The Most Serious Felony Charges in South Carolina

Felonies are the most serious criminal offenses in both South Carolina state and federal courts. In state court, they are defined as crimes punishable by more than three years in prison. In federal court (and most other states), they are punishable by more than one year in jail. Felony offenses are further classified.

If you’ve been charged with a capital or Class A felony in S.C. state or federal court, talk to a lawyer first. We encourage anyone being accused of a felony to immediately invoke their right to remain silent and contact the experienced South Carolina defense lawyers at Brad C. Richardson.

Understanding South Carolina Felony Classifications

South Carolina breaks felony-level offenses down into six classes – A through F – with certain exemptions:

Capital Exempt

Aggravated homicide, treason, and certain kidnapping offenses have severe penalties falling outside the traditional class system. These offenses may be punishable by death or life in prison. If you’ve been charged with a capital offense, this is the most serious felony in South Carolina.

General Exempt

Certain other felonies – such as human trafficking, criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the first degree, aggravated burglary, and murder – are punishable by up to life in prison. These also fall outside the traditional classification system, so you must read the statute closely.

Classes A through F

Non-exempt felonies, meaning those that don’t set their own penalties, range from Class A to Class F. Class A felonies are punishable by up to 30 years in prison and are the most serious classified felony-level offenses in the state. Further, any sentence for a Class A felony is considered a “no-parole” sentence, meaning that a person MUST serve 85% of whatever sentence a judge imposes.

List of the Most Severe Felony Charges

Class A felonies include, but are not limited to, the following crimes listed under S.C. Code § 16-1-90:

• Terrorism
• Voluntary manslaughter
• Attempted murder
• Rape and first-degree sexual offenses
• Sex offenses against children
• Kidnapping
• Carjacking causing serious injury
• Trafficking children
• First Degree Burglary
• Arson
• Armed robbery
• Offenses against banks and safecracking
• Certain drug trafficking and manufacturing offenses 
• Spying
• Hostage taking

These are severe charges that require immediate assistance from a qualified Class A felony defense lawyer.

Defenses to S.C. Capital and Class A Felony Charges

If you’ve been charged with an offense punishable by death, life in prison, or 30 years in jail, we can help. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will review all the evidence and take the following steps:

Fighting for Pre-Trial Discharge

If your case involves potential constitutional violations, such as coerced confessions or unlawfully seized evidence, your attorney may be able to get the case dismissed before trial.

Negotiating Plea Deals to Lower-Class Felonies

Many Class A felony cases can result in plea deals to lesser-degree felonies, such as Class B or C. Your felony defense lawyer will help you determine if working with law enforcement is the best option in your case.

Taking Your Case to Trial

The right criminal defense litigator may take your case before a jury if prosecutors refuse to offer a favorable deal, you have a strong defense, or you’re innocent of the charges.

Serious Felony Defense Attorneys in South Carolina

If you’ve been charged with a capital or Class A felony in state or federal court, immediately contact the criminal defense attorneys at Brad C. Richardson Law Firm. Confidentially call (843) 488-4321 or contact us online to get the best outcome in your case.