South Carolina
Criminal Sexual Conduct
Defense Attorney

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Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC), commonly known as Rape or Sexual Assault, is one of the many sex crimes codified under South Carolina law. It is one of the most serious crimes a person can be accused of and the penalties for CSC convictions are no laughing matter. In South Carolina, a conviction for CSC can land you (up to) 30 years behind bars and requires mandatory registration as a sex offender. While allegations of CSC are not to be taken lightly, wrongful accusations of Criminal Sexual Conduct are also real. To fight these allegations, you need an aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorney like Attorney Ashley Cornwell.

If you or a loved one are charged with any offense involving Criminal Sexual Conduct, we highly recommend retaining experienced legal counsel to represent you on these types of charges. At the Cornwell Firm, we have years of experience defending against the most serious felony and criminal offenses. If you or a loved one are accused of a sex crime in Charleston or anywhere in South Carolina, contact us now.

Degrees of Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges in South Carolina

In South Carolina, all charges of criminal sexual conduct are considered felony offenses and begin with an accusation of sexual battery.  Sexual battery means sexual intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, or any intrusion, however slight, of any part of a person’s body or object into the genital or anal opening of another person’s body.

 

CSC 1st Degree §16-3-652

This is the most serious CSC offense. It is considered a Violent and Most Serious offense in South Carolina and carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison if convicted. To be charged with CSC 1st Degree, a person must be accused of committing a sexual battery accompanied by one or more of the following acts:

  • The sexual battery was accomplished by using aggravated force – i.e., physical violence of a high and aggravated nature, including under the threat of a deadly weapon; or
  • The sexual battery was accomplished by means of forcible confinement – i.e., during a kidnapping; human trafficking; robbery; extortion; burglary; or other similar offense; or
  • The sexual battery was accomplished by means of incapacitating the victim through the use of a controlled or intoxicating substance, without the victim’s consent.

 

CSC 2nd Degree §16-3-653

This charge is also considered a Violent and Most Serious offense in South Carolina, with a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. To be charged with CSC 2nd Degree, a person must be accused of committing a sexual battery by using aggravated coercion to accomplish the act.  Aggravated coercion means to threaten the use of force or violence of a high and aggravated nature; or to threaten retaliation in the future by the infliction of physical harm, kidnapping or extortion, etc. against the victim or any other person.

 

CSC 3rd Degree §16-3-654

This felony charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. To be charged with CSC 3rd Degree, a person must be accused of committing a sexual battery accompanied by one or more of the following acts:

  • The sexual battery was accomplished by use of force or coercion in the absence of an aggravating circumstance; or
  • The sexual battery was committed against a person who has mental deficiencies, is mentally incapacitated, or is physically helpless.

 

Contact Cornwell Law Today

Attorney Ashley Cornwell at the Cornwell Law firm has helped countless individuals in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Goose Creek, Orangeburg, and throughout South Carolina. Ashley Cornwell fights tirelessly to defend her clients’ rights and seek the best possible outcome. Our firm focuses on providing legal representation and customized service which will help you deal with all your legal needs.

Contact us for a consultation today.