. A local sex crimes attorney could go into further detail about how state law specifically defines this offense, as well as what affirmative defenses may apply to particular situations.
Sexual Misconduct Involving Minors
When a legal adult engages in sexual contact or intercourse with someone under 16, they are automatically guilty of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, as per S.C. Code §16-3-655, regardless of whether they allegedly used force or coercion to compel that interaction. Similar to criminal sexual conduct committed against adults, criminal sexual conduct with a minor has three degrees of severity, differentiated based on the age of the minor allegedly involved and whether there was the use of force by the defendant.
The least severe variant of this offense—criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the third degree—could result in a prison sentence of 15 years at most upon conviction, while first-degree offenses involving children under 11 years of age or committed by individuals with prior sex crime convictions may lead to 25 years in prison as mandatory minimum sentences, and maximum sentences of life imprisonment. Assistance from a sex crimes lawyer is often especially crucial for anyone facing these allegations in Columbia.
Seek Help from a Columbia Sex Crimes Attorney
In addition to complicated legal cases, even the mere allegation of a sex crime can lead to immense social and professional consequences. Qualified legal representation can be crucial in your defense even before a case proceeds to trial, as a skilled attorney could help manage the personal impact this kind of charge has on a defendant, negotiate with the Prosecutor, fight for you at trial, and prepare you for the potential criminal consequences a conviction could produce.
A Columbia sex crimes lawyer could help you seek a fair and positive resolution to any kind of sexual offense allegation made against you and fight to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. Schedule a confidential consultation about your case by calling today.
