What to Do When You Are Accused of Assault in Rock Hill, South Carolina
If you have been accused of assault in Rock Hill, SC, you need to act fast. An assault conviction can have a significant impact on your career, reputation, and personal life.
At Barboza Law, we understand the need to act quickly to protect your best interests and mitigate the damage. Contact a Lancaster criminal defense attorney as soon as possible if you have been charged with assault.
Can I Go to Jail for Getting in a Fight?
Whether you feel the altercation was justified or not, it is possible to go to jail for getting in a fight. If you were arrested for assault or were recently in a physical altercation and believe you may be charged with assault, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself.
What Steps Should I Take After a Physical Altercation?
The following steps may help your case and protect your rights:
- Seek medical treatment: Assault is rarely one-sided. To strengthen your defense, it is critical to document all your injuries. After any physical altercation, seek immediate medical treatment and collect the records. In addition, be sure to take multiple pictures of any injuries and wounds.
- Gather contact information: Before leaving the scene, take note of any witnesses and request their contact information. Do not simply rely on friends at the scene. If possible, get witness accounts and phone numbers of anyone present during the altercation.
- Contact a Rock Hill, SC assault defense lawyer: Navigating the court system alone can be overwhelming and lead to many accidental missteps that can hurt your case. Seek out the legal advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney in Rock Hill immediately following assault accusations or an arrest.
A simple bar fight or domestic argument that turns physical can come with misdemeanor or felony assault charges. Depending on the circumstances of the altercation, you may be facing multiple charges of assault, domestic violence, or weapons charges. You need the strong and skilled defense of Attorney Sabreena Barboza.
Is Assault a Misdemeanor or a Felony?
Depending on the assault charge, you may be facing a misdemeanor or a felony. Under South Carolina law, assault is classified as follows:
- Assault and Battery in the Third Degree
- Assault and Battery in the Second Degree
- Assault and Battery in the First Degree
- Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature (i.e., Aggravated Assault)
Assault and Battery Third Degree and Assault and Battery in the Second Degree are considered misdemeanors. The difference between the charges depends on the extent of the injuries suffered by the alleged victim. In addition, Assault and Battery in the Second Degree may be charged for touching someone in a sexual manner without their consent.
When the assault results in serious or life-threatening injuries, you may be charged with Assault and Battery in the First Degree or Aggravated Assault. Both charges are felonies. In addition, you can face a felony assault charge if you have been accused of touching someone without their consent with lewd intent.
How Can a Lancaster Criminal Defense Lawyer from Barboza Law Help Me?
Assault charges have been taken more seriously in recent years. The days of stepping outside to handle a disagreement are gone.
If you are facing assault charges, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney in Rock Hill, SC by your side. Schedule a consultation today at Barboza Law by calling (803) 973-6003.
