Stalking is a serious charge in Columbia, SC. If you are charged with stalking, you should assume that the prosecutors will vigorously pursue the charges. The best way to protect yourself is to hire a Columbia stalking attorney.
The team at Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers has over 101 years of combined experience. Our collective knowledge is an asset to any client charged with stalking. It’s better to trust an experienced attorney than to try and defend yourself alone.
Call our offices to schedule a free consultation at (803) 200-2000 with a Columbia stalking lawyer today.
How Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You’re Arrested For Stalking
If you are arrested for stalking in Columbia, South Carolina, Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers can defend you. A Columbia stalking attorney will fight to keep you out of jail and protect your rights.
If you trust us to represent you, we will:
- Explain the charges and potential penalties
- File a bond motion to get you out of jail
- Investigate the case and review the prosecutor’s evidence
- Negotiate with the prosecutor
- Represent you at every court appearance
- File pretrial motions, including motions to dismiss, suppress, and exclude
- Argue for a not guilty verdict at trial
If you are convicted of stalking, we will argue for a lenient sentence, including reduced jail time and fines.
We know that being charged with a stalking felony is incredibly stressful. That’s why Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers will handle your case with confidentiality, sensitivity, and utmost professionalism. Call us to schedule a free consultation with a Columbia criminal defense lawyer in our office today.
What is Stalking?
Under South Carolina law, stalking is a felony. Stalking is a pattern of words or conduct directed at another person that would reasonably cause them to feel fear.
The pattern of words or conduct must have no legitimate purpose. Furthermore, the fear must be reasonable considering all of the circumstances. One person can stalk another by communicating in person, over the phone, via text or email, or even by letter.
What Are the Penalties For Stalking In Columbia, SC?
Columbia does not take stalking lightly. There are significant penalties, both court imposed and collateral. The bare minimum penalty for a stalking conviction is a fine up to $5,000 and up to 5 years in prison.
Sometimes a person is accused of stalking when there is a restraining order in place. This is common in domestic violence cases. If the defendant is convicted of stalking when there’s a restraining order, then the penalties increase. It is a fine up to $7,000 and up to 10 years in prison.
If a person is convicted of stalking and already has a harassment or stalking conviction from the previous 10 years, then there are also more severe penalties. These include a fine up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in prison.
Collateral Consequences
Since stalking is a felony, there are many collateral consequences to a conviction. These consequences may have a more significant impact on someone’s life than jail time or a fine.
The most common collateral consequences are:
- Loss of the right to vote
- Loss of the right to own a firearm
- A Permanent criminal record
- Difficulty finding or maintaining employment
- Ineligibility for public assistance
- Unstable housing
- Inability to qualify for certain loans
- Isolation from friends and family
- Social stigma
Unfortunately, many people are caught off guard by the consequences of a stalking conviction after they are released from jail.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Accused Of Stalking?
Fortunately, there are defenses to stalking charges in South Carolina. These defenses include:
- Mistaken identity
- False accusations
- Insufficient evidence to prove an element of the crime
- Failure to meet the burden of proof
- The alleged victim’s unreasonable fear of your conduct
A Columbia stalking lawyer will look at the case as a whole, listen to your story, and then decide the strongest defense. There may be multiple different defenses that apply in your case. Some of the defenses could lead to a dismissal or reduction of the charges, while others could result in a not guilty verdict at trial.
Schedule A Free Case Evaluation With Our Columbia Stalking Attorneys
It is important to understand that a South Carolina felony conviction cannot be expunged. That means that the stalking conviction will follow you for the rest of your life. You should not take these charges lightly.
A Columbia stalking attorney at Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers will protect you against a stalking conviction that may significantly alter the course of your life. Call us to schedule a free consultation today.
Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Firm Located in Columbia, SC
Jeffcoat Criminal Defense Lawyers
1333 Main St Suite 512, Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 200-2000
Open 24/7
