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Domestic Violence Attorney
Myrtle Beach, SC

Arrested for domestic violence in SC?

If you’ve been arrested for domestic violence in SC chances are you feel overwhelmed, demoralized, and a tremendous amount of uncertainty.

The truth is, domestic violence is a serious crime that carries stiff fines, penalties, and jail time. Not to mention, your job and reputation may be at stake, too!

Fortunately, a skilled domestic violence attorney can provide you with the legal expertise, guidance, and support you need to navigate the legal system, protect your rights and reputation, and most of all — give you peace of mind.

And, you can take comfort in knowing that DV charges can oftentimes be severely reduced or dropped altogether depending on the circumstances surrounding the case.

Domestic Violence (DV) is a serious offense in South Carolina and can result in severe penalties upon conviction.

The specific fines, penalties, and jail time for a DV conviction depend on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s prior criminal record.

Here is an overview of the possible penalties for DV in South Carolina:

  • First Degree: A first degree DV charge is a felony and can result in a jail sentence of 0-10 years.
  • Second Degree: A second degree DV charge is a misdemeanor and carries a jail sentence up to 3 years.
  • Third Degree: A third degree DV charge carries a prison sentence of up to 90 days.

People routinely turn to the Domestic Violence attorneys at O’Neil Law Firm when they want to avoid the negative impact a criminal conviction can have on their life. 

 

A domestic violence (DV) conviction in SC can result in other consequences, such as:

  • Mandatory domestic violence counseling: The court may require the defendant to attend domestic violence counseling as a condition of their sentence.
  • Loss of gun rights: A DV conviction can result in the loss of the defendant’s right to own or possess a firearm.
  • Impact on immigration status: A DV conviction can have serious consequences for non-citizens, including deportation and the loss of immigration status.
  • Incarceration: Depending on the severity of the offense, a criminal conviction can result in a prison or jail sentence, which can range from a few days to many years. Incarceration can result in the loss of freedom, separation from loved ones, and difficulty maintaining employment and relationships.
  • Fines and fees: A criminal conviction can result in fines and fees that can be substantial, and may take years to pay off. These fines and fees can have a significant impact on a person’s financial situation.
  • Criminal record: A criminal conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect a person’s ability to find employment, housing, education, and loans. A criminal record can also affect a person’s ability to travel or obtain certain licenses.
  • Loss of voting rights: In some states, a criminal conviction can result in the loss of voting rights.
  • Social stigma: A criminal conviction can carry a social stigma that can make it difficult for a person to reintegrate into society and maintain relationships with friends and family.
  • Professional consequences: A criminal conviction can result in the loss of professional licenses, difficulty finding employment, and damage to a person’s reputation and standing in their profession.

It’s worth noting that these penalties are not exhaustive, and the specific penalties for a DV conviction in South Carolina can vary based on the individual case which is why it’s important to consult with a domestic violence attorney as soon as possible.

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Important Factors to Consider When Hiring a
Domestic Violence Attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC

  1. Legal knowledge and experience: Domestic violence cases are complex and require a deep understanding of criminal law. A domestic violence attorney has the legal knowledge and experience to understand the nuances of the law and provide you with effective representation. They can explain your legal rights and options, help you understand the charges against you, and represent you in court.
  2. Defense strategies: A domestic violence attorney can develop effective defense strategies to help you avoid a conviction or minimize the consequences of a conviction. They can challenge the evidence against you, negotiate with the prosecutor, and represent you in court.
  3. Protection and safety: If you are facing domestic violence charges, a domestic violence attorney can help protect you from further harm. They can advise you on safety measures you can take, such as obtaining a restraining order, and help you understand your legal options.
  4. Mitigating factors: A domestic violence attorney can help identify mitigating factors that can reduce your sentence or charges. They can help you show remorse, seek counseling, and take other steps that can demonstrate your commitment to changing your behavior and avoiding future incidents.
  5. Emotional support: Dealing with domestic violence charges can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. A domestic violence attorney can provide you with the emotional support you need during this difficult time. They can also connect you with resources for counseling and other support services.

Last but not least, if you are considering hiring a domestic violence attorney, it’s important to choose an attorney who has experience in handling domestic violence cases.

Look for a defense attorney who has a track record of success in representing clients facing domestic violence charges, as well as experience in negotiating with prosecutors and representing clients in court.

You should also choose a DV attorney who you feel comfortable working with and who you trust to represent your best interests.

Testimonials

This law firm is the G.O.A.T! They are kind, thorough, and informative. They always responded to emails, texts, and phone
calls in an expedient manner. Sarah and Attorney Rick is awesome. They really help make things so simple and easy to understand. If you want a law firm that really cares about its clients, then this is the right one for you.

-Anonymous

Josh was my lawyer, and he stayed on top of all my medical needs. He helped me with worker's compensation insurance to get my surgery done on time, along with my rehabilitation treatments. When settling the claim, Josh helped me by telling me to keep records of what I needed for the settlement. Josh cared about how I was doing and pushed to get the best settlement he could for me. Josh is A1 in my book. I would highly recommend Josh at O'Neal Law Firm. THANK YOU, JOSH.

-Anonymous

I had a fantastic experience with the O'Neil Law Firm. Ryne "Josh" Kochan did a wonderful job serving my needs in an insurance dispute. Josh was prompt and timely and delivered results that exceeded my expectations. I would absolutely hire the O'Neil Law Firm again!

-Anonymous

*The Rules of Professional Conduct require disclosure that this is a “Testimonial” about the attorney.
Please be aware that any result achieved on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to fight your domestic violence charges.

Contact the Domestic Violence Attorneys at the O’Neal Law Firm today.

Our attorneys need time to assess your case, gather evidence, guide you through the legal process, and work to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences. With the right Domestic Violence attorney in Myrtle Beach on your side, you can achieve the best possible outcome given your situation.

If you’re facing criminal charges in Myrtle Beach, Surfside, Conway, or Horry County contact the O’Neil Law Firm immediately.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Take the first step towards protecting your rights and your freedom by hiring a domestic violence attorney today.

Call or text 843-444-4357 or click here to send us an email.

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domestic violence Attorney

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