Myrtle Beach Domestic Violence Attorney

Experienced Defense Against Domestic Violence Charges in Horry County

Domestic violence charges often arise in situations where one person allegedly caused harm or threatened injury to a member of the same household. A domestic violence conviction can have severe and lasting consequences on your life, so don’t hesitate to seek legal representation.

Domestic Violence Laws in South Carolina

Under South Carolina law, "family or household members" can include spouses, former spouses, people who have a child in common, or people who are currently or had been in a dating relationship. In South Carolina, domestic violence can take various forms, that can include physical violence, stalking, harassment, sexual assault, intimidation, emotional abuse, and property damage.

Have you been accused of domestic violence in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? Call T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. today at (843) 212-1116 for a dedicated defense!

Is a Domestic Violence Charge a Misdemeanor Or a Felony?

Domestic violence charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the situation and the number of prior offenses. A prior offense is any domestic violence offense that occurred within the past 10 years. For first and second offenses, the court may suspend the sentence if the defendant completes a batterer’s treatment program. At T. Kirk Truslow, P.A., our Myrtle Beach domestic violence attorney focuses solely on criminal defense and has gotten results for clients for 30 years.

What are the Penalties For Domestic Violence in South Carolina?

Domestic violence includes offenses against a member of the same household. In South Carolina, a police officer can make an arrest even if he or she did not witness the offense. If there is probable cause to believe domestic violence has occurred, an arrest will likely follow. The number of prior offenses and specifics of the situation can affect the punishment.

The penalties for domestic violence may include the following:

• First Offense – Up to 30 days in jail and a fine of $1,000 to $2,500
• Second Offense – A mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days in jail and fines of $2,000 to $2,500
• Third and Subsequent Offenses – A sentence of one to five years in prison
• High and Aggravated Nature – A prison sentence of one to 10 years of imprisonment
• Trespass on a Domestic Violence Shelter – Three years in jail and a fine of up to $3,000, or felony charges with up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 fine if the person had a dangerous weapon at the time of the trespass
• Violation of a Protection Order – Up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine or up to a year in jail and a $1,500 fine if found in contempt of court

Long-Term Consequences of Domestic Violence Convictions

There is a stigma attached to domestic violence charges, and a conviction can have consequences that go far beyond any criminal penalty and impact every area of your life. For example, you may not be able to return to your home or see your children if there is a protection order in place. This means that you will need to find another place to stay when you are released from jail, and charges are pending.

In addition, the impact will continue long after you have paid fines and been released from jail. A criminal record can influence the outcome of a divorce or child custody case. In certain professions, a criminal conviction can put your career and professional license in jeopardy, or you could have trouble finding a job. For these reasons, it is important to contact an experienced Myrtle Beach domestic violence lawyer to protect your rights.

Why Choose Us For Your Domestic Violence Defense

If you are facing criminal charges in Myrtle Beach or the surrounding areas, it is crucial to have a skilled and knowledgeable domestic violence attorney on your side. At T. Kirk Truslow, P.A., we understand the complexities of the legal system and are dedicated to providing aggressive representation to protect your rights.

Benefits of hiring an attorney include:

• Expert legal advice: Our attorneys have a deep understanding of criminal law and can provide you with the guidance you need throughout the legal process.
• Case evaluation: We will thoroughly review the details of your case, gather evidence, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
• Negotiation skills: We have extensive experience negotiating with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or secure a favorable plea agreement.
• Courtroom representation: If your case goes to trial, our attorneys are skilled litigators who will vigorously advocate for you in court.
• Protecting your rights: We will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld and that you are treated fairly throughout the legal process.

Don't face criminal charges alone. Contact our experienced attorney in Myrtle Beach today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.