CALL (888) 499-5738 FREE 24/7/365
McGuire Law

South Carolina Assault and Battery Defense Attorney

An assault and battery charge in South Carolina can destroy your reputation, career, and freedom in ways you never imagined. Whether you're facing charges stemming from a bar fight in Charleston, a domestic dispute in Columbia, or a workplace altercation in Greenville, the consequences extend far beyond potential jail time.

Assault and Battery Charges Require Immediate Action - Call Now for Free
Call Now Book a Call

Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Assault and Battery Arrests

Attorney Matt McGuire

South Carolina prosecutors aggressively pursue assault and battery cases, and without experienced legal representation, you could face devastating penalties that follow you for life. Every hour you wait gives law enforcement and prosecutors more time to build their case against you.

Matthew McGuire has defended assault and battery cases across South Carolina for over 30 years, protecting clients' rights when their futures hang in the balance. With offices in Columbia and availability 24/7/365, McGuire Law responds immediately when arrests occur—because in assault and battery cases, the first hours are critical for protecting your rights and building your defense.

The Legal Expertise of McGuire Law

Our comprehensive assault and battery defense experience throughout South Carolina provides clients with the specialized knowledge needed to challenge evidence, protect constitutional rights, and fight for the best possible outcome in every case.

Assault and Battery Defense Mastery

From simple assault to first-degree assault and battery, we have successfully defended clients against all types of assault charges. Our track record includes case dismissals, acquittals, and significantly reduced sentences throughout South Carolina.

Self-Defense Claims Expertise

Deep understanding of South Carolina self-defense law and Stand Your Ground provisions. We build compelling self-defense cases by proving reasonable belief in imminent harm and proportional response to threats.

Domestic Violence Defense Experience

Specialized knowledge defending criminal domestic violence charges with their enhanced penalties and mandatory counseling requirements. We challenge false accusations and protect family relationships.

Trial Experience

While many assault cases settle, we're always prepared for trial. Our courtroom experience gives us leverage in negotiations and confidence when litigation is necessary to protect your freedom.

Witness Credibility Challenges

Experience exposing unreliable witnesses, conflicting testimony, and ulterior motives. We investigate every witness thoroughly to reveal inconsistencies that undermine the prosecution's case.

Book a Call

Assault and Battery Charges We Defend

From simple assault to aggravated assault and battery in the first degree, we provide aggressive defense for all assault-related charges throughout South Carolina.

Simple Assault

Occurs when someone attempts to physically harm another or acts in a threatening manner that creates reasonable fear of imminent harm, carrying up to 30 days in jail and $500 fine.

Assault and Battery Third Degree

Covers unlawful touching without consent or causing physical harm, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and $500 fine. We challenge consent and intent elements.

Assault and Battery Second Degree

Includes moderate bodily injury or touching in a high and aggravated manner, carrying up to three years imprisonment. We fight to reduce charges and penalties.

Assault and Battery First Degree

Involves causing great bodily harm with a deadly weapon or during a high and aggravated nature crime, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Criminal Domestic Violence

Includes assault and battery against household members, former spouses, or dating partners, often resulting in immediate arrest, protective orders, and enhanced penalties.

Aggravated Assault and Battery

Charges apply when weapons are involved or victims suffer serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. These carry the most severe penalties.

Domestic Violence Charges Carry Enhanced Consequences

Mandatory counseling requirements, firearm ownership restrictions, and permanent impacts on family relationships and custody arrangements.

McGuire Law's Core Values

Our core values guide every assault and battery defense case we handle throughout South Carolina, ensuring you receive the highest quality legal representation built on integrity, dedication, and proven results.

Aggressive Assault Defense Advocacy

We fight hard for our assault and battery defense clients. Whether challenging witness credibility, negotiating with prosecutors, or presenting your case to a jury, we advocate aggressively for your freedom.

24/7 Immediate Response

Assault arrests require immediate action to protect your rights. We're available around the clock to respond to arrests and begin building your defense within hours of your call.

Transparent Communication

We believe in honest, straightforward communication about your assault case. We'll tell you what to expect, what your options are, and what we recommend based on our 30+ years of experience.

Thorough Case Investigation

We investigate every aspect of your arrest, witness statements, and evidence against you. This thorough preparation reveals self-defense claims and weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Complete Cost Transparency

We provide clear fee structures for assault and battery defense. You'll understand exactly what your defense will cost with no hidden fees or surprise charges.

Call for Free

Common Assault and Battery Arrest Scenarios

Understanding how assault and battery charges arise helps us build stronger defenses for our clients throughout South Carolina.

Bar Fights and Nightclub Altercations

Often result in multiple arrests, with South Carolina police typically arresting everyone involved regardless of who started the confrontation. Self-defense claims are common.

Domestic Disputes

Frequently lead to charges when neighbors or family members call 911, triggering mandatory arrest policies in many South Carolina jurisdictions even without clear evidence.

Workplace Violence

Can result in both criminal charges and civil liability, particularly in industries like construction, healthcare, and retail where tensions run high.

Road Rage Encounters

Escalate quickly into assault and battery charges when drivers exit vehicles or use their cars as weapons on South Carolina highways.

Self-Defense Situations

Become complicated when police arrive after the fact and witness statements conflict about who was the aggressor versus defender.

Sports-Related Violence

At youth games, high school competitions, or recreational leagues often leads to assault and battery arrests when emotions boil over between players or spectators.

The McGuire Law Difference

In assault and battery cases, experience isn't just helpful—it's essential. Matt McGuire has defended thousands of assault cases since 1993, understanding prosecution tactics, witness credibility issues, and how to protect your constitutional rights throughout South Carolina.

Three Decades of Assault Defense Experience

Over 30 years defending assault and battery charges throughout South Carolina, from simple assault to first-degree charges requiring complex self-defense arguments and trial preparation.

Same-Day Response for Assault Arrests

When you're facing assault charges, every hour counts. We guarantee same-day response to all assault arrest inquiries—even on weekends and holidays throughout South Carolina.

Constitutional Rights Protection

We scrutinize every aspect of your arrest for Miranda violations, improper interrogation techniques, and other constitutional breaches that can result in suppressed statements and dismissed charges.

Statewide Court Experience

Familiar with prosecutors, judges, and court procedures across all 46 South Carolina counties. This statewide knowledge gives our clients a significant strategic advantage.

Results-Driven Assault Defense

We're focused on outcomes that matter—dismissed charges, acquittals, reduced sentences, and protecting your future from permanent criminal records that destroy careers and reputations.

Defense Strategies We Employ

We use every available legal tool to challenge assault and battery charges and protect your constitutional rights under South Carolina law.

Self-Defense Claims

Proving you reasonably believed physical force was necessary to protect yourself from imminent unlawful physical force, a fundamental right under South Carolina law.

Defense of Others

Allows you to use reasonable force to protect family members, friends, or even strangers from unlawful assault, provided your actions were proportional to the threat.

Challenging Witness Credibility

Becomes crucial when testimony conflicts or witnesses have ulterior motives, criminal histories, or were under the influence during the incident.

Constitutional Violations

Challenging statements made without Miranda warnings, during illegal interrogations, or obtained through constitutional violations that require suppression.

Lack of Intent Defenses

Apply when alleged assault and battery resulted from accidents, medical emergencies, or other circumstances beyond your control that negate criminal intent.

Consent Defenses

Work in cases involving sports, martial arts, or consensual physical activities where participants assumed reasonable risks of contact.

Call Now

Long-Term Consequences of Assault Convictions

Assault and battery convictions create permanent records that affect every aspect of your life for years to come throughout South Carolina and beyond.

Immediate Consequences

  • Potential jail time ranging from 30 days to 10 years depending on degree
  • Substantial fines up to thousands of dollars plus court costs
  • Permanent criminal record visible to employers and landlords
  • Protective orders restricting where you can live, work, or travel

Long-Term Impact

  • Professional license suspension or revocation for doctors, lawyers, teachers
  • Firearm ownership rights lost permanently for domestic violence convictions
  • Child custody arrangements suffer when charges involve family members
  • Immigration consequences including deportation for non-citizens

Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenders

Subsequent assault and battery charges carry mandatory minimum sentences and limited plea bargain options under South Carolina law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about assault and battery charges and defense strategies in South Carolina.

What is the difference between assault and battery in South Carolina?

Assault involves attempting to harm someone or creating reasonable fear of imminent harm. Battery involves actual physical contact or touching without consent. Many charges combine both elements.

Can assault and battery charges be dismissed?

Yes. Charges can be dismissed for self-defense claims, insufficient evidence, witness credibility problems, or constitutional violations. Matt McGuire has secured numerous dismissals by challenging prosecution evidence.

What are the penalties for assault and battery first degree?

First degree assault and battery carries up to 10 years in prison. This charge applies when great bodily injury occurs or a deadly weapon is used during the offense.

How does self-defense work in South Carolina?

South Carolina recognizes the right to use reasonable force when you reasonably believe it's necessary to protect yourself from imminent unlawful physical force. The force must be proportional to the threat.

Will I lose my gun rights for assault conviction?

Domestic violence assault and battery convictions result in permanent loss of federal firearm ownership rights. Other assault convictions may also affect gun rights depending on circumstances.

What happens at a bond hearing for assault charges?

Emergency bail hearings within 24-48 hours of arrest help secure your release. Bond conditions may include no-contact orders with alleged victims and GPS monitoring in some cases.

Can I get a protective order removed?

We can file motions to modify or remove protective orders when circumstances change or initial conditions prove unreasonable given your work schedule or family obligations.

What does assault and battery defense cost?

Defense costs vary based on charge severity and case complexity. We provide clear fee structures upfront with no hidden costs. Call for free to discuss your case and get honest fee estimates.

How long will my assault case take?

Assault cases typically take 3-12 months depending on complexity, evidence challenges, and negotiation progress. We push aggressively for resolution while protecting your rights at every stage.

Matt McGuire - Attorney

About South Carolina Attorney Matt McGuire

Matt McGuire South Carolina Criminal Defense Personal Injury Family Law Attorney

With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming, whether you're facing criminal charges, dealing with injuries from an accident, or navigating family law matters.

McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation. Our firm combines over 30 years of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here. This local knowledge, combined with our legal expertise, gives our clients a significant advantage.

Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.

Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.

Book a Call

Get Started Today

When your freedom is at stake due to assault and battery charges in South Carolina, you need more than just any attorney – you need Matt McGuire and McGuire Law.

Don't let another day pass without proper legal protection against assault and battery allegations. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that personal, aggressive, and effective legal representation can make in your defense case.

Call Now Book a Call

Columbia Office

2001 Assembly Street, Suite 102-B
Columbia, SC 29201

(888) 499-5738

Contact McGuire Law Today

Available 24/7/365 - Immediate Response for Assault and Battery Arrests

"The first duty of society is justice."