Myrtle Beach Domestic Violence Attorney

Defending Those Who Are Facing 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.

What is Considered Domestic Violence 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 an experienced attorney to defend your rights!

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 27 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

Lasting Impacts Of a Domestic Violence Conviction

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.

Contact Our Domestic Violence Lawyer in Myrtle Beach Today

Our Myrtle Beach domestic violence attorney is experienced, aggressive, and results-driven when defending clients. Mr. Truslow will investigate your case, listen to your side of the story, and work with you to determine the most effective defense strategy for your situation. He puts in the work to develop a solid defense and defends your rights at every stage of the legal process, from your initial consultation until your case is resolved.

Contact T. Kirk Truslow, P.A., to get started on your defense with our Myrtle Beach domestic violence attorney!