South Carolina Criminal Domestic Violence Penalties

South Carolina has a tough and broad statute onCarolina's.
criminal domestic violence. Simply put, criminal1st offense CDV is a misdemeanor. The sentence
domestic violence or CDV in South Carolina is definedcan be up to thirty days in jail, a fine of $5,000 or 26
as causing harm, trying to cause harm or threateningweeks of domestic abuse counseling.
to cause harm to a household member.2nd offense CDV is a misdemeanor. The sentence
There are serious penalties for those convicted ofwill be 30 days to up to one year in prison and a fine
CDV. Being arrested is not the same as beingof up to $10,000.
convicted. In order to be convicted of CDV you3rdo offense CDV is a felony and is punished by a
must either plead guilty, no contest or be found guiltyminimum of one to a maximum of five years
after a trial. Once someone is convicted of CDV it willimprisonment.
be up to a Court to determine what penalties areA conviction to Criminal Domestic Violence of a High
imposed.and Aggravated Nature (CDVHAN) carries a penalty
Everyone convicted of domestic violence willof a minimum of one year to ten years imprisonment.
experience a loss of privileges relating to firearms. ItThis is even for a first offense.
will also create a permanent criminal record, andNo matter what the circumstances are surrounding a
difficulties in traveling internationally or immigrating todomestic violence arrest it is important to know that
the United States.a conviction is not inevitable. In addition to legal or
For purposes of the CDV sentencing law a priorfactual defenses there may be circumstances in place
conviction is one that occurred within the past tenwhich would create an opportunity to reach a
years. Convictions from other states may also countnegotiated resolution with the prosecution that would
if their CDV law is substantially similar to Southavoid all of the penalties discussed herein.