Serving What are the Signs Someone Has Been Assaulted?
In 2023, the rate of simple assault was 117.04 per 10,000 inhabitants. Signs of assault include more than just cuts and bruises and may have a significant emotional impact on the victim. Due to the seriousness of the crime, South Carolina law imposes harsh penalties on offenders, with the potential for twenty years in prison and steep fines.
If you are facing an assault charge, now is the time to speak with our Conway criminal defense lawyer.
How Does South Carolina Define Assault?
Under South Carolina law, assault is the offense of illegally injuring another person or attempting to injure another person. There are three different types of assault in South Carolina: assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (commonly referred to as ‘aggravated assault’), assault and battery (which can be charged in the first or second degree), and assault and battery in the third degree (commonly referred to as ‘simple assault’).
Since an assault charge can pertain to threatening to harm someone, you do not have to necessarily touch a person to be charged or convicted of assault. Additionally, if you do touch someone and “great bodily harm” occurs or the act is committed in the course of another crime, you will likely be charged with a felony.
Signs of Assault
The most obvious signs that someone has been assaulted are usually physical and may include any of the following:
- Cuts and bruises
- Black eyes
- Open wounds
- Broken eyeglasses
- Fractures
- Torn or blood-stained clothing
Other signs may be emotional or psychological, such as:
- Changes in behavior or demeanor
- Desire to isolate or refrain from social gatherings
- Avoid any type of affection, such as hugs
- Struggling to control emotions
- Demonstrating a lack of confidence
- Change in grooming habits
- Unwillingness to meet new people
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Assault Charges
If you have been charged with assault, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you get the charges levied against you reduced or dismissed. Although a crime of passion is not a legal defense to assault charges, it can show that your act was not premeditated. If you can demonstrate that you committed assault in a moment of intense rage, then you may be able to get a reduced sentence.
In hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you have someone who will examine the facts of your case to determine the best defense strategy. The goal is to spend as little time as possible behind bars, and a criminal defense attorney will work tirelessly to ensure that your freedom is protected. If taking a plea bargain is your best option, then a criminal defense attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor to afford you the best terms.
Reach Out to a Conway Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately
If you have been accused of assault, acquiring representation early in the criminal process gives you the best chance of safeguarding your freedom. At the Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, our Conway criminal defense lawyer has helped thousands of defendants avoid a conviction. Our special insight helps us craft the strongest defense while identifying the weak points in the prosecution’s case-in-chief. To schedule your free consultation, contact the office online or by phone today.