Serious Domestic Violence Charges Require Serious Legal Advocacy

Family or intimate partner violence is among the most highly stigmatized crimes a person can be charged with. Unfortunately, many people may assume you are guilty of domestic violence based on charges alone. In other words, the odds are stacked against you. Without experienced legal help, you could be denied fair treatment in the criminal justice system.

In Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas of South Carolina, the smart choice for defense representation is The Law Offices of L. Morgan Martin, P.A. Our trial-tested attorneys bring three decades of experience to each case. We understand the law and your rights, and we will fight to ensure that both are respected.

What Charges Are You Facing?

In South Carolina, domestic violence offenses are grouped into three “degrees,” or levels of severity, with first-degree charges being the most serious. At its most basic level, domestic violence occurs when someone causes injury/harm or the threat of injury/harm to a current or former spouse, co-parent or someone with whom they currently live or previously lived.

Second-degree and first-degree cases involve the elements above, but they also involve aggravating factors that make the crime more serious in nature. Just a few examples include:

• Causing “moderate injury” or “great bodily injury”
• Committing domestic violence in the presence of a minor or in a place where a minor could see or hear it
• Committing violence and violating a protective order
• Committing acts of violence with previous domestic violence convictions on your record within the past decade

Each case is unique and fact specific. The best way to determine what you’re up against and what your options are is to consult with an experienced attorney like those at our firm.

Understand The Far-Reaching Effects Of Domestic Violence Allegations

Family squabbles are generally a private matter. But as soon as someone levels accusations of domestic violence, the criminal and noncriminal consequences can be severe for the accused person. In addition to a potential jail sentence, probation and other criminal consequences, someone charged with and/or convicted of domestic violence may face:

• A protective order that essentially forces them out of their shared home
• Severely limited contact with their children
• A major disadvantage in divorce and child custody proceedings
• Loss of a job or difficulty finding employment
• Disqualification for financial assistance for housing or food
• An order to surrender firearms and/or a ban on purchasing firearms
• Damage to their reputation in the community

We can’t prevent gossip and decisions made in the court of public opinion, but we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom in a court of law. Depending on the facts of your case, we may be able to help you avoid conviction, which would prevent or greatly mitigate many of the consequences listed above. Even if it is not possible to avoid conviction, working with an experienced defense attorney almost always results in a more favorable outcome than you could otherwise expect.

Let Us Protect Your Rights – Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation

With an office in Conway, South Carolina, The Law Offices of L. Morgan Martin, P.A., serves clients throughout the Myrtle Beach area. To tell us your story and learn how our experienced attorneys can help you, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation. You can reach out online or call 843-248-3177.