Sexual battery accusations in Columbia, South Carolina trigger immediate arrest, detention at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, and felony prosecution carrying mandatory sex offender registration and decades in South Carolina Department of Corrections—consequences that begin before evidence is examined or your side is heard.
Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Sex Crime Arrests
Whether charged after allegations from a current or former partner, accused following an encounter at a Five Points bar, named in a complaint to Columbia Police Department or USC Police, or facing historical abuse allegations from decades ago, sexual battery charges destroy careers, families, and reputations based solely on accusations requiring no physical evidence, witnesses, or corroboration. Prosecutors with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office pursue these cases aggressively in Richland and Lexington County courtrooms, and South Carolina's Criminal Sexual Conduct statutes create multiple felony degrees based on force, victim age, and circumstances—each carrying life-altering consequences including mandatory registry, GPS monitoring, and community notification.
Matt McGuire has defended sexual battery allegations throughout Columbia for over three decades, understanding that these cases often involve consent disputes, relationship dynamics, false accusations motivated by custody battles or revenge, and rushed investigations where Columbia Police and Richland County Sheriff's investigators accept accuser statements without critical examination. Call (888) 499-5738 now for 24/7/365 representation.
Sexual battery defense requires an attorney who understands the complexity of these charges and can build effective defense strategies in cases where prosecutors have powerful advantages.
Over 30 years defending criminal sexual conduct charges in Columbia. We understand the unique challenges, evidence issues, and courtroom dynamics these cases present.
Establishing that sexual activity was voluntary through communications, witness testimony, behavioral evidence, and proving lack of force or coercion.
Exposing motives to fabricate including custody disputes, divorce proceedings, relationship revenge, regret after consensual encounters, or third-party pressure.
Documenting inconsistencies in accuser statements across police reports, SANE exams, witness interviews, and testimony showing evolving allegations.
Expert testimony questioning DNA analysis, SANE exam interpretations, injury dating conclusions, or toxicology results used against you.
South Carolina Criminal Sexual Conduct statutes create multiple felony degrees based on force, victim characteristics, and circumstances—each carrying severe mandatory penalties.
Sexual battery through aggravated force, weapons, victim's incapacitation, or circumstances causing reasonable fear of death or kidnapping—carrying 10 to 30 years imprisonment without parole eligibility.
Sexual battery through force or coercion without aggravating circumstances, or when victim is mentally incapacitated, physically helpless, or under 16 years old—punishable by up to 20 years prison.
Sexual battery through force or coercion not amounting to higher degrees, carrying up to 10 years imprisonment in South Carolina Department of Corrections.
Under South Carolina law means conduct creating reasonable fear beyond the inherent force in sexual acts—threats, weapons, multiple assailants, or physical overpowering.
Charges apply when prosecutors allege attempted sexual battery that wasn't completed, still carrying severe felony penalties and registration requirements.
Prosecutions for conduct involving minors under 16 where sexual battery elements aren't fully proven but inappropriate contact occurred.
Criminal sexual conduct convictions require lifetime registration, GPS monitoring, residence restrictions, and community notification—consequences lasting long after any prison sentence.
When you're facing life imprisonment and lifetime sex offender registration, you need an attorney who will fight relentlessly for your freedom.
Sexual battery charges require aggressive defense from day one. We challenge evidence, cross-examine accusers, and fight for dismissals and acquittals.
Evidence and witness memories fade quickly. We act immediately to preserve communications, interview witnesses, and build your defense before evidence disappears.
You work directly with Matt McGuire, not junior associates. Your case gets personal attention from an attorney with 30+ years of trial experience in these sensitive matters.
We understand the sensitive nature of these allegations. Your case is handled with complete discretion and confidentiality throughout the legal process.
Whether pursuing trial acquittal or negotiating case resolution, we put maximum effort into every sexual battery defense case because your entire future depends on it.
Understanding how sexual battery investigations proceed helps you protect your rights and avoid common mistakes that hurt defendants.
Alleged victims report to Columbia Police, USC Police, or Richland County Sheriff days, weeks, months, or years after alleged incidents, complicating investigations and defense.
Arising from dating relationships, marriages, or hookups where consent disputes form the basis of sexual battery charges requiring careful defense analysis.
USC Police investigations coordinating with Title IX proceedings, often resulting in criminal charges paralleling university disciplinary actions.
At Prisma Health Richland or Lexington Medical Center where Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners collect rape kit evidence including DNA, injury documentation, toxicology.
Orchestrated by detectives who have accusers call defendants while recording, attempting to elicit apologies or incriminating statements.
Cell phone and social media extractions seeking communications before, during, and after alleged assaults to establish timelines and relationship dynamics.
Sexual battery cases require an attorney with trial experience, investigative resources, and the credibility to challenge prosecution evidence effectively in Richland County courtrooms.
Matt McGuire has defended sexual battery charges throughout Columbia for over 30 years, achieving not-guilty verdicts when clients faced life imprisonment and lifetime registry.
As a former Assistant Attorney General and Assistant Solicitor, Matt understands how prosecutors build sex crimes cases—and where those cases are vulnerable to attack.
We appear regularly before Richland County judges who know our reputation. Local knowledge and established relationships provide strategic advantages in sensitive cases.
We retain forensic experts, psychologists, and medical professionals who can challenge prosecution evidence and provide testimony supporting your defense.
We vigorously challenge illegal searches, coerced confessions, suggestive identification procedures, or Miranda violations requiring evidence suppression.
Sexual battery convictions carry devastating consequences that extend far beyond prison sentences—permanently altering your life, rights, and opportunities.
Sex offender registration lists your name, photo, address, and offense details searchable by employers, neighbors, and anyone with internet access—for life.
Sexual battery cases are built on suspect statements. Knowing and exercising your rights immediately upon learning of allegations is critical to your defense.
Without Matt McGuire present—sexual battery cases are built on suspect statements and admissions. Invoke your right to remain silent immediately.
State "I want my lawyer and will not answer any questions" then remain completely silent regardless of investigator tactics or pressure.
Of phones, DNA collection, or property without warrants—force investigators to obtain court orders creating suppression opportunities.
Do not participate in calls where detectives ask you to call your accuser while recording—these are designed to manufacture incriminating evidence.
Your version of events to investigators—factually accurate explanations become twisted into admissions during trial. Silence protects you.
Contact (888) 499-5738 upon learning of allegations, before police contact if possible, to begin building your defense strategically.
Sexual battery charges often result in high bonds or no bond situations. Aggressive bond hearing advocacy is essential to securing your release.
No bond or extremely high bonds ($100,000 to $500,000) typical at initial magistrate hearings for first and second-degree CSC charges in Richland and Lexington Counties.
Before judges where Matt McGuire presents employment history, family ties, lack of criminal record, and defense evidence supporting reasonable release.
GPS monitoring and house arrest conditions standard when bond is granted, with strict compliance required to avoid revocation and return to detention.
With accusers mandatory as bond conditions. Violations result in immediate arrest and bond revocation regardless of who initiates contact.
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.
Don't wait while prosecutors build their case against you. South Carolina law makes conviction possible based solely on victim testimony—your defense must begin immediately. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that aggressive, experienced defense can make.
Matt McGuire has defended sexual battery allegations throughout Columbia and South Carolina for over 30 years, achieving not-guilty verdicts in Richland and Lexington County courtrooms when clients faced life imprisonment and lifetime registry. When you're accused of sexual battery in Columbia, every text message, social media post, witness interview, and police statement becomes evidence used against you—and your defense must begin immediately. Call (888) 499-5738 immediately for 24/7/365 representation.
