Violent Crime Lawyer in Columbia, SC

If you have been charged with a violent crime in Richland County or the surrounding area, you need experienced representation. With more than four decades of experience in the criminal field, I am dedicated to staying one step ahead of the prosecution.

In South Carolina, murder carries a minimum sentence of thirty years. A conviction can be transformative. It can keep you from watching your child participate in sports, receive a diploma, or join the armed forces.

I will take all possible measures to defend your honor.

Murder Defined

South Carolina defines murder as the “killing of any person with malice aforethought.” Malice aforethought means that the individual had the state of mind to commit murder. However, malice aforethought may be express or implied. In other words, the defendant may have had a specific intent to kill someone (express) or a complete disregard for human life (implied).

Penalties for Murder

If you are convicted of murder in South Carolina, you will be sentenced anywhere from thirty years to life in prison. If there are any circumstances that would increase the severity of your charges, your sentence could be longer, or in extreme circumstances the state could seek the death penalty.

A life sentence under South Carolina Code §16-3-10, you will be incarcerated until you die, without the possibility of parole.

Potential Defenses to Murder Charges

I have experience in preparing defenses for those facing murder allegations. Potential defenses may include:

Alibi

If you were elsewhere during the crime and you could provide evidence showing where you were, you may be able to get the charges against you dropped. While other defenses can negate your culpability, an alibi defense can prove your innocence. Evidence is key in backing up your alibi.

Insanity

In raising the insanity defense, the jury may return a verdict of either “guilty but mentally ill” or “not guilty by reason of insanity.” If the jury finds a defendant “guilty but mentally ill,” this means that the individual had the ability to distinguish right from wrong but, due to his or her mental illness, was unable to abide by the law.

If a defendant is found “not guilty by reason of insanity” (NGRI), the individual was mentally disturbed during the time of the murder, preventing him or her from understanding the nature of the act or from distinguishing right and wrong.

Self Defense

South Carolina’s self-defense and stand-your-ground law allows an individual to use deadly force in self-defense if you believe that you are in danger of significant bodily harm or death. Once the threat no longer exists, lethal force is not permitted.

Contact Me Today for a Consultation

Homicide charges should be taken seriously. I am available to answer any questions you may have. To request a consultation, contact me by calling 803-779-3363 or by filling out the online intake form.