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McGuire Law

Columbia Rape Criminal Defense Lawyer

Rape allegations in Columbia, South Carolina destroy lives before a single piece of evidence is examined in court. A complaint triggers investigations that can result in arrest warrants, detention at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, and felony charges carrying 10 years to life imprisonment under South Carolina's criminal sexual conduct statutes.

Facing Rape Charges? Call Now - Your Freedom and Future Are at Stake
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Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Sexual Assault Arrests

Attorney Matt McGuire

These cases often hinge on credibility battles with no physical evidence, no witnesses, and conflicting accounts of what happened during private encounters—yet prosecutors with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office pursue convictions aggressively, and juries in Richland and Lexington County courtrooms can convict based solely on accuser testimony. Matt McGuire has defended rape and sexual assault allegations in Columbia for over three decades, understanding how relationship dynamics, regret, miscommunication, and false accusations create devastating criminal charges against innocent people.

South Carolina law doesn't require prosecutors to prove force or resistance—only that sexual conduct occurred without consent, a subjective standard that transforms consensual encounters into felonies based on one person's later interpretation. When you're accused of rape in Columbia, every statement to police, every text message, every social media post becomes evidence—and your defense must begin immediately. Call (888) 499-5738 now for 24/7/365 representation.

The Legal Expertise of McGuire Law

Sexual assault defense demands specialized knowledge spanning forensic science, constitutional protections, and the complex psychology of consent allegations—expertise that separates effective defense from devastating conviction.

Sex Crimes Defense Mastery

From first-degree criminal sexual conduct to date rape allegations, we have successfully defended clients against all levels of sexual assault charges. Our track record includes case dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea resolutions that protect our clients' futures.

Forensic Evidence Expertise

Deep understanding of SANE examinations, rape kit analysis, DNA evidence, and toxicology reports. We challenge improper collection procedures and questionable forensic conclusions that prosecutors rely upon.

Constitutional Rights Protection

We scrutinize every aspect of police investigations for Fourth and Fifth Amendment violations, challenging illegal searches, coerced statements, and improper interrogation techniques that taint evidence.

Credibility and Cross-Examination

Sexual assault cases often hinge on credibility. Our meticulous preparation exposes inconsistencies in accuser statements, documented motives to fabricate, and contradictory evidence that creates reasonable doubt.

Trial Experience

While many cases resolve before trial, we're always prepared to take your case to a Richland County jury. Our courtroom experience gives us leverage in negotiations and confidence when trial is necessary to achieve justice.

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Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges in South Carolina

South Carolina's criminal sexual conduct statutes carry severe penalties that escalate based on allegations of force, victim vulnerability, and aggravating circumstances.

First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Sexual battery accomplished through aggravated force, threats causing fear of death or serious harm, or when victim is physically helpless or mentally incapacitated—carrying 10 to 30 years imprisonment without parole eligibility.

Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Sexual battery through force or coercion without aggravating circumstances, or when victim is mentally defective, incapacitated, or physically helpless—punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Sexual battery through force or coercion not amounting to first or second degree—carrying up to 10 years imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration.

Date Rape and Incapacitation Cases

Scenarios involving alcohol or drugs at USC-area bars, downtown Columbia nightclubs, or private parties create prosecution theories around incapacitation and inability to consent.

Statutory Rape

Sexual battery with minors under 16 carries separate enhanced penalties regardless of consent, force, or defendant's knowledge of age—strict liability offenses with devastating consequences.

Consent Under South Carolina Law

South Carolina defines consent as voluntary agreement without coercion, and intoxication can negate capacity to consent even when the alleged victim appeared willing at the time.

Sex Offender Registration Is Mandatory

All CSC convictions require lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring, community notification, residency restrictions, and public registry inclusion.

McGuire Law's Core Values

When facing allegations that threaten to destroy everything you've built, you need an attorney whose commitment to your defense is absolute and unwavering.

Confidential and Non-Judgmental Representation

Sexual assault accusations carry immense stigma. We provide confidential, non-judgmental representation focused solely on protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome—regardless of the allegations.

24/7 Immediate Response

Rape allegations require immediate action to protect your rights. We're available around the clock to respond to arrests, advise during police contact, and begin building your defense within hours of your call.

Aggressive Defense Advocacy

We fight hard for our clients facing sexual assault charges. Whether challenging evidence, exposing false accusations, or presenting your defense to a jury, we advocate aggressively for your freedom.

Thorough Investigation

We investigate every aspect of sexual assault allegations—communications, witnesses, timelines, motives to fabricate—leaving no stone unturned in building the strongest possible defense.

Honest Case Assessment

We believe in honest, straightforward communication about your case. We'll tell you what you're facing, what defenses are available, and what we recommend based on our 30+ years of experience.

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Defense Strategies for Sexual Assault Cases

Effective rape defense requires strategic thinking, exhaustive investigation, and the willingness to challenge every element of the prosecution's case.

Consent Defense

Using communications, witness testimony, and behavioral evidence to demonstrate voluntary sexual activity and the complete absence of force or coercion.

Challenging Accuser Credibility

Documenting inconsistencies in accuser statements across police reports, SANE examinations, and testimony that undermine the prosecution's case.

Exposing Motive to Fabricate

Investigating relationship revenge, regret after consensual encounters, parental discovery, infidelity cover-up, or Title IX academic consequences that motivate false accusations.

Attacking Forensic Evidence

Using expert testimony to question SANE exam interpretations, DNA mixture analysis conclusions, and injury dating determinations relied upon by prosecutors.

Proving Actual Innocence

Establishing alibi through phone location data, surveillance footage, or witness testimony proving you were elsewhere when the alleged assault occurred.

Constitutional Violations

Challenging illegal searches, coerced statements, warrantless arrests, and other Fourth and Fifth Amendment violations that taint the prosecution's evidence.

The McGuire Law Difference

Sexual assault defense requires an attorney who has tried these cases before juries, who understands forensic evidence, and who isn't afraid to challenge accusers, investigators, and prosecutors at every turn.

Three Decades of Sexual Assault Defense

Matt McGuire has defended rape and criminal sexual conduct cases in Columbia for over 30 years, achieving not-guilty verdicts and dismissed charges when clients' futures hung in the balance.

Richland County Court Experience

Familiar with Fifth Circuit Solicitor prosecutors, local judges, and Richland County court procedures. This knowledge provides strategic advantages throughout your case.

Former Prosecutor Insight

Matt McGuire's experience as an Assistant Attorney General and Assistant Solicitor provides unique insight into how prosecutors build sexual assault cases—and where those cases are vulnerable.

Reputation Protection Focus

We understand that sexual assault accusations damage reputations regardless of outcome. We work to resolve cases quickly and discretely whenever possible while mounting aggressive defense.

Results-Driven Representation

We're focused on outcomes that matter—dismissed charges, not-guilty verdicts, reduced charges, and protecting you from sex offender registration and prison sentences.

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Consequences of Sexual Assault Convictions

Criminal sexual conduct convictions carry devastating penalties that extend far beyond prison sentences, fundamentally altering every aspect of your life.

Criminal Penalties

  • First-degree CSC: 10 to 30 years prison without parole eligibility
  • Second-degree CSC: Up to 20 years imprisonment
  • Third-degree CSC: Up to 10 years in prison
  • Lifetime sex offender registration for all CSC convictions

Collateral Consequences

  • GPS monitoring, community notification, and residency restrictions
  • Employment destruction in education, healthcare, and licensed professions
  • Housing restrictions preventing residence near schools and parks
  • Automatic deportation for non-citizens under federal law

No Parole for First-Degree CSC

South Carolina's "85% rule" requires defendants to serve nearly their entire sentence for first-degree criminal sexual conduct with no parole eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sexual assault charges raise urgent questions about your rights, your defense options, and what happens next. Here are direct answers from an experienced Columbia rape defense attorney.

What should I do if I'm accused of rape?

Do not speak to police, accusers, or anyone else about the allegations without your attorney present. Contact Matt McGuire immediately—statements made to investigators, even innocent explanations, become evidence against you.

Can I be convicted based solely on the accuser's testimony?

Yes. South Carolina juries can convict on accuser testimony alone without physical evidence, DNA, or witnesses. This is why aggressive credibility challenges and thorough investigation are essential to your defense.

What if we had consensual sex before?

Prior consensual encounters don't establish consent for a specific incident. However, communication patterns, relationship history, and behavioral evidence can support consent defenses when properly presented.

Can false accusations be proven?

Yes. We investigate motives to fabricate—relationship revenge, regret, infidelity cover-ups, custody disputes, and Title IX consequences—documenting evidence that exposes false accusations.

Will I have to register as a sex offender?

All criminal sexual conduct convictions require lifetime sex offender registration. This is why fighting for dismissal or acquittal—not just reduced sentences—is critical in every rape case.

What if the accuser was drinking?

Intoxication can negate consent under South Carolina law, even if the accuser appeared willing. We analyze toxicology evidence, witness observations, and communications to challenge incapacitation claims.

Can rape charges be dismissed?

Yes. Charges can be dismissed for insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, credibility problems, or prosecutorial misconduct. Matt McGuire has secured dismissals in sexual assault cases throughout his career.

What happens at a bond hearing?

Rape charges often result in high bonds or no bond. Matt McGuire appears at bond hearings to present employment history, community ties, and defense evidence supporting reasonable bond conditions.

Matt McGuire - Attorney

About South Carolina Attorney Matt McGuire

Matt McGuire South Carolina 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.

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Get Started Today

When you're facing rape charges in Columbia, you need more than just any attorney – you need Matt McGuire and McGuire Law with over 30 years defending sexual assault cases.

Don't let another hour pass without proper legal protection. Every statement you make, every piece of evidence that exists, can be used against you. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that aggressive, experienced sexual assault defense can make in your case.

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Columbia Office

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

(888) 499-5738

Contact McGuire Law Today

Matt McGuire has defended rape allegations in Columbia and throughout South Carolina for over 30 years, trying cases in Richland and Lexington County courtrooms and achieving not-guilty verdicts when clients' futures hung in the balance. If you've been accused of rape or criminal sexual conduct, call (888) 499-5738 immediately for 24/7/365 representation, or schedule your confidential case evaluation through our online calendar.

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." — Michael Jordan