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Felony charges are serious and can have life-altering consequences. If you’re facing felony charges in South Carolina, you need an experienced and aggressive felony defense lawyer.

At Okoye Law in Rock Hill, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and defending your freedom. We understand the urgency of your situation and are here to provide you with the personalized and aggressive representation you need.

Contact our Rock Hill felony defense attorneys today and take the first step towards protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

South Carolina Felony Charges & Penalties

Felony charges are the most serious type of criminal offense and can range from drug crimes to violent offenses.

Some common types of felony charges include:

  • Drug charges the illegal possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, or prescription drugs.
  • Assault and battery causing harm or injury to another person through physical force or violence.
  • Robbery — taking property from another person through force, threat, or intimidation.
  • Burglary — entering a building or structure intending to commit a crime, such as theft.
  • Sex offenses — sexual acts that are non-consensual or involve minors, such as rape and sexual assault.
  • Homicide — killing another person, which can be intentional (murder) or unintentional (manslaughter).

Here’s a sample chart of the different classes of felony charges in South Carolina, their penalties, and examples of charges.

Felony Class Maximum Prison Time Examples of Charges
Class A 30 years
  • Kidnapping
  • Voluntary manslaughter
  • Attempted murder
Class B 25 years
  • Hit-and-run resulting in death
  • Second-degree arson
  • Second-degree assault and battery by mob
Class C 20 years
  • Sexual exploitation of a minor
  • Carjacking not resulting in death or great bodily harm
  • Attempted armed robbery
Class D 15 years
  • First offense for manufacturing or distributing meth or cocaine
  • Third-degree arson
  • Second-degree burglary
Class E 10 years
  • Unlawful conduct toward a child
  • Reckless homicide
  • First-degree sexual misconduct
Class F 5 years
  • Stalking
  • Illegal conduct at elections
  • Sale or possession of counterfeit cigarettes

It’s important to note that each case is unique, and the specific details of the alleged crime will impact the defense strategy used by a felony defense lawyer.

At Okoye Law, we provide personalized and aggressive defense strategies to protect your rights and defend your freedom.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony You May Not Have Considered

In addition to the direct penalties of a felony conviction in South Carolina, such as prison time and fines, there are also collateral consequences that can significantly impact your life.
These consequences can affect your ability to obtain housing, employment, and even loans.

Some collateral consequences of a felony conviction in South Carolina may include:

  • Loss of voting rights — In South Carolina, individuals convicted of a felony lose their right to vote until their sentence, including probation and parole, is complete.
  • Difficulty finding employment — Felony convictions can make it difficult to find employment, as many employers conduct background checks before hiring.
  • Restrictions on professional licenses — Certain professions, such as teaching, nursing, and law, require professional licenses.
  • Loss of firearm rights — Individuals convicted of a felony in South Carolina lose their right to possess firearms.
  • Housing restrictions — Individuals with felony convictions may face restrictions on obtaining housing, as landlords and property managers often conduct background checks before renting to tenants.

It’s important to note that these collateral consequences can significantly impact your life long after serving your sentence.

That’s why it’s crucial to consult with a qualified felony defense lawyer who can provide personalized defense strategies to protect your rights.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Aggravating & Mitigating Factors for Felony Charges

When determining the severity of felony charges in South Carolina, judges consider aggravating and mitigating factors. These factors can significantly impact the penalties and sentencing of a conviction.

Some common aggravating and mitigating factors that may be considered in felony cases in South Carolina include the following.

Aggravating Factors

Aggravating factors are circumstances that make a crime more serious.

They can include:

  • Prior convictions
  • Use of a weapon
  • Presence of minors during the offense
  • Injuries or harm caused to the victim
  • Planning or premeditation of the offense

Mitigating Factors

Mitigating factors are circumstances that lessen the severity of a crime, and include:

  • No prior criminal history
  • Lack of intent to commit the offense
  • Cooperation with law enforcement
  • Remorse or admission of guilt
  • Presence of mental health issues or disabilities

It’s important to note that these factors can vary depending on the case’s specific circumstances.

If you’re facing felony charges in South Carolina, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified felony defense lawyer who can build a strong defense strategy based on the facts and evidence of your case.

At Okoye Law, we specialize in felony defense and have a proven track record of success in South Carolina. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

How Our Rock Hill Felony Defense Attorneys Can Help You

At Okoye Law, our experienced Rock Hill felony defense attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and defending your freedom.

We provide personalized and aggressive defense strategies to help you navigate the complex legal system and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Here are a few ways our felony defense attorneys can help you:

  1. Investigate the facts and evidence. Our legal experts will thoroughly investigate the facts and evidence of your case to build a strong defense strategy.
  2. Develop a strong defense strategy. Based on the facts and evidence of your case, we will develop a personalized and aggressive defense strategy.
  3. Negotiate with the prosecution. Our attorneys will negotiate with the prosecution to reduce charges or penalties and obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
  4. Represent you in court. Our experienced trial attorneys will represent you in court and fight for your rights every step of the way.

At Okoye Law, we understand the seriousness of felony charges and their impact on your life.

If you’re facing felony charges in Rock Hill, South Carolina, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Facing Felony Charges in York County? You Need Okoye Law

If you’re facing felony charges in Rock Hill, South Carolina, or within York County, you must act quickly and consult a qualified felony defense lawyer.

At Okoye Law, we understand the seriousness of felony charges and their impact on your life. Don’t let your charges define your future. Contact us today and take control of your case.

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We raise the bar by providing detail-oriented legal assistance that zeroes in on the client experience.

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Every case we take begins and ends with your unique situation in our hearts and on our minds.

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FAQ: Rock Hill Felony Defense

Q
What's a plea deal? Are they beneficial?
A

A plea deal is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant in a criminal case in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a lesser charge or to receive a reduced sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. Plea deals can be beneficial in some cases, as they can result in reduced charges or penalties and avoid the uncertainty of a trial.

Q
What should I do if I am arrested for a felony offense?
A

Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and build a strong defense.

Q
How much does a felony defense lawyer cost?
A

The cost of a felony defense lawyer can vary depending on the case’s complexity, but at Okoye Law, we offer an initial consultation and affordable rates.

Q
Will I have to go to trial?
A

Not necessarily. Our team will explore all options and negotiate with the prosecution to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.

Q
Is hiring a criminal defense lawyer worth it?
A

Yes, hiring a criminal defense lawyer can sometimes be worth it. Felony charges can have serious consequences, including prison time, fines, and a criminal record that can affect your ability to find employment and housing.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can build a strong defense strategy based on the facts and evidence of your case, negotiate with the prosecution to reduce charges or penalties, and represent you in court.