What Defines a Violent Crime?
When many people hear the term “violent crime,” they picture cases involving serious injury or physical force. Under South Carolina law, however, some charges may be classified as violent even when no one was physically harmed. That often comes as a surprise to people facing accusations involving burglary, robbery, drug trafficking, or other felony offenses.
At The Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey, we represent individuals charged with violent crimes in Columbia and across South Carolina. Our firm draws on decades of criminal defense experience and prior prosecutorial insight to help clients respond to serious allegations. Below, we explain how South Carolina defines violent crimes.
How South Carolina Classifies Violent Crimes
In South Carolina, a charge isn’t classified as violent based only on whether someone was injured. State law uses a specific list of offenses that are legally considered violent crimes. As a result, a person may face violent crime consequences even when the allegations did not involve the level of force many people expect.
Common Examples of Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are not limited to homicide or offenses involving serious injury. Under South Carolina law, charges that fall within this category include:
- Murder and attempted murder
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Armed robbery and attempted armed robbery
- Carjacking
- Kidnapping
- Assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (ABHAN)
- Domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature (DVHAN)
- Criminal sexual conduct offenses
- First-degree burglary and some second-degree burglary charges
- First- and second-degree arson
- Drug trafficking in certain cases
- Felony DUI resulting in death
That means a person can face violent-crime consequences for charges such as burglary, trafficking, or domestic violence, even when the accusation doesn’t match what many people picture when they hear the term.
Why the Classification Matters
The violent crime label can affect a case from the start, often leading to stricter bond conditions and making release harder to obtain in some situations.
If there’s a conviction, the consequences can become even more serious, since violent offenses often carry harsher punishment than nonviolent charges and some require a person to serve 85% of the sentence before release. From there, the effect of a violent conviction can extend well beyond the sentence itself.
A violent record can increase the stakes in any future criminal case, including under repeat-offender laws that may lead to life without parole. It can also create barriers during background checks and limit future opportunities long after the case is over.
Facing Charges in Columbia?
Because the legal definition often differs from what people expect, it’s important to understand how the charge may affect your options and the decisions ahead. Having clear guidance early can make a real difference in how to move forward.
At The Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey, we represent individuals charged with violent crimes in Columbia and throughout South Carolina. We help clients understand how the law applies to their case and what is at stake as the case moves forward. If you’d like to discuss your situation with our office, call 803-779-3363.