Charleston Domestic Violence Lawyer

Experienced Defense Against Domestic Violence Charges in Charleston, Summerville, and Throughout South Carolina

Domestic abuse in Charleston, SC, is a serious crime with severe penalties. But just because you've been accused does not mean you're guilty and have the right to defend your innocence. To do so effectively, you must have a Charleston domestic violence attorney on your side from the start of your case. Although you have the right to face your accuser without a criminal defense lawyer, doing so can be very risky, as these are complicated matters. Additionally, the prosecutors will work hard to try to prove that you committed the alleged crime, and they will have extensive experience building these cases.

At Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A., our Charleston domestic violence defense lawyers can help level the playing field in your case. Our team knows the law, and we have achieved favorable results for past clients*. Recognizing the effects of a domestic violence accusation and conviction, we will invest the necessary time and resources to build and present a compelling defense for you. We are advocates who genuinely care about the people we help.

Call Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A. today at (843) 790-0083 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our domestic violence attorney in Charleston! 

What is Domestic Violence?

In general, domestic violence charges arise when a person harms or tries to harm a household member.

The law defines a household member as:

• A spouse,
• A former spouse,
• People who have a child together, or
• People of the opposite sex who live or have lived together

South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-25-20 separates domestic violence into three degrees. The severity of the conduct involved distinguishes the offenses. In this group, first-degree domestic violence is the most serious.

What are the Degrees of Domestic Violence in South Carolina?

The degrees of domestic violence in South Carolina are as follows:

First-Degree: 

First-degree domestic violence occurs when a person:

• Harmed or attempted to harm (with the ability to do so) a household member and
• He or she caused or could have caused great bodily harm,
• He or she committed second-degree domestic violence while violating a protection order,
• He or she was previously convicted of domestic violence two or more times in the past ten years,
• He or she used a gun during the offense or
• He or she committed second-degree domestic violence and
  • A minor was present or witnessed the offense;
  • He or she knew or had reason to know that the alleged victim was pregnant;
  • He or she was committing a robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or theft;
  • He or she suffocated the alleged victim or
• He or she used force to stop another from accessing a phone to contact emergency services