A young man in South Carolina was recently arrested and charged for having, allegedly, committed a sex crime involving a minor. This individual is now facing a felony level charge for the incident. If convicted, the potential penalties for felony charges of this nature can be life-altering.
A 21-year-old man, of Effingham, was arrested on Sept. 18 by officers in the Florence Police Department. Authorities claim this individual met a minor online, through social media, and soon after made arrangements to meet this individual in person. Police do believe that some form of sexual activity occurred at that meeting. The age and identity of the victim has not been reported.
The accused has been charged with criminal sexual conduct involving a minor. He was initially detained at the Florence County Detention Center, but was released two days after his arrest on a surety bond of $25,000. Court dates regarding this case have not been reported.
Sex crimes involving minors are never treated lightly in court. This does not mean, however, that those accused of such crimes have no hope for the future. While, in South Carolina, felony charges of this nature can carry potential punishments of up to 20 years imprisonment and registration as a sex offender, there may be a number of defense strategies available to help fight the charges altogether or to seek reduced charges and/or alternative sentencing. With the assistance of an experienced attorney, it will be possible to fully investigate any and all criminal accusations, to question any evidence offered and to choose a legal course of action that will be of best benefit to the accused.
Source: wbtw.com, “Effingham man charged with criminal sexual conduct on a minor“, Jo Brown, Sept. 21, 2015