While it may seem trivial to engage in a scuffle with someone, the situation can rapidly spiral out of control, potentially leading to an assault and battery charge. An impulsive action triggered by anger can have significant consequences and alter the trajectory of your life. As such, whether you’ve been charged with simple assault or first-degree aggravated assault, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a skilled Chesterfield County Assault Defense Lawyer who can help protect you from an uncertain future. Please continue reading to learn the potential penalties you could face for aggravated assault in South Carolina.
What Constitutes Aggravated Assault in South Carolina?
When a person commits an act of violence against another without causing severe bodily injury, it’s considered simple assault. However, if they attack a person and cause injury, moderate bodily injury, or the attack had the potential to cause moderate bodily injury, it’s classified as second-degree assault. On the other hand, Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature in South Carolina occurs when an individual unlawfully injures another individual, resulting in either significant bodily injury to the other person or the act accomplished by methods that are likely to cause death or severe bodily injury.
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between a simple assault and aggravated assault, as they are slightly different charges. The main difference between simple and aggravated assaults is that simple assaults are classified as misdemeanors, and aggravated assaults are classified as felonies.
What Are the Potential Penalties?
If you’re charged with simple assault, this misdemeanor offense is punishable by a $500 fine and a potential 30 days of incarceration. If you’re charged with second-degree assault, this misdemeanor offense is punishable by a $2,500 fine and three years of incarceration. However, the penalties for aggravated assault are more severe. If you’re charged with first-degree assault, this felony offense is punishable by up to ten years of incarceration. Furthermore, if you’re charged with Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, this felony offense is punishable by up to 20 years of incarceration. First-degree assault and Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature are two of the harshest assault-related charges you can face in South Carolina.
An assault charge can have long-lasting ramifications. Having this mar on your record can cast a negative shadow on your professional endeavors, hindering your ability to secure job opportunities and career advancement. As such, it’s in your best interest to contact a trusted Chesterfield County assault defense lawyer who can help defend your rights. Allow our firm to represent your interests today.
