A felony offense is a serious crime. Under South Carolina law (SC Code § 16-1-10), there are six different categories of felonies: Class A felonies, Class B felonies, Class C felonies, Class D felonies, Class E felonies, and Class F felonies. The maximum penalties for a felony offense will depend, in part, on how the crime is classified. At Query Sauter & Associates, LLC, we defend the full range of felony criminal charges. These are serious cases, and they require a proactive approach. Here, our Charleston criminal defense lawyer discusses the most common felony charges in South Carolina.
Class A Felonies (Most Serious Felony Offense)
Murder
In South Carolina, murder is the intentional causing of the death of another person. A conviction for murder could carry life in prison or even the death penalty.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping can also be charged as a Class A felony. It is the unlawful seizure or confinement a person against their will. If convicted, a defendant may face up to 30 years in prison.
Class B Felonies
Burglary
Burglary is breaking into a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. If a person is armed or causing a serious injury, they can face a Class B burglary offense.
Armed Robbery
In South Carolina, armed robbery is the using of a deadly weapon to take property from another person by force or threat. It can carry ten to thirty years in prison.
Class C Felonies
Voluntary Manslaughter
In South Carolina, voluntary manslaughter is the killing of another person in the heat of passion after being provoked. It is typically a Class C felony offense.
Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature (ABHAN)
An especially serious type of assault and battery crime, the offense can be charged when a person causes severe bodily harm to another under aggravated circumstances.
Class D Felonies
Drug Trafficking
In South Carolina, possessing or distributing a controlled substance in amounts that trigger trafficking charges will often be a Class D felony unless the amount is especially higher.
DUI Causing Serious Injury
Driving under the influence and causing serious injury to another person. It is generally a Class D felony criminal charge.
Class E Felonies
Theft of Property Valued Over $10,000 (Grand Larceny)
In South Carolina, unlawfully taking property worth over $10,000 is a Class E felony, grand larceny. It is a serious crime that can result in considerable state prison time.
Class F Felonies (Lowest Felony, But Still Serious)
Third-Degree Domestic Violence
In South Carolina, third-degree domestic violence—that is causing or threatening harm to a household member under egregious circumstances—is a Class F felony offense.
Contact Our Charleston, SC Felony Defense Lawyer Today
At Query Sauter & Associates, LLC, our Charleston criminal defense attorney fights tirelessly to protect the rights of those charged with felonies. Were you arrested and charged with a felony offense? We can help. Contact us today for a fully confidential case review. With a law office in Charleston, we defend serious felony offenses throughout the surrounding area in South Carolina.