South Carolina’s courts and communities take a strict, zero-tolerance approach to sex offenses. If you have been charged with a serious sex offense, you can expect a challenging path through the criminal justice system. With so much at stake, it is critical to have an experienced legal team protecting your rights and advocating for you at every stage.
The moments following an accusation matter enormously. Decline to speak with investigators, avoid any contact with the alleged victim, and preserve your digital records before reaching out to our lawyer. At Beasley Tomlinson Law, our criminal defense attorneys in Greenville, SC, boast decades of collective experience. We understand what’s at stake and move quickly to protect your position from day one.
Criminal Sexual Conduct
Criminal Sexual Conduct, commonly referred to as CSC, covers a spectrum of offenses involving non-consensual sexual acts or threats of force. South Carolina classifies these charges into three degrees, each reflecting the severity of the alleged conduct and carrying substantial penalties upon conviction:
- 1st Degree: Involves sexual battery with aggravated force, kidnapping, or while the victim is incapacitated. It is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
- 2nd Degree: Covers sexual battery accomplished through coercion or threats of physical harm. It carries a sentence of up to 20 years.
- 3rd Degree: Applies to sexual battery using forcible confinement or when the victim is mentally incapacitated; punishable by up to 10 years.
Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor
Offenses involving minors are subject to enhanced penalties and vigorous prosecution due to the protected status of the alleged victims. South Carolina classifies Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) with a Minor into three degrees, based on the child’s age and the nature of the alleged conduct:
- 1st Degree: Sexual battery with a victim under 11 years old; punishable by 25 years to life without parole.
- 2nd Degree: Sexual battery with a victim aged 11 to 14, or 14 to 16 under certain aggravating conditions; carries up to 20 years.
- 3rd Degree: Lewd or lascivious acts upon a minor under 16 when the offender is in a position of trust; punishable by up to 15 years.
Creating a Strong Legal Defense
A meaningful defense starts with immediate action, careful review of the evidence, and a thorough investigation into how the allegations arose. Our Greenville sex offenses lawyers have extensive courtroom experience, former prosecutorial insight, and a track record of favorable outcomes in sensitive cases. Our services include:
- Rapid case assessment and evidence preservation
- Independent forensic and digital investigation
- Strategic motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence
- Cross-examination of witnesses and accusers
- Negotiation with prosecutors for reduced charges
- Trial-ready preparation from the first meeting
Sentencing enhancements, registration requirements, and collateral consequences are governed in large part by South Carolina Code Title 16, Chapter 3, Article 7, and a thorough command of its provisions is imperative to building an effective defense.
Speak to Our Sex Offenses Attorneys in Greenville, SC, Now
Prosecutors are already gathering statements, subpoenaing records, and shaping their theory of the case while you read this. Delay narrows your options and weakens the defenses you have.
Call Beasley Tomlinson Law Firm at 864-775-5787 to schedule a consultation with our sex offenses attorneys in Greenville, SC, who will review the allegations, analyze the evidence, and identify procedural missteps by law enforcement.
