What are the Penalties for a Felony Conviction in SC?

If you have been charged with a felony offense, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what lies in store. If you have been found guilty of a felony, you may face imprisonment, hefty fines, and even be required to complete community service. This does not include the difficulty in finding employment once you are released, which can haunt you for the remainder of your life.

Our criminal defense lawyers in Conway, SC, can explain all the potential penalties for a felony conviction and how we can help alleviate your punishment.

Incarceration Categories

In South Carolina, a felony is defined as a crime with a minimum of one year in jail, with many felonies carrying maximum sentences as indicated by law. South Carolina Code §16-1-10 identifies six categories of felonies, which carry the following prison terms:

• Class A felony: Maximum imprisonment of 30 years
• Class B felony: Maximum imprisonment of 25 years
• Class C felony: Maximum imprisonment of 20 years
• Class D felony: Maximum imprisonment of 15 years
• Class E felony: Maximum imprisonment of 10 years
• Class F felony: Maximum imprisonment of five years

Possible Fines

South Carolina recognizes minimum fines for various crimes, with minimum and maximum amounts often stipulated by statute. Depending on mitigating or aggravating factors, a judge can impose fines within the lower or higher limits of this range.

Examples of aggravating factors may include:

• If the defendant has a prior criminal history
• Whether a deadly weapon or firearm was used in committing the crime.
• If the defendant has a lack of remorse
• Whether the victim was an individual who had a mental or physical disability.
• If a minor witnessed the crime

Restitution Options

As part of your sentence, the court may order you to pay restitution to the victim. Restitution is the criminal law equivalent of paying civil damages, compensating the victim for his or her injuries and losses that are a direct result of the crime.

If you are eligible for probation, you will serve your time out of jail, complying with certain conditions. If you still owe restitution to the victim as part of your sentence, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) will require payment in full.

Impact on Job Prospects

A criminal history is typically a “red flag” that makes many employers reconsider hiring even the most qualified candidates. Under South Carolina’s Workforce Opportunity Act, employers are not allowed to inquire, consider, or require that a job applicant disclose their criminal record until the individual is scheduled for an interview or before a conditional offer has been made. On the initial application, employers cannot ask about an individual’s criminal history unless the conviction is directly related to the job.

Benefits of Working with a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Conway

The immediate and collateral consequences of a felony conviction can have devastating effects. Suppose you have been charged with a felony. In that case, you must work with an experienced Conway criminal defense attorney who can develop a defense that gives you the best chance of negating or reducing your culpability.

At The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, our lead attorney has years of experience as a prosecutor. This special insight into how the government approaches matters allows us to take a creative approach while staying within the parameters of the law.

Schedule a Meeting with a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

At the Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, our Conway criminal defense attorney has helped numerous clients preserve their freedom. If you face allegations of a felony offense, now is the time to seek experienced representation. To arrange your consultation, contact us online or by phone today.