Columbia Domestic Violence Lawyer Working with Clients Accused of Violent Crimes

Domestic violence is a grave accusation that can cause a serious negative impact on your life, if you’re found guilty. Having a domestic violence charge on your criminal record could cause many problems for an individual down the road. If you’ve been accused of a domestic violence issue, you need to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to help defend your case.

The Leddy Law Firm, LLC offers a free consultation to anyone facing a domestic violence charge and takes the time to explain the nuances of the law to every client in an effort to ensure your understanding of every aspect of the legal proceedings that will be involved in your case.

How is Domestic Violence Defined?

South Carolina law defines criminal domestic violence explicitly, stating that it is against the law to “cause physical harm or injury to a person’s own household member” or “offer or attempt to cause physical harm or injury to a person’s own household member with apparent present ability under circumstances reasonably creating fear of imminent peril.” As always, the law can be interpreted in a variety of different ways. No two domestic violence cases are the same. Violence itself is a broad term, and it causes criminal defense cases of this nature to be as unique and complex as the individuals involved. In your defense, you deserve legal counsel that’s committed to helping clients involved in domestic violence cases and is knowledgeable of applicable state and federal law. You need a skilled domestic violence attorney who is committed, hardworking, and professional. Every aspect of your case will be scrutinized under the legal system, and you deserve a smart litigious defense.

What Charges Could You Face?

If you are involved with a domestic violence case, you may face severe criminal penalties. These penalties may include large fines and possibly a long-term jail sentence. There are three levels of domestic violence charges in South Carolina: first degree, second degree, and third. A defense attorney will help you better understand the specifics of the law, and how domestic violence is categorized, but the basics are below:
Third Degree: According to South Carolina state law, third degree criminal domestic violence occurs when a defendant imposes harm or injury to the victim. Third degree domestic violence also covers situations when a defendant acted in such a way that understandably caused an innocent person to think they were in danger. Anyone can be charged in the third degree if they created a fear of imminent danger or harm even without actually assaulting someone physically. A defense attorney will advocate for you in court if this is the situation in which you find yourself.

Second Degree: A second degree criminal domestic violence charge is more serious than the third-degree charge. Criminal violence in the second degree means the defendant party imposed moderate bodily injury on their victim or otherwise acted in a way that caused the innocent person to fear imminent moderate bodily harm. Sometimes, a third-degree charge can also be bumped to the second degree. As always, speak to a lawyer if these conditions apply to your case.

First Degree: First degree criminal domestic violence is the most heavily penalized of the aforementioned charges. If you’re charged with first degree criminal domestic violence, this legally means you have inflicted or attempted to inflict great bodily harm on a victim. A charge in the first degree also covers a circumstance in which a defendant acted in such a way that the victim had reason to believe their life was in grave danger.

What Makes The Leddy Law Firm, LLC the Right Choice for Your Defense?

Regardless of the degree to which you’ve been charged, a smart domestic violence attorney will consider every aspect of your case, violent, or otherwise, and will fight in your defense to lessen the charges as reasonably as possible. Domestic violence is an emotionally charged situation that requires the attention of a steadfast and committed attorney. Micah Leddy is a thorough attorney who will fight for you to maintain your good reputation and your productive life and future. With over a decade of domestic violence experience, you can rest assured knowing you’re in good hands.

How Can a Lawyer Help?

Here, a free consultation to those accused of crimes regarding violence is a vital first step of the process of your defense.The Leddy Law Firm, LLC urges you to remember that every citizen of the United States is entitled to a fair trial, regardless of what crimes you are accused of. Just like you’re entitled to a fair trial, personal injury attorney Micah Leddy believes you’re entitled to a free consultation. You deserve to understand the aspects of the legal proceedings you may face, The Leddy Law Firm, LLC is proud to come to your defense in a court of law. Micah Leddy is a criminal defense lawyer with a demonstrated history of client success and decades of experience with domestic violence law. Reach out at 803-779-9966.