Have You Been Charged with Criminal Domestic Violence?

Consider a domestic violence lawyer who has prior experience as being the designated attorney that prosecuted domestic violence cases at the Dorchester County Solicitor’s Office.

However, today Susan E. Williams is an attorney who defends those facing domestic violence charges!

But first, let’s cover some important facts surrounding domestic violence charges in SC.

It’s important to understand that it is not uncommon for someone to falsely accuse an ex, spouse, or household member of domestic violence out of anger, jealousy or spite.

In fact, some people actually attempt to use a domestic violence charge to gain an advantage in a family court case – divorce or child custody, for example.

Unfortunately, the impact of a domestic violence charge is oftentimes not fully realized until the family has been separated physically, is financially strapped, and can no longer have contact with one another.

What’s even worse?

The alleged victim finds out that they don’t have the authority to drop the charges.

Whatever the case, you’re here because you need a domestic violence lawyer to fight your charges and prove your innocence.

People in Summerville, Goose Creek, Hampton County, Jasper County and Charleston turn to Domestic Violence Lawyer Susan E. Williams when they are hoping to:

• Avoid jail time
• Minimize fines
• Avoid travel restrictions
• Maintain their right to bear arms
• Avoid losing their Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP)
• Avoid having a wrongful conviction for Domestic Violence on their permanent criminal record or rap sheet

If this is you then you deserve a domestic violence lawyer in the low-country like Susan E. Williams.

Susan has years of experience prosecuting and defending people charged with criminal domestic violence.

Please note: Lawyers are not ethically allowed under the Rules of Professional Conduct to guarantee results on any criminal case.

But wait, you may be tempted to just pay the fine and be done with it.

Simply paying the fine is not always the best case, not to mention, you are actually pleading guilty by paying the fine. And, since paying the fine results in a conviction, you’ll lose some of your rights, your reputation will be affected, you’ll have a criminal record which could affect current and future employment, and your right to possess, buy or sell a firearm (pistol, rifle, etc.) could be affected.

Questions You May Have

What is the definition of Criminal Domestic Violence?

Under SC Statute 16-25-20, it is unlawful to cause physical harm or injury to a person’s own household member; or offer or attempt to cause physical harm or injury to a person’s own household member with apparent present ability under circumstances reasonably creating fear of imminent peril.

A “household member” is a former or current spouse, who are currently living together or have lived together, or a male and female that have a child in common.

What are some of the factors to consider in a DV case?

Who called the police? Why did the police arrive? Were there any physical injuries? Were there any witnesses? Photographs? Written statements? Oral Statements? Is a copy of the 911 recording available? Have the police ever been called to this location before? What is the time frame of when the incident was reported (i.e. did the alleged victim wait hours to call the police?) What motive does the victim have for reporting a DV? Is the alleged victim credible? Are the witnesses credible? Does the alleged victim have a history of Criminal Domestic Violence convictions? Does the alleged victim have a motive or using this DV charge to manipulate the Defendant?

Can I contact the alleged victim? Will this violate the protection order or bond condition?

If an Order of Protection has been issued against you, or you are under a “no contact” order as part of a condition of your bond, you must abide by the Court’s order.

If the alleged victim contacts you, it is your responsibility to abide by the Court’s Order of no contact.

If the alleged victim wishes to have contact with you, the Order must be modified by a Judge to allow contact, if the Court deems this appropriate.

If the victim or someone on their behalf contacts you and there is a no contact order in place, you must not have contact with the victim or the person contacting you.

What if the alleged victim does not wish to prosecute the DV?

This does not necessarily mean the case will be dismissed, it depends on many factors which can be discussed with your attorney. The State of South Carolina can decide to prosecute a Domestic Violence case even if the victim does not wish to prosecute.

What are the penalties for a DV conviction?

This depends on the degree of the conviction. For example, whether you were convicted of a DV 1st, 2nd, or 3rd or subsequent offense or whether you were convicted of Criminal Domestic Violence High and Aggravated Nature.

It also depends on what you are charged with (Domestic Violence 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree. Your prior criminal record can increase your chances of jail time or fines.

Potential Penalties for Domestic Violence in SC

The potential penalties for the degrees of domestic violence in SC are shown in the chart below:

Domestic violence convictions can be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on what someone is convicted of. Domestic violence is a serious allegation with potentially life-changing consequences. For example, if you are convicted of CDV, you will not be able to carry a firearm or be eligible for, or possess a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP).

Hands-On Experience Handling Domestic Violence Cases

This gave her hands-on, real life experience beyond a law school textbook. It gave her the inside knowledge of what it takes to win or lose domestic violence cases in South Carolina.

Susan will work diligently to help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your case. You don’t have to fight these charges alone.

If you have been charged with criminal domestic violence, please consider talking with a domestic violence lawyer immediately so that you and your lawyer can begin working on your case.

Last but not least, if you’re in Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston, Jasper, or Hampton County and need representation then feel free to contact Susan E. Williams to discuss the details of your case. Call 843-607-9800 for your free consultation.