What Are the Most Serious Felony Charges in SC?

Every criminal charge is a serious matter that requires careful attention, but felonies are more serious still, and there are, of course, certain felony charges that carry extremely dire consequences. If you are facing a criminal charge of any kind, the most important first step you can take is to consult with an experienced Conway criminal defense attorney as soon as you’re able to do so.

Felony Charges in South Carolina

In South Carolina, felony charges carry sentences of at least a year in prison, and they break down into the following six classes:

• Class F, which includes financial transaction card theft, the unauthorized practice of the law, and breaking and entering a motor vehicle, carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. (Sex registry and contributing are misdemeanors, registry is typically in magistrate court now)
• Class E, which includes identity theft, stalking, assault and battery 1^st^ degree and Domestic violence 1^st^ degree carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
• Class D, which includes strong armed robbery, possession with intent to distribute most drugs and criminal sexual conduct 3^rd^ degree carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
• Class C, which includes domestic violence high and aggravated, criminal sexual conduct 2^nd^ degree carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
• Class B, which includes felony DUI, certain drug trafficking and second degree arson carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
• Class A, which includes armed robbery, kidnapping, and attempted murder, criminal sexual conduct 1^st^ degree and certain drug trafficking carries a maximum sentence of 30 or more years in prison.
• A sentence under A, B or C felonies is a non-parolable meaning a person convicted MUST serve at least 85% of any sentence

Murder Charges

When the defendant is convicted of murder or pleads guilty to murder charges in South Carolina, they face a mandatory minimum prison term of 30 years to life or a death sentence. When an aggravating factor applies, and the jury doesn’t unanimously recommend death, the judge must impose a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Aggravating factors include:

• The murder occurred in the commission of another crime, such as a sexual offense, kidnapping, human trafficking, or robbery with a deadly weapon.
• The murder was committed by someone with a prior murder conviction.
• The accused committed the murder for monetary purposes.
• In the commission of the crime, the accused knowingly put others in a public place in great danger through the use of a weapon or device.
• The victim was a current or former judicial officer or another officer of the court who was performing their official duty or was killed in response to performing their official duty. 
• The murder was directed by someone else, or the accused directed someone else to commit it.
• The crime led to two or more deaths.
• The victim was no more than 11 years old.

An Experienced Conway Criminal Defense Attorney Is on Your Side

The formidable Conway, South Carolina, criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson appreciate the severity of the charge you face and will spare no effort in their quest to build your strongest defense and to obtain a favorable resolution that supports your legal rights and future. To learn more, please reach out and contact us online or call us at 843-488-4321 today.